Grants Awarded

1619 Freedom School is a free, community-based, after-school literacy program that aims to help students achieve academic success through improving their reading and literacy skills. The school's mission is to help children develop a love of reading and books through literature centered on Black American history. With growing momentum, 1619 Freedom School increased participation by 15% this past year and demonstrated strong impact as every fully enrolled scholar advanced at least one reading grade level. Grant funding supports ongoing operations and strategic initiatives around fundraising.

Americans for Independent Living (AFIL) supports low-income veterans and their families through safe housing, essential resources, and a welcoming community. Through its four core programs—Veteran Housing, Home Modifications, Furniture for Veterans, and the Veteran Community Room—AFIL helps veterans achieve stability, independence, and dignity. Since relocating in 2024, AFIL has expanded its reach and strengthened its ability to serve more veterans in need, including growing its transitional and permanent housing efforts. Foundation funding continues to support the expansion of these critical programs that improve the quality of life for local veterans and their families.

Located in the North Cedar area, Cedar Valley Preschool and Child Care Center has served the Cedar Valley for 55 years, offering childcare for children ages 18 months to 10 years old. Serving diverse families, including those with learning challenges, the center provides year-round services and offers Child Care Assistance to all who qualify. Funding supports operations to provide a safe, nurturing space for children in the Cedar Valley.

Center of Attention provides a safe, structured, and supportive home for women reentering society from prison and/or in-patient substance use treatment. Since 2019, more than 90 women have received support and guidance through the program—a number that continues to grow each year. Through holistic care, case management, and recovery focused programs, Center of Attention empowers women to heal, rebuild their lives and reintegrate into the community as healthy, self-sufficient individuals. This award supports their operations for continued transformation in the lives of the women they serve.

Serving over 140 individuals each year, Elevate provides community-based substance use and behavioral health services that support individuals in recovery. The organization offers structured residential housing for clients engaged in treatment, many of whom are stabilizing from trauma, homelessness, and behavioral health challenges. Grant funding will replace windows and exterior doors and support apartment and community room renovations in residential housing facilities.

Exceptional Persons, Inc. (EPI) supports more than 300 individuals with disabilities across the Cedar Valley through a broad range of community services designed to help people overcome barriers, build independence, and fully participate in their communities. Services include supported employment; in-home support; medical and health-related assistance; financial and benefits navigation; daily living skills training; and community integration services. Grant funding will support the ongoing operations of these essential programs, helping individuals improve quality of life, achieve greater stability, and maintain long-term employment success.

Four Oaks Family and Children's Services plays a central role in Iowa’s foster care and adoption system, including leading the state’s Recruitment, Retention, Training and Support efforts. In response to a critical shortage of foster and kinship families, the organization is working to reduce financial barriers that can prevent families from becoming or remaining caregivers. Funding will provide direct assistance to help cover essential upfront and ongoing costs, supporting approximately 75 households in Black Hawk County. By strengthening recruitment, retention, and support, this effort helps ensure more children can be placed in stable, supportive homes.

Growing Minds Early Learning Center is the largest full-day, full-year child care center specifically focused on low-income families in Waterloo. Located in Waterloo's Church Row neighborhood, where median household incomes are significantly below city averages and more than half of renters are cost-burdened, the daycare center helps meet a critical need for affordable, accessible childcare for working families. Grant funding will expand child care spaces, offer scholarship assistance, and improve developmental services.

House of Hope empowers single-mother families and women aging out of foster care by providing individualized support and transitional housing, helping them build stable families, long-term independence, and permanent homes. House of Hope demonstrates a strong success rate, with participants leaving the program equipped with stable housing, employment, childcare, transportation, and a sustainable financial plan. With the recent opening of their Empowerment Center, the organization has expanded its reach to support single mothers who are not in residence, helping address the high demand for their services. Grant support helps sustain these operations, breaking cycles of poverty and fostering brighter futures for the women and families served.

Inclusion Connection is dedicated to building inclusive communities where people of all abilities can live, learn, work, and play together. Through its employment program, the organization empowers individuals with disabilities to secure meaningful, competitive jobs while helping employers create more inclusive workplaces. By connecting job seekers and businesses, the program reduces barriers to employment, increases independence, and strengthens workforce inclusion across the community. Grant funding will support expanding these opportunities and advancing a more accessible, inclusive community for all.

Iowa Legal Aid advances hope, dignity, and justice for low-income Iowans by providing legal assistance and education that safeguard fundamental rights, basic needs, and access to the courts. Through its work, the organization challenges harmful policies, strengthens families and communities, and promotes economic stability. Iowa Legal Aid also empowers clients to advocate for themselves and their communities. Support from the Foundation helps sustain these efforts and ensures continued access to critical legal services.

The Job Foundation helps Waterloo students from low-income households break the cycle of poverty by providing financial literacy lessons, conditional cash earnings for school performance, and mentoring from elementary through high school. Reaching a record enrollment of 138 this year, The Job Foundation continues to increase community awareness and expand networking and partnerships in the community. Funding supports continued operations including strategic planning and rebranding initiatives.

Link CCD is a network that connects, inspires, and equips residents and partners to build thriving, resilient neighborhoods where everyone belongs. In Waterloo’s historic Walnut Neighborhood, neighbors—supported by Link—have led the design and implementation of a new inclusive park that reflects their shared vision for a safe, welcoming space for all ages. Serving an estimated 1,200 residents, the park will provide opportunities for play, connection, and community pride while enhancing health and well-being. Foundation funding will support the realization of this project, helping transform a long-identified community need into a vibrant neighborhood asset.

Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) has served Iowa communities for more than 160 years through programs that support children, families, individuals with disabilities, and immigrants and refugees. LSI provides child abuse prevention, mental health and family support services, foster care and adoption, and skill-building programs designed to strengthen families and improve quality of life. Guided by a commitment to compassionate, inclusive service, LSI works to ensure all Iowans have access to the support, resources, and opportunities needed to live healthy, safe, and independent lives. Grant funding will support these vital services.

North Star Community Services, Inc. empowers individuals with diagnosed disabilities to live their most independent, meaningful, and inclusive lives through dedicated support and unique opportunities. They help individuals build skills that improve health, functional abilities, and overall quality of life while creating opportunities to contribute meaningfully as valued members of their communities. Funding will support the expansion of the Day Habilitation program, helping serve more individuals, reduce the waiting list, and enhance programming through the addition of a new adaptive wellness center, library, and art studio.

ONE Cedar Valley's SHIPHT Career Technical Education & Entrepreneurship Academy empowers youth through hands-on career training, mentorship, and workforce development. The program provides career exposure, paid internships, and skill-building opportunities, aiming to serve more than 150 youth annually. Foundation funding supports the work of the SHIPHT program so that participants enhance their workforce readiness and gain exposure to career pathways.

One City United continues to expand its impact of connecting high-barrier individuals to meaningful work through its Momentum program, which builds essential skills, confidence, and pathways to sustainable employment. This year, the organization increased program capacity by adding an additional class, growing from 14 to 20 participants per session. Foundation funding strengthens core operations, enabling the program to expand its reach and deepen its impact on more individuals.

Peoples Community Health Clinic serves as the primary dental safety-net provider in the region, playing a vital role in supporting the health of low-income families. To maintain and expand access to quality care, the clinic is undertaking a renovation and modernization of its dental department, including upgrades to operatories, equipment, and clinical spaces. These improvements will enhance patient experience, ensure reliable service delivery, and strengthen recruitment of dental professionals. Foundation funding supports this effort, helping address critical community needs while promoting better long-term health outcomes.

Annually serving over 200 individuals, The River ARC supports African refugees and immigrant families with culturally responsive resources that promote overall wellbeing. To improve health access and outcomes, the organization offers health literacy programming, hosts a weekly health clinic, collaborates with mainstream health providers, and supports community gardening efforts that provide culturally relevant produce. Grant funding supports The River ARC’s continued work in meeting the growing needs of newcomers in the community.

The Salvation Army of Waterloo & Cedar Falls serves individuals and families with compassion, respect, and integrity, offering essential support through a range of programs, including emergency shelter services. In Waterloo/Cedar Falls, the organization operates three shelters with 55 beds, providing short-term housing and structured support to help individuals transition to stable, permanent homes. Through its Housing Services program, residents receive both immediate relief and resources to address the challenges of homelessness. Foundation funding supports client financial assistance, shelter operations, and housing personnel, helping ensure these critical services remain available to those most in need.

SuccessLink coordinates Success Street, a collaboration of local health and human service providers who bring their services directly into local school-based health centers. Success Street health centers increase accessibility and reduce barriers to health care for students and families. The organization also offers Together For Youth, supporting youth experiencing or at risk of pregnancy. Grant funding supports operations so that all students might know pathways to health and wellbeing.

Sunrise Children's Zoo, Inc., established in 1974 by the Sunrise Exchange Club, provides Cedar Valley residents with a free, accessible space to see, learn about, and interact with animals. Each year, the zoo welcomes thousands of visitors, offering an engaging and educational experience for families and the broader community. Grant funding will support updated and new signage throughout the zoo, enhancing the experience for both new and returning guests.

Try Pie Bakery is a teen employment program that uses work as a tool to engage and equip young women for their futures. Participants gain experience managing income, preparing for employment, and developing life skills through both kitchen work and classroom learning. Foundation funding supports program operations as participants grow into confident, contributing members of their community.

The Waterloo Housing Trust Fund provides flexible, locally-controlled funding to invest in quality housing for low- to moderate-income households. By partnering with local providers, WHTF addresses urgent housing needs through investments in home repairs, emergency shelter, and accessibility improvements. Foundation funding supports operational capacity to sustain this ongoing work. Additionally, grant funding establishes a revolving loan fund to expand affordable housing in Waterloo. The new loan fund will support developers, Homes for Iowa units, and homeowner repairs with flexible loans that reinvest funds for long-term community impact.

The Winnebago Council of Scouting America is dedicated to helping young people develop character, life skills, and a sense of service. Through its Scoutreach program, the organization works to reduce barriers to participation for youth in Waterloo by providing safe, structured activities led by trained adults. Expanding partnerships to include the Boys & Girls Club and YMCA, the program aims to reach approximately 170 students. Grant funding supports this expansion and increase access to these opportunities.