Orchestra Iowa Endowment Challenge Fund is sponsored by Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. Supports Orchestra Iowa's mission to foster enjoyment of and support for fine symphonic music through quality performances, education, and community involvement.

Endowment Challenge Grants - Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Endowment Challenge Grants Home Nonprofits Grants Grant Opportunities & Deadlines Endowment Challenge Grants Updated information for Endowment Challenge Grants will be available in Summer 2026. Endowment Challenge Grants are matching grants supporting nonprofit organizations in building endowments in Linn County, Iowa.

The matching endowment fund is opened and held at the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. Nonprofit endowment funds invest in the mission and the future of the organization by providing general operating support, stability during cyclical income variances, and income for areas of high importance to the organization.

Nonprofit organizations that are at least seven years old (based on the date of the IRS letter of determination) and hold 501(c)(3) public charity tax-exempt status from the IRS may apply if they meet two or more of the following criteria: The organization is based in Linn County, Iowa The organization serves residents of Linn County, Iowa An awarded Endowment Challenge Grant will only serve residents of Linn County, Iowa The organization currently holds one or more nonprofit endowed funds at the Community Foundation.

The fund(s) must have been opened AND have a balance at or above the $10,000 fund minimum at least one year prior to the date of application. Note: Organizations that have previously received an Endowment Challenge Grant are eligible to re-apply if five years or more have elapsed since the preceding matching grant was fully paid and/or the grant award period ended.

However, first-time Endowment Challenge Grant applications are prioritized over re-applications.

Organizations that do not meet two or more of the above criteria Organizations with a core religious mission $25,000 and five years to meet the match Organization Size and Match Limits The Community Foundation assumes that large organizations will have more donors and has therefore placed a cap on the Community Foundation match per donor based on size of organization.

There is no minimum contribution size; every gift will be fully matched by the Community Foundation up to the maximum amount per donor. The Community Foundation will not award matching funds for contributions that were received prior to the notification of the grant award.

Operating Budget Maximum Match Per Donor $0-$1M $5,000 (donor gift $15,000) $1M-$2M $2,500 (donor gift $7,500) $2M+ $1,000 (donor gift $3,000) Grantmaking Equity Statement The Community Foundation is committed to ensuring equity in our grantmaking strategy. Review the Grantmaking Equity Statement adopted by the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors here .

Updated information for Endowment Challenge Grants will be available in Summer 2026. Applications are accepted online here . For detailed instructions on the application process, click here .

The documents below are for reference and planning only — all information will need to be entered directly into the online portal. 2025 Endowment Challenge Grant Information Endowment Challenge Fund Management Information NOTE: The Community Foundation maintains strict standards to uphold the integrity of the grantmaking process.

Our Conflict of Interest Policy applies to grant committees, board, and staff, requiring recusals in cases of conflict of interest. The Community Foundation review processes are methodical and transparent, with scoring criteria for competitive grant applications available. rochelle.

naylor@gcrcf. org Visit the Nonprofit Giving Center and the Nonprofit Calendar to search for a nonprofit fund, organization, cause, or event to support.