News

The public is invited to join the Waterloo Community Foundation on Wednesday, October 4 at 11 AM for a presentation from Friends of the Family. As homelessness is a rising issue across the country, Friends of the Family provides assistance that helps individuals overcome barriers to maintaining stable housing. They will provide information about the state of homelessness in Waterloo … Read more

Charles Pearson is launching a new cultural tourism project in Waterloo to identify and promote African American historic places. The Waterloo native and East High School graduate has researched and developed multiple walking, biking, and driving tours throughout Iowa, focusing on African American historic places and Civil Rights locations. In the coming year, Pearson will be showcasing Waterloo’s … Read more

Family, friends, and first responders will come together to remember and celebrate the life of fallen Waterloo firefighter, Greg Freshwater, at the 6th Annual Greg Freshwater Memorial Ruck March. This event will take place on Tuesday, August 29 at 9 AM as participants embark on a walk from Prairie Grove Park to Greg’s final resting place, commemorating his … Read more

The Waterloo Community Foundation (WCF) seeks grant proposals from qualified organizations that benefit the community of Waterloo in one of four areas:  health and human services, arts and culture, education, or economic development.   In making this announcement, Executive Director Erin Tink said, “Our Board is passionate about granting back out into the community. Since the first grant was … Read more

The public is invited to join the Waterloo Community Foundation on Wednesday, September 6 at 11 AM for a presentation from Robert Smith and Bethany Botchway from UNI Center for Urban Education (UNI-CUE). They will share about the UNI-CUE programs that help community members continue their education and prepare for careers. Community members may join this free online presentation by … Read more

We often think of August as the end of summer and back to school time, but did you know it is also National Make-a-Will Month? No matter your age, it’s a great time to think about your future and plan ahead. Writing a will helps you answer the questions that mean the most to you –  Haven’t made a will yet?   … Read more

The public is invited to join the Waterloo Community Foundation on Wednesday, August 2 at 11 AM for a presentation from Bryan Burton, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley. He will share about the programs they offer local youth and plans they have for the future. Community members may join this free online presentation by contacting … Read more

June 20th is World Refugee Day, a day to recognize and honor refugees from around the world. Waterloo is home to a growing refugee and immigrant population and we are proud of the work RIYO is doing to empower youth! Refugee and Immigrant Youth Organization (RIYO) is a grassroots organization founded by refugees with the mission to expand the … Read more

The public is invited to join the Waterloo Community Foundation on Wednesday, July 5 at 11 AM for a presentation from Experience Waterloo. They will recap this year’s My Waterloo Days celebration and share about the growth of local tourism attractions such as arena football, Lost Island, and more ideas that make Waterloo a great place to visit and live. … Read more

The Dave and Sharon Juon Memorial Fund is a Community Fund established at the Waterloo Community Foundation to honor and continue the legacy of community leader, Sharon Juon. Sharon was a dedicated community leader and demonstrated her love for Waterloo in both her professional and personal life. She served as the Executive Director of the Iowa Northland Regional … Read more

The Waterloo Community Foundation is proud to announce the establishment of the Geof and Vicki Grimes Fund in memory of founder and former board president, Geof Grimes. The Fund was set up by the Grimes family and will contribute resources toward organizations that support arts and culture, education, and relief from food insecurity in the community. Geof Grimes … Read more

The Waterloo Community Foundation awarded $42,500 in scholarships through its 2023 scholarship program. Scholarships are offered annually for high school seniors attending a post-secondary institution in the fall and each has its own eligibility requirements. The Foundation works alongside various donors to establish funds, determine eligibility requirements, and select recipients. Waterloo Community Foundation Executive Director, Erin Tink, said, … Read more

The public is invited to join the Waterloo Community Foundation on Wednesday, June 7 at 11 AM as we hear a presentation from Ms. Rocki and Chaveevah of North End Update and Councilwoman Nia Wilder. Together, they will present about the importance of using media to share positive stories in our community. Ms. Rocki and Chaveevah will share about their … Read more

VGM Group, in partnership with the Waterloo Community Foundation, has awarded six $1,500 scholarships to dependents of VGM Group employees. This year’s recipients are: • Gracelyn Anderson of Waterloo West High School, daughter of Shauna Anderson of Corporate Accounting. •   Padraig Gallagher of Beckman Catholic High School, son of John Gallagher of VGM Government Relations. • Allison Sessler of Denver High … Read more

The public is invited to join the Waterloo Community Foundation on Wednesday, May 3 at 11 AM as we hear a presentation from Waterloo Police Chief Joe Leibold. Leibold was sworn in as Police Chief in November 2022 but has been with the Waterloo Police Department for over 30 years. He will join us to share insights on his new … Read more

The public is invited to join the Waterloo Community Foundation on Wednesday, April 5 at 11 AM as we hear about services provided to the community by Dementia Friendly Cedar Valley and Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging (NEI3A). Megan Zimmerman will share about Dementia Friendly Cedar Valley and how they are working to make the Cedar Valley a more … Read more

The Center for Public Integrity invites everyone to join a live conversation onWednesday, March 29, from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. to discuss local efforts being made toclose the wealth gap between Black and white Americans. The conversation will featureReShonda Young, the subject of “The Heist Season 2: The Wealth Vortex”, Public Integrity’s award-winning podcast. Jamie Smith Hopkins, … Read more

The 2nd Annual Kevin Dill Golf Tournament for Dementia Friendly Cedar Valley and Veterans will take place Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Gates Golf Course in Waterloo. All proceeds will benefit Dementia Friendly Cedar Valley, American Legion #138, Combat Motorcycle Association®️ 39-6, and similar programs serving Veterans. Contributions will be managed through the Kevin Dill Family Fund at … Read more

A Fund has been established with the Waterloo Community Foundation to honor the legacy of community leader Bette Wubbena and encourage the health and vitality of Waterloo and its citizens. Bette Wubbena was the Events Director at Grow Cedar Valley and a longtime champion for Waterloo. She was involved in various community organizations, including the Waterloo Downtown Council, … Read more

The EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) Chapter 227 has established a scholarship for aspiring pilots pursuing their private pilot’s license. The EAA 227 Young Pilot’s Scholarship will award $1,000 to eligible candidates enrolled in an accredited pilot training program at the Waterloo Airport, Independence Airport, Oelwein Airport, or Waverly Airport. Up to five awards can be offered in a … Read more

There are some important changes affecting the Endow Iowa Tax Credit program in 2023. As a nationally accredited community foundation, we have been proud to offer this program, which gives donors who give to a permanently endowed fund at a qualified community foundation an opportunity to receive a 25% state of Iowa tax credit for their gift. This … Read more

We are welcoming six new members to our Board of Directors in 2023! One of our strengths is our locally focused Board. Board members have diverse backgrounds and experiences, but share ties to Waterloo. These individuals have uniquely contributed to our community and we know their knowledge, expertise, and love for our city will be assets to the Foundation and, ultimately, … Read more

The public is invited to join the Waterloo Community Foundation on Wednesday, March 1 at 11 AM as we hear from Riverview Center about the services they provide survivors of sexual and domestic assault through their Waterloo Crisis Intervention Program. Community members may join this free presentation by contacting the Foundation’s Program Manager, Paige Price, at paige.price@wloocommunityfoundation.org. Windows on Waterloo … Read more

The public is invited to join the Waterloo Community Foundation on Wednesday, February 1 at 11 AM as we hear from Waterloo Community School District Superintendent, Dr. Jared Smith. Dr. Smith will be providing insights and updates on how his first year in the district is going and initiatives he is excited about for the future. Community members may join … Read more

We are offering 12 scholarship opportunities for students in 2023. A user account can be created here and applications can be submitted from now until 11:59 PM on March 12, 2023. The scholarship opportunities include the following: DAVE AUMER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP, a $500 renewable award to a graduating senior of the Waterloo Warriors hockey team. It is renewable … Read more

The Waterloo Community Foundation is announcing the establishment of the Family YMCA of Black Hawk County Endowment Fund. With a commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility, the Y is a powerful association of men, women, and children of all ages joined together by their shared passion. The … Read more

This year, we are awarding seven $5,000 grants through our competitive grant process. The Foundation received 38 inspiring applications from qualified organizations for projects or programs that benefit the community of Waterloo in one of four areas: health and human services, arts and culture, education, and economic development. After careful consideration of the volunteer Grants Committee, the 2022 … Read more

The Waterloo Community Foundation is announcing the establishment of the Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity-Waterloo Endowment Fund. In 1990, Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity began serving in Black Hawk, Butler, Bremer, and Buchanan counties, building affordable homes for qualifying homebuyers and completing critical home repairs in owner-occupied homes. As Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity is looking to the … Read more

The Waterloo West High School class of 1962 made their 60th High School Reunion a little more special this year by establishing the West High Class of 1962 Scholarship Fund at the Waterloo Community Foundation. Knowing this was the final reunion the group would share, classmates Jim McGreevey, David Kyner, Marcia Lieberman, and Denny and Barb Dietz dreamed … Read more

The public is invited to join the Waterloo Community Foundation and Friendship Village Foundation on Wednesday, November 16 at 1:30 PM for an Estate Planning Seminar. Theresa Hoffman, Attorney, will be presenting estate planning strategies and related tax and legal updates. Theresa specializes in estate planning, wills, and probate law. She also serves on the Board of Directors of the … Read more