CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – June 18, 2008 – Based on community need and donor interest, the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation (GCRCF) is providing funds to local nonprofits that will help the community recover from massive flooding.

The two funds, the Flood 2008 Fund and the Agency Recovery Fund of the GCRCF President’s Fund will address the greatest needs of the community as a result of the flooding disaster.

The Flood 2008 Fund was created on June 15 in preparation to collect donations for the immense relief, recovery and rebuilding efforts the community will undertake.

Financial donations can be made by individuals or businesses online at www.gcrcf.org or mailed to: The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation, 200 First St. SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404. Please note “Flood 2008 Fund” in your check memo.

The Flood 2008 Fund will work through nonprofit organizations to provide basic assistance to individuals and families as they reestablish stable living after the June 2008 flood.

“We intend to work with organizations that we have a current relationship with and have proven themselves strong administrators of grant funds,” said Karla Twedt-Ball, director of programs at the Foundation. “The Flood 2008 Fund will be coordinated with other funders and basic service providers to target needs unmet by other sources.”

Grant criteria, application procedures and funding amount information will be available in the coming weeks. Visit www.gcrcf.org for complete details.

The Agency Recovery Fund is a new component of the President’s Fund, an established fund at the GCRCF, which includes a provision for emergency funding to meet the needs of established and emerging grass-roots organizations.

Nonprofit organizations in Linn County may apply for up to $5,000 toward expenses incurred as a result of flooding. Funds are to be used to help organizations resume or maintain operations.

Organizations unable to operate from their current locations for more than three weeks are eligible for up to $5,000; organizations that are able to remain in their location as they clean up are eligible for $2,000.

Beginning today, groups may submit a one-page letter explaining the organizational need, with an optional one-page budget estimating expenses. Organizations may apply for flood relief funds regardless of other President’s Fund grant applications or awards in 2008.

The Foundation will accept these applications through December 2008. Decisions will be issued within one week of submission.

Agency Recovery Fund applications may be sent to:
The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation
200 First St SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

They may also be emailed to Elizabeth Pollard, Grants Program Associate at lizp76@msn.com and Elizabeth.pollard@gcrcf.org. For questions or more information, contact the GCRCF office at 319.366.2862 or visit www.gcrcf.org.


The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation is a critical resource for Linn County, Iowa, by funding nonprofit activities in four essential areas: Arts and Culture, Community Development and the Environment, Education, and Health and Human Services. With total assets of $101 million, the mission of The Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation is to connect donors to the priorities they care about and to the needs of the community, to increase charitable giving and to provide leadership on important community issues. For more information, visit the organization’s Web site at www.gcrcf.org. For good. For ever.