Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Grants

Supports emergency expenses and emerging opportunities for nonprofit organizations based in Linn County, Iowa. Intended for infrequent use in unique circumstances. Maximum request is $3,000; organizations may receive one grant in a 12-month period. Eligible applicants: Must be headquartered in Linn County.; Must be a nonprofit organization with current IRS 501(c)(3) public charity tax-exempt status or a non-501(c)(3) organization with a current fiscal sponsorship agreement with a 501(c)(3) organization.; Funding is for organizations, not individuals.; Costs associated with starting a nonprofit are ineligible.; Requests that can be or could have been submitted within a standard Foundation competitive grant cycle are ineligible.; Emergency expenses must result from unplanned, unexpected circumstances that jeopardize the organization, substantially limit its ability to continue its mission, or address a life-or-death situation.; Emerging opportunities must be time-sensitive, of broad community importance, and not reasonably anticipated in typical annual planning.; Emerging opportunities should involve an unexpected program or service need arising from changing community circumstances; a time-sensitive first request from an organization previously unaware of Foundation grant processes and timelines while additional funding is sought; or a time-sensitive equity-related program or project.; Equity-focused requests are considered in relation to under-resourced communities, with priority given to grassroots, community-led efforts.; Requests may not exceed $3,000.; Organizations may receive only one Rapid Response Grant in a 12-month period.; Submit a one-page letter explaining the request, how it meets eligibility criteria, why it is time-sensitive and could not have been planned for, and the costs included.; Newer organizations should also provide how the organization started, its purpose, a list of officers and projects, and its IRS Letter of Determination.; Submit by requesting a GOapply portal link, emailing Casey Baustian at casey.baustian@gcrcf.org, or mailing an application letter to Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, Attn: Grant Program Department, 324 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401.; If using GOapply, register as an organization, complete the requested information, and update the Organizational Profile before beginning the application.; Priority is given to nonprofit organizations deeply engaged in or actively working to improve organizational equity and justice practices.; Complete required grant reports in GOapply for applications begun there, beginning with Spring 2025 awards, by the date in the award notification. Contact the Program Officer before completing the final report if more than $500 remains or a change in grant purpose or length is needed.; When promoting funded projects, acknowledge Foundation support. Recognition lists or permanent signage should include its name and/or logo; recognize only the Foundation when the donor requests anonymity. Do not alter its logo, and link website use to gcrcf.org. Photos shared with the Foundation must be high-resolution and have consent or confirmation that consent was obtained.. Geography served: Linn County, Iowa. Deadline: Applications are accepted as needed and will be reviewed in a timely manner, usually within two weeks..