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of Northeast Iowa
Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa has record year Awards $372,471 to Black Hawk County nonprofits in fall cycle
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Established in Waterloo/Cedar Falls in 1956
425 Cedar Street, Suite 310 PO Box 1176 Waterloo, IA 50704 www.cfneia.org
Meet the 2011 Board of Directors! - page 2
25% State Tax Credit DON’T FORGET!
opportunity available for gifts to permanent endowment funds at the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa.
New partners in philanthropy - page 4
Enhancing literacy in Black Hawk County - page 7
Good News
Call us at (319) 287-9106 to learn more.
Serving 20 Iowa counties
Helping you help your community.
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of Northeast Iowa Established in Waterloo/Cedar Falls in 1956
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COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Make a gift to your community by giving to any of our funds online at www.cfneia.org, or simply fill out this form:
Name: Address: Phone: Donation Amount: $
City, State, Zip:
Email:
Please make check payable to name of fund.
YES! I would like to help my community by making a gift to the BLACK HAWK COUNTY*: General Community Fund
Waterloo Community Fund
Health and Human Services Fund
Cedar Falls Community Fund
Arts and Culture Fund
Youth and Education Fund
I would like to learn more about CFNEIA, establishing my own fund or other giving options. PLEASE CONTACT ME.
*For a complete list of our CFNEIA funds, including all county and community funds, please visit us online at www.cfneia.org.
www.cfneia.org
Please clip this form and mail it with your check to: PO BOX 1176, WATERLOO, IA 50704
Meeting ever-changing community needs
Eslick Family Unrestricted Fund When a donor establishes an unrestricted fund with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, the donor’s gift can address a broad range of local needs, including future needs that often cannot be anticipated at the time the gift is made. Dennis and Jennifer Eslick chose to establish the Dennis and Jennifer Eslick Family Fund and allow the income from their fund to remain unrestricted, thereby meeting the changing needs of our community over time.
“We have been blessed with strong relationships with clients and friends in the Cedar Valley,” they said. “We were motivated to give something back to the area, through the great work of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa.” Jennifer (Hansen) Eslick was born and raised in Cedar Falls, while Dennis was born and raised in Webster City, Iowa. Both Dennis and Jennifer attended UNI, where Dennis received a B.A. in Business Education and Jennifer received a B.S. in Social Work. Dennis also received Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designations from The American College.
Dennis has been an independent financial advisor in the Cedar Valley since 1978. He is currently the president and owner of Eslick Financial Group, Inc. Dennis’s work with estate planning and Dennis and Jennifer Eslick wealth management assists clients to carry out their current and deferred philanthropic wishes. The family chose to establish the fund with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa because of its well-known ability to identify the areas of need within the Cedar Valley community and to distribute financial assistance accordingly. With their fund, the Eslick family would like to help the less fortunate in the community as well as make their community an even better place to live today and tomorrow. Contact the Community Foundation for more information at (319) 287-9016, or visit www.cfneia.org to make a gift to the Dennis and Jennifer Eslick Family Fund online. v
Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa 2011 Board of Directors FOUNDATION STAFF
Mindy Gress Director of Affiliate Outreach Ali Parrish Director of Development and Public Relations
YOU CAN GIVE MORE FOR LESS. For years, estate planners have recommended that retirement assets may be the most tax-effective asset in larger estates to distribute to charity. These assets are not only vulnerable to heavy taxation as part of an estate but also can be taxed again as income in respect to a decedent on the tax returns of heirs.
Stacy Paul Director of Finance and Operations Jennie Jones-Ruiz Communications Associate Julie Schaefer Project Specialist Nicole Stuart Administrative Assistant
TAX LAW EXTENSION Through 2011, retirement assets may become a preferred charitable gift for seniors. IRA distributions to charity can now receive new tax advantages. Americans age 70½ and up can make up to $100,000 in tax-free IRA contributions to public charities such as the Community Foundation.
Carolynn Sween Program Director
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Gary Bertch Chair
John Monaghan Second Vice Chair
Front L to R: Aaron Sannes, Katy Williams, Mary Ann Burk, Dawn Duven and Mark Rolinger. Back L to R: Lois Rupkey-Cohrt, Gary Bertch, Kyle Christiason, John Monaghan, Chuck Shirey, Lori Johnson and Marlene Behn. Directors not pictured: Janet Brown, Jay Bullerman, Dennis Clark, Robert Smith and Ron Taylor.
Lori Johnson Treasurer Dr. Kyle Christiason Secretary Chuck Shirey Past Chair Marlene Behn Jay Bullerman Dawn Duven Mark Rolinger Lois Rupkey-Cohrt Aaron Sannes Bob Smith Katy Williams
AFFILIATE REPRESENTATIVES Janet Brown Ron Taylor
EX OFFICIO Teen Trust Representative
Confirmed in Compliance with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations
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NOW IT’S EASIER THAN EVER TO MAKE THE GIFT OF A LIFETIME. The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa can help turn your individual retirement accounts (IRAs) into taxsaving charitable gifts. New tax benefits allow more people to experience the joy of giving during their lifetimes.
Mary Ann Burk President and CEO
Dennis Clark First Vice Chair
IRA Rollover - Tax-free through 2011
New staff position announced Ali Parrish has accepted a new role as Director of Development and Public Relations. She will now be working as the senior staff person responsible for the asset development and promotional efforts of the Community Foundation. She will be assisting donors with achieving their philanthropic as well as planned giving goals.
Photos on this page taken by Cole Photography.
FIELD OF INTEREST FUND— Connecting personal values to high-impact opportunities. Target gifts to the cause most important to you: arts, AIDS services, urban education, neighborhood revitalization, youth welfare and more. The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa awards grants to community organizations and programs addressing your special interest area.
DESIGNATED FUND— Helping local organizations sustain and grow. Support the good work of a specific nonprofit organization—a senior center, museum or any qualifying nonprofit charitable organization—by creating a specially Designated Fund. The Community Foundation will invest your gift for long-term growth and issue grants to your favorite nonprofit on a regular basis.
25% STATE TAX CREDIT In addition, if your IRA is transferred to a permanent fund at the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, you are eligible for a 25% Iowa state tax credit on the tax-free IRA rollover gift.
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE By giving through the Community Foundation, you can use your gift to meet ever-changing community needs— including future needs that often cannot be anticipated at the time your gift is made. Your gift can target the causes and programs you care about most.
The Community Foundation announces a new staff position has been created.
Ali has been with the Community Foundation for almost four years, most recently as the Director of Communication, and is very excited about this opportunity. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in public relations from the University of Northern Iowa in 2000. v
development, education, environment, health and human services—and awards strategic grants to high-impact projects and programs.
The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa understands our community’s most pressing issues and can help you establish a fund to make an impact in areas of need or opportunity that are important to you. Here are three great ways to turn your IRA into community good:
BLACK HAWK COUNTY COMMUNITY FUND— Meeting ever-changing community needs. Ali Parrish, Director of Development and Public Relations
Address a broad range of current and future needs. The Community Foundation of Northeast evaluates all aspects of community well-being—arts and culture, community
Through IRA Rollovers, Jack and Shirley Geist were able to establish a second fund in their name to benefit Quakerdale, a statewide, private, nonprofit family and children’s service agency providing a continuum of preventive and therapeutic services in a Christian environment.
To learn more about how you can make a lasting difference in your community through an IRA Rollover, contact Mary Ann Burk or Ali Parrish at (319) 287-9106 or visit our website at www.cfneia.org.
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New 4th Quarter Partners in Philanthropy The Community Foundation is committed to cultivating strong communities across Northeast Iowa and beyond by growing our permanent endowment. We are pleased to announce the following funds were established October 1-December 31, 2010 in support of this mission: AGWSR COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT FUNDS
DENNIS AND JENNIFER ESLICK FAMILY FUND
Agency Endowment and Non-Endowed Funds
Unrestricted Fund
These funds were established through the Ackley Community Foundation to receive gifts, grants and bequests for the benefit of the Ackley, Geneva, Wellsburg, Steamboat Rock (AGWSR) Community School District.
Dennis and Jennifer Eslick established this fund through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa in honor of their family. Income from the fund will be used to carry out the educational and charitable purposes of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa in serving the broad needs of Black Hawk County.
PAUL AND CARRIE BARR FAMILY FUND Donor Advised Fund This fund was established through the Community Foundation of Marshall County by Paul and Carrie Barr in honor of their family. The Barr Family will make recommendations for grants to carry out the educational and charitable purposes of the Community Foundation of Marshall County.
PETER AND MARY ANN BURK FAMILY FUND Donor Advised Fund Established by Peter and Mary Ann Burk in honor of their family, through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. The Burk Family will make recommendations for grants to carry out the educational and charitable purposes of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa.
CERRO GORDO COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (CGCCF) FRIENDS OF THE FOUNDATION FUND Unrestricted Fund Grants from this fund will be made to support the charitable activities of the Cerro Gordo County Community Foundation.
EMERGENCY FOOD BOX-BARR FUND Designated Fund This fund was established through the Community Foundation of Marshall County by Paul and Carrie Barr. Grants will be made to support the charitable activities of Emergency Food Box located in Marshalltown, Iowa, which is an all-volunteer organization that provides temporary help to people in need of basic food supplies.
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JOHN E. AND SHIRLEY A. GEIST FUND Designated Fund This fund was established by John E. and Shirley A. Geist through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. Income will go to benefit Quakerdale located in New Providence, Iowa. Quakerdale is a statewide, private, notfor-profit family and children’s service agency providing a continuum of preventive and therapeutic services in a Christian environment.
TIM AND JUNEAN WITHAM GRADY FAMILY FUND Designated Fund Tim Grady established this fund through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa in honor of the Tim and Junean Witham Grady family and in memory of Junean. Income from the fund will go to the Women’s Fund held at the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa for the benefit of women and girls’ issues in the Cedar Valley.
WARREN AND DOROTHY HOLDEN FAMILY FUND Unrestricted Fund This fund was established by L. Sam Holden in honor of the Warren and Dorothy Holden Family. Income will be used for grants to carry out the educational and charitable purposes of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa.
HOWARD V. JONES OPERA FUND Field of Interest Fund Howard V. Jones established this fund through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa to aid and encourage the performance of classical vocal music in Waterloo and Cedar Falls, Iowa.
NANCY LEBO EDUCATION FUND
WAVERLY SENIOR CENTER ENDOWMENT FUND
Designated Fund
Agency Endowment Fund
This fund was established in honor of Nancy Lebo through the Grundy County Community Foundation. Grants from the fund will be given to Grundy Center Dollars for Scholars to benefit graduates of Grundy Center High School who have participated in the Trusted Readers Program.
Grants from this fund will support the charitable and educational activities of the Waverly Senior Center located in Waverly, Iowa. The mission of the Waverly Senior Center is to operate and maintain a senior citizen center which will serve as a community focal point for programs and services promoting the well-being of senior citizens in and around the surrounding communities.
MARSHALLTOWN YOUTH FOUNDATIONBARR FUND Designated Fund This fund was established through the Community Foundation of Marshall County by Paul and Carrie Barr. Grants will be made to support the charitable activities of Marshalltown Youth Foundation.
DAVID H. AND JAMEY G. MOORE FAMILY FUND Designated Fund David and Jamey Moore established this fund through the Cerro Gordo County Community Foundation in honor of their family. Income will be used for tuition support for the Newman Catholic School System in Mason City, Iowa.
DALE PHELPS FUND Unrestricted Fund This fund was established by the bequest of Dale Phelps through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. Income from the fund will be used to carry out the educational and charitable purposes of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa in serving the broad needs of Black Hawk County.
SIMS FAMILY FUND Donor Advised Fund Brian and Susan Sims established this fund through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa in honor of their family. The Sims Family will make recommendations for grants to carry out the educational and charitable purposes of the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa.
ROBERT AND RUTH WALKER CHARITABLE FUND Advised Field of Interest Fund This fund was established in memory of Robert and Ruth Walker through the Fayette County Community Foundation. Income from the fund will support qualified nonprofit agencies that serve rural health issues and causes in Fayette County, Iowa, and surrounding areas.
Waverly Senior Center residents enjoy breakfast together.
YOUTH AND SHELTER SERVICES OF MARSHALL COUNTY-BARR FUND Designated Fund This fund was established through the Community Foundation of Marshall County by Paul and Carrie Barr. Grants will be made to support the charitable activities of Youth and Shelter Services of Marshall County. Youth and Shelter Services exists to provide prevention, education, treatment, and residential services to children, youth, and families; to advocate on their behalf; and to help them solve problems, grow, and be self-sufficient, responsible, contributing members of society.
LARY ZEARLEY FUND Designated Fund This fund was established by the bequest of Lary Zearley through the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa. Income from the fund will go to provide scholarships for students from the Waterloo Community School District. Preference for the scholarships is given for graduates of Waterloo West High School and to students who receive science awards. Income from the fund may also be used for improvements to the Waterloo West High School Science Department. Support the causes you care about by starting a fund or making a gift to one of our established funds at the Community Foundation. For more information, call (319) 287-9106 or visit us at www.cfneia.org!
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Remembering Don Kniss
Foundation has record year, awards grants
December 1929-February 2011
Don Kniss was born on December 22, 1929, in Waterloo, Iowa. His father worked at Black’s Department Store and Walnut Dairy before joining John Deere.
The Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa had a record year in 2010. • It awarded a $600,000 grant for the Cedar Valley Sportsplex project, the single largest grant awarded in the history of the Foundation. $100,000 of the grant will go to establish a permanent endowment fund for the Cedar Valley Sportsplex, which will provide scholarships to low-income youth in the community. • Assets of the Community Foundation topped $50 million for the first time ever, ending the year with an impressive $54,268,348.36 in total assets. • In total, the Community Foundation awarded approximately $4 million to charitable projects and programs across Northeast Iowa. Additionally, at the December board meeting of the Community Foundation, the board of directors approved a total of $372,471 in discretionary grants to 29 Black Hawk County non-profit organizations. The awards were announced in January during a ceremony at the Community Foundation’s Philanthropy Center in Waterloo. The following is a complete list of Black Hawk County discretionary grantees and the program or fund that received a Fall 2010 grant award from the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa.
ARTS & CULTURE • Hawkeye Community College-Hawkeye Celebrates the Arts Series
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AND DEVELOPMENT • St. Paul’s United Methodist Church-Community Center staff • Main Street Waterloo-Downtown Lights the NightWinter Wonder’loo • Waterloo Development Corporation-Construction of Cedar Valley Sportsplex
EDUCATION • Consumer Credit Counseling Service-Money Map High School Financial Literacy Program • Covenant Medical Center RSVP-Prime Time program • Grout Museum District-Museum School registration fees • The Job Foundation-Financial Integrity Mentorship Program
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Sketch by INVISION Architects of the proposed Cedar Valley Sportsplex.
• Valley Lutheran High School-community service and leadership • Waterloo Community Schools-financial assistance for dress code
HEALTH • • • • •
Allen Child Protection Center-family advocate staff Cedar Valley Hospice-Caring Connections project Communities in Schools-Success Street I-Hope Free Medical Clinic-general support Family YMCA of Black Hawk County-financial assistance for fitness program
HISTORIC PRESERVATION • City of La Porte City Museum-repair and restoration of historic fire station and jail
Don met his wife, Shirley, while attending Waterloo West High school. With Shirley graduating in 1948 and Don in 1951, the couple was briefly separated during Don’s service in the army from 1951-53. Don was stationed in France and Germany during the Korean War and came home safely in 1953. Shirley spent Don’s military years at college and graduated from Iowa State Teacher’s College in 1953. Following her education, Shirley took her first teaching job in Shell Rock, Iowa. She stayed with the school two years before starting her career in Waterloo in 1955, when she began teaching at Maywood School. Eventually she became a full-time teacher at Kingsley Elementary School.
of their church. She was also a member of ADR Sorority. Shirley took care of children that needed extra attention, often giving them items such as clothes or school supplies if their families could not afford them.
Don and Shirley Kniss
Following Don and Shirley’s retirements, they enjoyed several wonderful years together, vacationing in numerous locations and enjoying their home in Fort Meyers, Florida.
Don and Shirley were married on June 15, 1956 and spent their lifetime in Waterloo.
Shortly before Shirley passed away in October 2000, the couple established the Don and Shirley Kniss Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation in Shirley’s honor to support students from Waterloo Community Public Schools as they continue on to a higher-level education.
Don followed in his father’s footsteps and began a distinguished career with John Deere Product Engineering Center. He retired in 1984 after 28 years of service. Shirley loved her teaching career in the public schools as well as in the Sunday school program
Don passed away in February 2011. However, his and Shirley’s giving spirit will live on even after death, because they both wanted to make sure that someone was financially providing for the future generations of children in their community. v
HUMAN SERVICES • Big Brothers/Big Sisters-community and school-based mentoring in Black Hawk County • Cedar Falls Lutheran Home-Main Street building project • Cedar Valley Living-Angel House-general support • Eye of the Needle-general support • Family and Children’s Council-Parent Connection program • Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois-The Girl Scout Leadership Experience • ImPACTT Foundation-I CAN-ImPACTT Club Athletic Network • Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity-staff support • Northeast Iowa Food Bank-perishable food program • Pathways Behavioral Services, Inc.-substance abuse relapse prevention • Social Action Inc.-social and recreational activities for youth • Variety-The Children’s Charity-Bikes for Kids program • YWCA of Black Hawk County-Latino services Thank you to all of our donors and faithful supporters who make these grants possible. Our community and the Community Foundation are stronger because of you. v
Celebrating Reading
Enhancing Literacy in Black Hawk County Preschool students within the Waterloo Community School District have a greater opportunity to learn alongside their most important teacher, their parents. In April 2010, the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa awarded a $750 grant to the Waterloo Preschool Parents As Teachers Program (PAT) to allow necessary funding for books and home visit materials. The Waterloo Preschool Parents As Teachers Program allows certified teachers to enhance literacy within Black Hawk County by offering home visits to qualified families. Home visits follow the Iowa Every Child Reads Model. This model illustrates ways to enrich the experience with books before, during, and after reading time, while also providing tips on how to select appropriate books for a child’s age and literacy ability.
“It serves as a reminder of how important it is to provide parents with the necessary knowledge and information to support pre-literacy activities at home and to give them books to support their implementation at home,” said Charletta Sudduth, program coordinator. With each home visit PAT provides a new book to the family, encouraging families to participate in additional family learning. In 2010, the program purchased 267 books and was able to offer seven home visits to each family involved. Overall, the program served 37 children and 56 adults. v
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