COMMUNITY Fall 2009
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Fulfilling Giving Goals and Intent:
A Donor’s Perspective
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Loren Coppock delivered the following remarks to members of the William Quarton Heritage Society at their annual luncheon in June. Loren’s genuine interest in seeing our community thrive is evident in him and his wife Patti, and in their dedication to the power of philanthropy. Some people just know they want to help others. Some know they have received more than they could ever spend. They recognize that with wealth comes a responsibility to create something, not just consume more. The creation of a life policy in 1991 was the first step for my wife, Patti, and me in fulfilling our philanthropic goals and objectives. In doing so, we found it wasn’t that easy. We needed someone else to own the policy if it was to be a gift and we had multiple beneficiaries in mind. We didn’t want it in my estate or my wife’s estate. That was when we went looking for a “Community Foundation” or something similar. I happened on the National Trust in Tennessee. They had sent me all of their information and I had discussed it with them by phone before I was even made aware of the fact that Malcolm Peel was the director of something called the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. I met Malcolm and he explained the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation and after a couple of months of putting things together, we closed the deal. I was 42 at the time and we were delighted that we were on our way to doing something special for our community and some of our favorite charities. Last December we entered the second stage of our lifetime planning with the sale of a highly-appreciated business
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interest that gave us the chance to leverage our intentions like almost no other lifetime event can do. We also learned about Endow Iowa at that time. If you have charitable intent, you need to understand this incredible enhancement to a donor’s ability to maximize his/her philanthropy. Thanks to many of our local legislative leaders, especially Rob Hogg and Swati Dandekar, Iowa is the first in the nation in legislative foresight in building endowment wealth. Future generations in our area will be huge beneficiaries of this wonderful program. I don’t know yet what our next step will be. Perhaps it will be further contributions to our 2008 Fund. Perhaps it is an estate gift. We plan to stay alert to the many opportunities that present themselves in the coming years. continued on page 3
COMMUNITY
Fall 2009
board of Directors Lorna M. Barnes, Chair Ron Olson, Vice Chair J. Scott Bogguss, Past Chair Kay L. Hegarty, Treasurer Gerald T. Matchett, Secretary Directors Rich Altorfer Gary Bartlett John M. Bickel Loren Coppock Swati A. Dandekar Chris DeWolf Ruth Hairston Elizabeth Hladky
Nancy Kasparek Kathy Krusie Sean McPartland Cheryle Mitvalsky Gary Skogman Rich Patterson Fred Timko Dr. Ruth E. White
Honorary Director William P. Whipple Chair Emerita Nancy G. McHugh President & CEO Daniel R. Baldwin Foundation Staff Emmylou Ball, Accountant Wendy Blood, Office administrator Jean Brenneman, director of Finance Amber A. Mulnik, director of Communications Deb Orr, Office assistant Elizabeth Pollard, Grants Program associate Bud Synhorst, CFRE, vice president of Resource Development Karla Twedt-Ball, vice president of Programs Josie Velles, Foundation Services manager Special Programs Staff Kimberly Beals, Engineering Experiences volunteer coordinator Katie Giorgio, marketing assistant, Linn County Nonprofit Resource Center Barbara Klawiter, REACT Center administrator Robert Untiedt, executive director, Linn County Nonprofit Resource Center Community is published triannually by the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, 200 First Street SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404. Your comments and suggestions are welcome. Please write, call (319.366.2862) fax (319.366.2912), or e-mail info@gcrcf.org. Please visit our Web site:
www.gcrcf.org
Design WDG Communications Inc. Editor and writer Amber Mulnik
From the President / CEO
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Dan Baldwin
Changes are coming next year to the popular and effective Endow Iowa tax credit program. Started in 2003, Endow Iowa has allowed more than $60 million of permanent endowments to be established across Iowa. These endowments benefit a host of nonprofits, ranging from art museums to child welfare agencies. Since its inception, the formula has allowed donors who create or give into endowed funds to take their state and federal deduction, as they would with any charitable contribution, and, in addition, receive Iowa income tax credits worth 20 percent of the value of their gift. For Iowa taxpayers in the top bracket, this meant the net cost of their gift was 37 cents per dollar. It became even more cost effective if the donor used appreciated stock and avoided capital gains. The only caveats were that the funds needed to be held in “qualified” community foundations, grants from the funds could only go to Iowa charities and there were caps on the amount of credits a donor could receive in any year. Holding the funds in community foundations is not a barrier, as the donor could designate his/ her favorite charity as beneficiary. When Endow Iowa was originally created, it provided $2 million in credits statewide and was to sunset Dec. 31, 2008. In 2006, the state legislature removed the sunset (meaning that a law would have to be passed repealing Endow Iowa) and increased the amount of credits to $3 million per year. The legislature was hearing from communities, donors and nonprofits across the state about the benefits of Endow Iowa, how the program was successfully motivating donors to establish permanent funds in their home towns. Because a percentage of the credits are reserved for smaller and rural communities, and a percentage is reserved for gifts under $30,000, any donor or any region of the state had access to the program. The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation established many funds through Endow Iowa, funds that ranged from $10,000 to $1 million (the maximum gift a married couple could give in a single tax year and
receive the full complement of credits). Hundreds of other donors gave smaller gifts into existing funds. The real power behind Endow Iowa is the light it shines on endowment building. Prior to Endow Iowa, most donors only gave to endowments through estates. Now there is a way, and a growing awareness, that endowment building through “life” gifts can have a great impact. And many folks who have started funds have told us how the program has encouraged them to increase the charitable portion of their estate. Others say their plan is to incrementally build a fund large enough that the 5 percent they grant from it each year will accommodate their annual gifting. The changes in Endow Iowa that will begin in 2010 may make starting an endowed fund more attractive in 2009, depending on a donor’s individual circumstances. Because Endow Iowa allowed for both a state deduction and state credit, and made it unique among Iowa tax credit programs, the deduction will be removed starting in 2010. However, the credit will increase from 20 percent to 25 percent. For non-itemizers, this creates an immediate benefit. They’ll get an extra 5 percent of tax credits. The same will be true for donors who use the IRA charitable rollover, if the plan is renewed by the federal government. But for taxpayers in the top bracket who itemize, the revised program will mean a slightly lower tax benefit (see chart on page 9). If this is a year in which you’ve incurred a taxable event (inheritance; sale of a business; lottery!!!; etc.), or you’ve been considering utilizing Endow Iowa but keep putting off, you may want to act now. We receive monthly updates on the level of credits remaining. As of this writing, there are still more than $2.2 million in credits left. But these can go in a hurry. We have no idea what donors across the state are considering. If you’re interested in taking advantage of the remarkable benefits provided by Endow Iowa, feel free to contact me or Bud Synhorst, at 319.366.2862. The generosity of the citizens of Linn County never ceases to amaze. Endow Iowa is a wonderful reward for those who give.
Fulfilling Giving Goals and Intent: A Donor’s Perspective continued from page 1
I don’t have to tell a group of donors who have already committed to a planned gift why Patti and I were interested in these first two steps and why we have become dedicated fans of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. The Community Foundation offers a convenient way to fund lifetime gifts for the benefit of multiple beneficiaries and get a tax deduction for doing it. The “donor-advised” nature of our fund gave us the flexibility we wanted over the years to rethink our choices. Most of all, we are happy to know that the money stays right here in Cedar Rapids. Why does one do these things? To be honest, we have been inspired by giants like the Hall Perrine Foundation and Cal Basile. Over the last 40 years I have witnessed how the generosity of one family can absolutely change a community. How many times have I thought to myself, “Gee, I wish there were more than one Hall Perrine Foundation?” Cal Basile also explained it to me after he donated several million dollars
for the construction of a building. Cal told me he “never expected to have more than he needed.” But, at the end of his life, he did. Tom Feld asked him if he would be the sponsor of a project to do something really special for Mount Mercy College. And, he did it! And, finally, the reason that we are all gathered today at the Quarton Society Luncheon; a man named Bill Quarton. This man was one of the first to recognize that this special organization could foster community giving for almost any purpose. He also recognized that predicting what a community might need in the future is impossible. His emphasis, therefore, on “unrestricted giving” is a tribute to his foresight. How could he know that less than one year after his death, our community would encounter the greatest physical disaster in its history? To me the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation aggregates the power of philanthropy in an entire geographic area. It facilitates the dynamic nature of a staff and board that can
evaluate the greatest needs, year by year, and respond directly. Like Howard Hall, Cal Basile and Bill Quarton, we can all reach into the future and help someone with incredible need who we will never know — someone who couldn’t possibly repay that kindness. These giants have shown us all an important path and inspired my wife and me to join the ranks in our small way. Loren Coppock is a member of the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation board of directors. He and his wife, Patti, are members of the William Quarton Heritage Society and also have a donor-advised fund to benefit the Cedar Rapids area. The William Quarton Heritage Society is an inclusive group of more than 200 people who have made a permanent gift to the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation by establishing an endowed fund or intend to make a planned gift. For more information on this society, visit www.gcrcf.org/page22358.cfm or contact Bud Synhorst at 319.366.2862 or bud.synhorst@gcrcf.org.
Cedar River Soccer Association Raises Money for Flood Relief Players, parents and coaches from the Cedar River Soccer Association (CRSA) presented a check for $1,586.39 to representatives from the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation (GCRCF) on July 7 to help replace sporting equipment and supplies lost in the 2008 Flood at Taylor Elementary School. The donated funds were raised through several CRSAsponsored events, including a soccer skills clinic, bus trip, silent auction, neighborhood lemonade stands and more. CRSA’s flood recovery funds were administered through GCRCF to the Cedar Rapids School Foundation and will be directed specifically to Taylor Elementary School.
On hand to receive the donation was Bud Synhorst, vice president of Resource Development along with Jean Brenneman, Director of Finance for GCRCF; Brian Christoffersen, Principal of Taylor Elementary School; Amy Geiger, Executive Director of the Cedar Rapids School Foundation; and Bob Reitz, Chair of the Cedar Rapids School Foundation.
Community 3
GCRCF Donors Make $1 Million Gift to Block by Block Program Innovative flood recovery initiative set to rebuild 16 blocks of flooded neighborhoods by December
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“ The success of this program should inspire all of us. We want to assure that these neighborhoods come back even better than they were before.”
John Smith
4 The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation
Beyond the weeds, the debris and the boarded windows, new hope is emerging in one flooded Cedar Rapids northwest neighborhood. Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation (GCRCF) donors John and Dyan Smith have contributed $1 million from their donor-advised fund held at the GCRCF to a unique flood recovery program that is helping restore the vibrancy of many neighborhoods affected by last year’s disaster. The program and donors were announced on July 27 during a press conference held on the porch of Katie and Andrew Sandquist’s rebuilt, flooded home. John and Dyan made a personal donation through their GCRCF donor-
advised fund that is enabling the newlyformed Block by Block program to identify and assist neighborhoods with customized rebuilding solutions. The real results will come when neighborhoods work together, communicate their needs at Block by Block neighborhood meetings and support each other to bring back their block. Added to the Smith’s contribution is a $700,000 donation from the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Flood 2008 Fund and $200,000 from the Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. Block by Block gifts total nearly $2 million. The United Methodist Church is providing hundreds of skilled volunteers to complete the projects. Collaborative partners include the Matthew 25 Ministry Hub, leading project operations, and the Affordable Housing Network, an affiliate of Four Oaks, contributing fiduciary and project oversight. “The uniqueness of this program is what attracted us,” said Dyan Smith. “We will have neighbors working together to decide what their neighborhood will be. There is real strength in a neighborhood where neighbors are talking and caring for each other.” Block by Block is entirely driven by private philanthropy. It’s a creation that solves each situation differently with private dollars, and completes the work in a timely manner. The first neighborhood to participate in Block by Block is the 1300 block of 8th St. NW, between L and M Avenues in Cedar Rapids.
www.gcrcf.org
Block by Block started in the 1300 block of 8th Street NW in Cedar Rapids and was chosen because neighbors are already working hard to build relationships and bring their block back.
“ Our goal is to bring every neighborhood back to being strong and thriving.”
How Block by Block Works
Clint Twedt-Ball
Clint Twedt-Ball, co-director of Matthew 25, which already supports the neighborhoods on the west side through a variety of empowerment programs, explained the inspiration of Block by Block. “Matthew 25’s mission revolves around children. After the flood, as we looked at the neighborhoods through the children’s eyes, we realized there was something missing,” he said. “We saw children outside with no one to play with, walking to school alone and riding bikes by themselves. They were missing their neighborhoods. Our goal is to bring every neighborhood back to be strong and thriving.” The Smiths echoed Twedt-Ball’s concern about the loss of neighborhoods. “We have always been very motivated by keeping Cedar Rapids a good place to raise kids and families. The flood took that away and we need to get the families back into the neighborhoods,” said Dyan. John Smith added, “After seeing how the houses were so affected by the flood, but not seeing the speed in recovery for these neighborhoods, it was obvious that rebuilding the neighborhoods should be a priority.”
Above and opposite: Hundreds of volunteers from the United Methodist Church will provide labor to rehabilitate homes as part of the Block by Block. The Iowa Conference of United Methodist Church also made an initial donation of $200,000 to the program.
John and Dyan Smith of Cedar Rapids have provided a $1 million gift from their charitable donor-advised fund held at the GCRCF to Block by Block.
b Help begins when two to three property owners on one block meet with a Block by Block Neighborhood Organizer. Those property owners become block leaders and help organize block meetings and collect property information. The leaders work to encourage at least 60 percent participation. b When that happens, customized solutions are crafted and work begins. Work could be something as simple as hanging a door or as complex as rebuilding a foundation. b Each homeowner on the block will first have to decide to rehabilitate the property and remain in the home, or sell the property either through private sale or wait for a city buyout. b If the homeowner wants to rehabilitate, Block by Block does the work to make it happen. Using skilled volunteer labor, donated materials and Block by Block resources, the property will be successfully rehabilitated. b For those homeowners who elect to sell, Block by Block will rehabilitate the house at an affordable level, assist in selling the property to the city, or work with the new owner to ensure the property is maintained. For more information on Block by Block, visit www.blockbyblockcr.org. Community 5
Grant Programs Update Fall Grant Cycle Deadline Oct. 15 for Community Fund and Competitive Donor-Advised Funds
List of 2009 Organizational Development grant awards to date.
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b $4,400 to the Cedar Rapids Public Library Foundation to hire a consultant to direct a development assessment b $2,000 to the Iowa Cultural Corridor Alliance to secure a professional advisor for strategic planning
b $5,000 to New Bohemia for the New Bohemia Cultural District Web site b $3,150 to the SPT Theatre Company for Web site development b $5,000 to Plains Justice for strategic planning focused on Linn County b $4,180 to the Eastern Iowa Arts Academy to purchase donor software b $5,000 to the Workplace Learning Connection to rebuild the organization’s database b $5,000 to the Cedar Valley Humane Society to improve the organization’s Web site b $5,000 to the Area Substance Abuse Council to purchase upgraded billing software and an integrated scheduling program for ASAC’s Linn County offices. b $2,300 to the Community Health Free Clinic for volunteers’ reporter software b $5,000 to Iowa Legal Aid for a comprehensive strategic planning process b $3,800 to Mediation Services of Eastern Iowa, Inc. for Web site upgrades b $2,500 to Prairiewoods for Web site support b $4,045.40 to the Junior League of Cedar Rapids for a donor development system project
6 The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation
The GCRCF is accepting applications for the fall grant cycle from organizations that are in need of grant funding to enhance the quality of life and community development in Linn County. The application deadline for the Community Fund and Competitive Donor-Advised Funds is Oct. 15 at 4:30 p.m. The Community Fund provides time – limited grants in the amount of $2,000 to $10,000. The Community Fund seeks applications in all of the traditional categories – Arts & Culture, Community Development, the Environment, Education and Health & Human Service. The following Competitive DonorAdvised Funds are available for the fall grant cycle: b CRST International
b b b b
The Gazette Foundation GreatAmerica Leasing Lil Drug Store Products, Inc. McGrath Automotive Group
The grant size and funding priority vary depending upon the donoradvised fund. For more information on the Community Fund, please contact Karla Twedt-Ball, vice president of Programs, at 319.366.2862 or karla.twedt-ball@gcrcf.org. For more information on the Competitive Donor-Advised Funds, please contact Elizabeth Pollard, grant program associate, at 319.366.2862 or elizabeth.pollard@gcrcf.org. Grant applications and detailed background on each fund are available online at www.gcrcf.org in the Resources for Nonprofits section.
Ongoing Grant Opportunities Organizational Development Fund The GCRCF is accepting grant requests for up to $5,000 from local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that have been in operation for at least two years for projects that will help them operate more effectively and efficiently. Applications for an Organizational Development Grant are accepted each month.
For more information, including the grant criteria and application, go to www.gcrcf.org/page30971.cfm or contact Karla Twedt-Ball, vice president of Programs, at 319.366.2862 or karla.twedt-ball@gcrcf.org
President’s Fund The President’s Fund provides small grants from $100 to $2,000 for start up expenses for emerging organizations, emergency needs, community or sector development activities and strategic and management expenditures. Applications are accepted at any time and decisions are usually made in two to three weeks.
For more information, including the guidelines, go to http://www.gcrcf. org/page26910.cfm or contact Karla Twedt-Ball, vice president of Programs, at 319.366.2862 or karla.twedt-ball@gcrcf.org.
www.gcrcf.org
FLOOD 2008 FUND
List of 2009 President’s Fund grant awards to date. b $1,500 to Brucemore, Inc. for the Nonprofit Innovation Award b $2,000 to Abbe Inc. for PLAY grant-writing assistance for I-JOBS application (Witwer as fiscal agent) b $750 to the Cedar Hills Neighborhood Association for the filing fee for 501(c)3 application b $300 to the Robins Civic Club for their 501(c)3 application fee b $2,000 to the Southside Investment Board for start-up activities b $150 to the United Way of East Central Iowa for helping VISTA volunteers to participate in commemorative flood events like the Flood Run b $1,500 to the Wellington Heights Neighborhood Association for replacement of a water main b $1,500 to Four Oaks Family and Children’s Services for the Nonprofit Innovation Award b $2,000 to His Hands Ministries to repair a leaking roof b $1,500 to the Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity for the Nonprofit Innovation Award b $1,965 to the Unity Community Garden for a community garden to assist low-income families and free meal programs b $1,500 to Young Parents Network for the Nonprofit Innovation Award b $2,000 to the Association of Fundraising Professionals for their Mid-America Conference 2009 b $1,000 to the Christ Episcopal Church for the Summer Reading Camp for Johnson Elementary School
Flood 2008 Fund Update As of Aug. 26, 2009, the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation has awarded $3.8 million grants from the Flood 2008 Fund to 54 local nonprofits that continue to support our community recovery and rebuilding efforts. More than $5.56 million has been donated to the fund from individuals, families and businesses around the country and world. The Flood 2008 Fund grants have been distributed to these criteria areas: b 60.3 percent granted for direct assistance to individuals and families; b 28.8 percent granted to address systemic issues related to the flood; b 11.0 percent granted to nonprofit stability.
Grant Funding Still Available Public agencies and 501(c)(3) organizations in Linn County whose programming or mission is to address community needs that have developed as a result of the flood are encouraged to apply for a Flood 2008 Fund grant. Proposals will be received continually until further notice and are reviewed monthly by a committee. Proposals may be submitted online at www.corridorrecovery.org/gcrcf or sent by email to karla.twedt-ball@ gcrcf.org. Flood 2008 Fund criteria and proposal information may be found at www.gcrcf.org.
Flood 2008 Fund Grant Recipients June – August 2009 b $25,000 to Abbe Inc. for Abbe Center for Community Mental Health Disaster Recovery Work to continue mental health outreach, counseling and education services for individuals affected by the flood. b $25,000 to Abbe Inc. for Aging Services: Remaining Independent Funding for discretionary funding to help with flood-related needs of those age 55 and older. b $25,000 to Abbe Inc. for Witwer Center: Reducing Transportation Barriers for Witwer Center Participants to help clients and residents of Geneva Towers with transportation to and from the Green Square Meals/ Ecumenical Center. Other floodimpacted individuals will benefit from bus passes or LIFTS assistance. b $25,000 to Abbe Inc. for Kingston Hill: Making Kingston Hill Home to provide affordable, independent housing at a reduced rate for floodaffected elderly individuals. b $25,000 to Affordable Housing Network, Inc. for AHNI Six-Plex Apartment Rehab to rehabilitate and repair an apartment six-plex at 420 B Avenue NW in Cedar Rapids that was donated to the Affordable Housing Network. b $25,000 to the Area Substance Abuse Council for Client Assistance to establish a discretionary fund to help current and former clients who were impacted by the flood with financial support as their recovery plans progress. continued on page 8 Community 7
FLOOD 2008 FUND
Grant Programs Update continued from page 7
b $1,500 to the Cedar Boat Club to restore the meeting house that was destroyed by the flood of 2008. b $2,800 to Christ Episcopal Church to purchase an institutional refrigerator and icemaker due to increased demand with the church hosting volunteer groups assisting with flood recovery and rebuilding efforts. b $20,000 to Community Corrections Improvement Association for VISTA Flood Recovery to purchase new and replacement building tools, permanent safety masks for volunteers and administrative costs to coordinate Americorps/VISTA volunteers. b $25,000 to Echo Hill Presbyterian Church for funding to continue Meet & Eat Program to be located at First Presbyterian Church this summer. b $700,000 to Matthew 25 Ministry Hub and the Affordable Housing Network for Block by Block to identify and assist flooded neighborhoods with customized rebuilding solutions. The Iowa Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church of Iowa is providing volunteers to help with rebuilding efforts. The first neighborhood to participate in Block by Block is the 1300 block of 8th St. NW, between L and M avenues. The goal of the initiative is to rehabilitate and/or rebuild eight blocks by the end of 2009. b $3,400 to New Bohemia for the New Bohemia Arts Festival to waive juried art show and exhibit fees for
8 The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation
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artists who lost a studio, equipment, exhibit and/or retail space in the flood of 2008. $25,000 to Olivet Neighborhood Mission for Clothing Closet and Food Pantry to establish a discretionary voucher fund and to help with the food pantry inventory and increased staffing needs due to greater demand post-flood. $25,000 to Partnership for Safe Families for Family Support Funds for discretionary funds to address remaining needs of floodaffected families. $25,000 to Four Oaks Family and Children’s Services for Support Services for Students with Mental Health Needs. Four Oaks has partnered with Abbe Inc. to create Abbe Oaks, a specialty clinic for children with mental health problems and their families. This grant will support the work of a community/ family support specialist to implement this integrated treatment plan for flood-affected children who are not covered by Title 19. $25,000 to Hands on Worldwide Inc. for Project Cedar Rapids – Rebuild to purchase rebuilding materials as they work with other local volunteer groups to rebuild homes. $25,000 to Helping Hands Ministry for Flood Recovery Funding to help meet the financial needs of flood-affected individuals who request assistance.
b $50,000 to Horizons: A Family Service Alliance for Flood Them with Love, Part 2 to assist an additional 25-50 flood-affected families with rebuilding/furnishing homes, supplying household products, home safety improvements and discretionary needs. Currently, the organization works with 72 families. b $25,000 to Matthew 25 Ministry Hub for the Matthew 25 Tool Library to hire a skilled staff to manage the day-to-day operations of the tool library and drive the process of long-term program development. b $25,000 to Prairiewoods for Assisting Families in the Flood Recovery Process, Part 2 to continue their support of three existing floodaffected families and to take on five new families in need of financial and emotional support. b $25,000 to Rebuilding Palo Fund, Inc. for Rebuilding Palo to provide additional assistance to Palo homeowners to purchase tools, building materials and labor to rebuild homes. b $25,000 to Horizons: A Family Service Alliance for Flood Them with Love to assist 20-25 flood-affected families with rebuilding/furnishing homes, supplying household products, home safety improvements and discretionary needs such as utility bills and rent payment. For a complete list of all Flood 2008 Fund grant recipients, visit www.gcrcf.org/page10002920.cfm
www.gcrcf.org
Get credit(s) for creating lasting good
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As we continue to recover and rebuild from last year’s natural disasters and recent economic challenges, the need for charitable giving is as strong today as ever. In Iowa, the Endow Iowa Tax Credit Program is making it easier, more rewarding and more affordable for residents to make charitable donations that help build the quality of life in their communities. The Endow Iowa Tax Credit Program was established in 2003 to encourage individuals, businesses and organizations to make lasting investments in their communities when they establish permanent funds during their lifetime. Those who give are able to take advantage of a 20 percent Endow Iowa tax credit in conjunction with state and federal tax benefits for charitable gifts. Endow Iowa tax credits are offered on a first come, first served basis. “Endow Iowa is an incredibly powerful incentive that makes it easy for donors to give more for less,” says Bud Synhorst, vice president of Resource Development at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. “Because endowed gifts are permanent, they are able to generate earnings now and forever. Iowa community foundations invest those gifts as principal, and then return earnings through community grants.” With Endow Iowa, our state is at the forefront in creating public-private solutions that drive growth and benefit cities, towns and rural communities. The program offers an effective investment in Iowa’s future: for every $1 of tax credit expended by the state, community
foundations leverage $5 in donations to support efforts that enhance the quality of life for residents.
Local perspective and impact As a result of gifts made through Endow Iowa, the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation is supporting the good works that local donors care about to build a stronger Linn County. b Since 2003, more than $6 million was contributed to endowed funds at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. Donors making those gifts received more than $1.2 million in Iowa income tax credits and nonprofits benefited from annual support from the fund. b In just five years, donors have given more than $50 million to community foundations across the state through the program alone. b Endow Iowa has spurred the development of more than 250 endowed funds at the GCRCF since 2003. b Donor gifts around Iowa have supported the building of new playgrounds at area schools, improvements to community parks and bike trails, the purchase of emergency medical equipment for use in local public spaces, entrepreneurship training and local marketing efforts.
Give More for Less With the Endow Iowa Tax Credit Program, gifts to community foundations cost donors less. For example, a $10,000 gift could cost as little as $3,700.*
*Endowed Gift Amount: Assumed tax rate:
(assuming individual taxpayer uses Schedule A to itemize deductions on their federal tax return)
$10,000 35%
Immediate Cost to Donor Iowa tax credit: Federal tax deduction: State tax deduction: Net tax savings: Net cost to donor:
$2,000 $3,500 $800 $6,300 $3,700
2010 Changes to Endow Iowa Under the changes set to go into effect beginning Jan. 1, 2010, donors who make gifts to endowed funds at qualified community foundations or their affiliates will be eligible to receive 25 percent tax credits for their contributions, an increase from the 20 percent tax credits currently offered. The amount of available Endow Iowa tax credits will increase from $3 million to approximately $4 million annually, opening the door for more people to take advantage of the opportunity and to have greater impact in their communities. While still eligible for federal tax deductions, under the 2010 Endow Iowa modifications donors no longer qualify to receive a state charitable deduction for this special contribution. They will, however, be able to take advantage of the increased tax credit in conjunction with federal tax benefits. More specific details on the 2010 changes will be featured in the Winter 2010 issue of Community as well as various donor communications by mail and online.
Community 9
A Nonprofit Spotlight Q & A
Doing Good for Our Community: Young Parents Network Brian Stutzman, executive director 205 12th St. SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403 Phone: 319.364.8909
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What is Young Parents Network? Young Parents Network (YPN) is an agency dedicated to the prevention of adolescent pregnancy and building successful families. For more than 24 years, YPN has been providing youth development, prenatal and parenting education and support services to more than 14,000 families and children in Linn, Iowa, Benton and Jones Counties. What has been your relationship with the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation over the years? The GCRCF had been a very critical partner to Young Parents Network. Through many of the granting cycles, YPN has been able to meet needs that normally would have been left to their own demise. At YPN we pride ourselves on our ability to identify a need and then find the funds, not identify a fund and then find a need. In the thousands of families we have served over the last 25 years, we are aware we often only scratch the surface of relating to the multitude of issues that will insure success. Because of this, we are constantly striving to better align our service and identify existing resources. In 2005, we partnered with the Community Foundation to start an agency endowment that will provide lasting financial resources for YPN. Creating an endowment fund at the Community Foundation has provided an incentive for donors to give to our endowment as they receive the traditional federal and state tax deduction as well as Endow Iowa Tax Credits.
10 The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation
Earlier this year, YPN received a $50,000 grant from the Momentum Fund at the GCRCF for Bright Futures en la Familia. Tell us more about the program and how it benefits the community? Two to three years ago we realized that we needed to become more diverse in the populations we were accessing. Census data told us we had one of the fastest growing Hispanic populations in the nation. However, we were not seeing this population in our services to young children. We also were aware that due to language barriers these young children were at even higher risk to show up to school unprepared. Rather than spend staff time initiating fundraising venues, we applied for a Community Fund grant at the foundation to help with this unmet need. Because the Community Foundation supported this, we were able to hire a bilingual parent educator for the Bright Futures en la Familia project who now serves a case load of over 35 families with young children who will be much better prepared for school. Through home visits and parenting groups, Bright Futures aims to nurture and promote strong, healthy families with children up to age five. Bright Futures is focused on helping these new immigrants overcome language barriers and cultural differences that isolate them from the larger community. The GCRCF’s grant funds have helped provide more bilingual books for families and cover the parent educator’s biweekly visits. The parent educator counsels them in basic care and good parenting, helps with school enrollment and discusses immigration questions. She also visits young mothers and newborns weekly.
This is only one example of many that the foundation has helped us with over the years. Their ability to relate to evolving and changing needs in the community with discretionary grants is critical. What’s on the horizon for YPN? Any new programs or project details you can share with us? In the last nine months we have experienced an increase in the number of prenatal referrals, most under 19 years of age. In the last six months alone we have seen a 50 percent increase compared to past years. We intend to mobilize additional staff for more intensive services to ensure we stay with this younger population and keep them in programming. Additionally, we are helping facilitate a collaborative effort called Now Be a Dad that has great potential to help change the troubling trend of father-absent families. We have high hopes it could be a regional or even national initiative. How can the community get involved with YPN as a volunteer as a donor to the agency endowment or with goods and services? The best place to keep updated on Young Parents Network is at our web site www.YoungParentsNetwork.org. We have countless volunteer opportunities and always have families in need of baby items or even basic needs supplies. We would greatly benefit from any help in continuing to grow our endowment that would allow the agency to continue to meet the needs of the community for another 25 years. www.gcrcf.org
William Quarton
William Quarton Heritage Society as of Oct. 1, 2009
I
Heritage Society
If you have remembered the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation in your estate plans, or if you have established an endowed fund at the GCRCF, you are eligible to become a member of the William Quarton Heritage Society. We will not list your name without your permission. Please contact Bud Synhorst, CFRE and vice president of Resource Development, at 319.366.2862 for more information. Anonymous (8) Robert W. and Elizabeth M. Allsop Thomas J. and Sarah E. Anderson Gary L. and Alice Anderson Marian J. Arens Carl and Topsy Aschoff Jean H. Ashby* Daniel R. Baldwin Lorna M. Barnes Helen (Skippy) Bell Bob V. Bengtson Peter F. Bezanson* Bill and Jan Bloomhall Barbara Bloomhall and William A. Bloomhall, Sr.* Wilma J. Blosser Katheryn Boatman Scott and Joann Bogguss Barry and Gilda Boyer Ruth L. Hastings Brown* David H. and Rose Marie Burke Steven and Joanne Carfrae Richard* and Judith Chandler Ivan and Mary Bess Chester Larry H. Christy Loren L. and Patricia A. Coppock Paul and Sara Corbin John P. Curran Tom and Beth DeBoom Dr. Robert and Eloise Dennis Tiffany A. Earl John R. and Cheryl G. Elliott John M. Ely, Jr.* and Polly Ely* Peggy Fashimpaur Kahr John P.* and Jean W. Ferring Robert C.* and Marjorie H. Fletcher *Deceased
Rick and Donna Flynn William B. and Jo Anne F. Galbraith William and Harriet Gasway Dean and Laura Gesme David and Kathleen Good Gary Grant Joan Greenblatt Kathy L. Hall Ortha R.* and Ken* Harstad Mary Lou and Donald Hattery Ted and Tish Healey Jason and Susan Hellickson Clifford A. Hendricks Kate Hladky Jim and Ann Hoffman Lee R. Horn Barbara J. and Ralph E.* Hughes William B. Quarton* and Jean A. Hunnicutt Sher Jasperse and Daryl Julich David and Mary Johnson Kenneth L. and Mildred M.* Johnson Mildred Joslin and Edward Kemp* Mary and David Junge David and Sherri Justice Vyrl* and Martha Justice Joseph M. Kacena* George* and Louise Kalous Suzanne Rosenbaum Katz Merry and Bob* Kelley Frank and Geri Kintzle Thomas and Clara Kleiman G.T. (Jerry) Knox Peter and Ingrid Kolln Ted and Margaret Kubicek David and Chris Kubicek
Robert and Caroline Kucharski Lawrence and Kimberly Kudej Sheryl Chehak Lamb* Robert J. and Sue B. Latham Karen Ann Laughlin James* and Susan Lavenz Robert and Carol Lehman Thea and Roger* Leslie Norman G.* Lipsky and Belle M. Lipsky George and Janelle McClain Jo* and Larry McGrath David and Ruth McGuire Nancy Green McHugh Frank and Cheryle Mitvalsky Mike and Ann Mohnsen Tara and Bob Moorman Paul and Jennifer Morf Craig and Deborah Mrkvicka Bill and Cathy Munsell Virginia Myers* Kay and Duane Nesetril Greg and Debbie Neumeyer William and Cheryl Nordstrom John and Christine North Ron and Sue Olson Richard and Marion Patterson Jay and Bonnie Petersen Ann and David B.* Pickford James A. and Monica M. Piersall Mike Plotz Wendy* and Randy Portz William and Janis Quinby Curt and Sigrid Reynolds Mary E. Rickey Louise G. Roalson Dr. and Mrs. William John Robb
Jack and Jackie Roland Judith Whetstine and Bob Rush John M. and Wilma Ann Wallin Sagers Larry D. and Claire J. Sharp Paul R.* and Rebecca F.* Shawver Laurie and Robert Silber Marilyn and Dayton* Sippy Gary and Robin Skogman LaJuana Skogman Drew and Jo Ann Skogman Kyle and Susan Skogman Duane Smith Ellen Smith John and Dyan Smith Marty and Julianne Smith Sue and Gary Speicher Eleanor Streletzky Robert Synhorst Fred and Bev Timko Kathleen Toborg Terry Trimpe James and Susan Turner Robert Untiedt Josie Velles R. Ray* and Barbara Weeks Maxine and Ted* Welch Guy H. Wendler Susanna Wendler William P. and Gayle* Whipple Dorothy J. White and Robert Dean Metcalf* Esther and Myron Wilson Robert and Charlotte Worley Jason and Leslie Wright Corrine and Robert* Yaw David Zylstra
Community 11
NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
PERMIT NO. 214 CEDAR RAPIDS, IA
200 First Street SW Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52404
2009 Calendar of Events October Oct.14 Homeless Service Providers Training: Aggression and Cognitive Disabilities 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. African American Historical Museum & Library 55 12th St NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa Aggression and cognitive disabilities training by Dr. John Wadsworth, Professor of Rehabilitative Counseling at the University of Iowa, for entry-level social service employees. Oct. 15 Community Foundation Fall Grant Deadline Applications for the fall grant cycle are due Thursday, Oct. 15 at 4:30 p.m. at the GCRCF office for the following grant programs: • Community Fund • Competitive Donor-Advised Funds (CRST, The Gazette Foundation, GreatAmerica Leasing, Lil’ Drug Store Products and McGrath Automotive Group) For more information on these funds, including application requirements and forms, visit www.gcrcf.org in the Resources for Nonprofits section or contact Karla Twedt-Ball, vice president of Programs, at 319.366.2862 or karla.twedt-ball@gcrcf.org.
Oct. 23 Nonprofit Award Nominations Deadline 4:30 p.m. By email or at the GCRCF office, 200 First St SW, Cedar Rapids, Iowa The GCRCF invites nominations for the 2009 Bridge Builder and Minnie Rubeck Awards. These awards recognize and honor the exceptional achievements of professional staff members of nonprofit organizations in Linn County. Awards and grants to recipients will be presented at the GCRCF holiday reception in November. For more information, including the nominations forms, visit www.gcrcf.org in the Events section. Oct. 23 Nonprofit Management Academy: Risk and Crisis Analysis 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. — visit www.lcnrc.org for further details Iowa State University Linn County Extension Office 3279 7th Ave., Suite 140, Marion, IA Led by Richard Koontz, Director of the Larned A. Waterman Iowa Nonprofit Resource Center in Iowa City.
November Nov. 10 AFP Philanthropy Day® 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Park Place Events Center, 1521 Technology Parkway, Cedar Falls, Iowa For more information, visit www.afpeasterniowa.org/ NationalPhilanthropyDay.html Nov. 16 Iowa Nonprofit Summit State Historical Building Atrium, 600 East Locust, Des Moines, Iowa A day-long conference for nonprofit organizations throughout the state of Iowa. For more information, visit http://www.culturalaffairs.org/iowa- npo-summit_nov_09_save-the-date.pdf Nov. 18 Homeless Service Providers Training: Crisis Intervention 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Location TBD – visit www.lcnrc.org for further details Led by Sue Blome of Abbe Inc. for entry-level social service employees. Nov. 19 Holiday Donor Reception and Nonprofit Awards Presentation 5:30-7:30 p.m. African American Historical Museum & Library 55 12th St NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 7.358M.1009CG