Rapid Response Grants

Rapid Response Grants is sponsored by Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. Rapid Response Grants support emergency expenses and emerging opportunities for nonprofit organizations based in Linn County, Iowa.

Rapid Response Grants - Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Home Nonprofits Grants Grant Opportunities & Deadlines Rapid Response Grants Rapid Response Grants support emergency expenses and emerging opportunities for nonprofit organizations based in Linn County, Iowa. This fund is intended for infrequent use in unique circumstances. It is not intended for costs associated with starting a nonprofit.

Please note, funding is for organizations, not individuals.

Must be headquartered in Linn County Be a nonprofit organization with current 501(c)(3) public charity tax-exempt status from the IRS or non-501(c)(3) organization that has a current fiscal sponsorship agreement with a 501(c)(3) organization Requests that can be or could have been submitted within a standard competitive grant cycle offered by the Community Foundation are not eligible.

Emergency Expenses: These are expenses resulting from unexpected circumstances that could not have been planned for which put the organization itself in jeopardy, or substantially limits an organization’s ability to continue work within its mission, or are addressing a life or death situation.

Emerging Opportunities: These requests must be time-sensitive in nature and of broad community importance, but not able to have been anticipated in an organization’s typical annual planning.

Emerging opportunities should fit into one or more of the following categories: Programs or services: Due to changing community circumstances, an unexpected opportunity occurs or the need for a new program or service arises, and funding is needed to take advantage of the opportunity.

First-time funding: An organization that has never applied for a grant from the Community Foundation and was unaware of grant processes and timelines has a time-sensitive need while additional funding is sought. Equity-focused work: Funding is needed for a time-sensitive program or project that directly relates to equity in the community.

Requests will be considered as they relate to under-resourced communities, with priority given to grassroots, community-led efforts. Organizations may receive one Rapid Response Grant in a 12-month period. Applications are accepted as needed and will be reviewed in a timely manner, usually within two weeks.

To apply for a Rapid Response Grant, submit a one-page letter explaining the request including how it meets eligibility criteria listed above, why it is time-sensitive in nature and could not have been planned for, and an explanation of the costs included in the request.

Newer organizations should also provide a brief description of the organization – how it started, its purpose, list of officers and projects, and IRS Letter of Determination. If you are unsure whether your organization or project is eligible or have questions, contact us to discuss.

Grantmaking Equity Statement The Community Foundation prioritizes grant funding for nonprofit organizations that are deeply engaged in or actively working to improve organizational equity and justice practices. Review the full Grantmaking Equity Statement adopted by the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors here . Choose one of the following options for submitting an application: Request a link to use the GOapply online portal.

Send an e-mail to Casey Baustian at casey. baustian@gcrcf. org .

Mail an application letter to: Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation Attn: Grant Program Department Join us for Free For All: Linn County Arts and Culture Week on October 19-25. See the schedule here .