Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa

06/12/2026

Following our June Board meeting, CFNEIA staff and board members gathered to celebrate 70 years of strengthening communities across Iowa.

We are grateful for the dedicated leadership of our board members, whose service, stewardship, and commitment help guide our mission and create lasting impact across our region.

Thank you to our current and former board members for helping shape 70 years of community impact and for continuing to invest in the future of the people and communities we serve.

💙 Here's to the people, partnerships, and generosity that make it possible.

06/12/2026

This week, we were honored to be part of the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier's 8 Over 80 awards. This year's honorees truly demonstrate what it means to live a life of service to the community. What they have given back leaves a legacy for future generations in the Cedar Valley and sets the example of the good that happens when you dedicate your life to making more possible for the causes, people, and community you love.

We are proud to sponsor this event and to coordinate this important community recognition alongside the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley and Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier. Congratulations to this year's honorees!

Photos from the Courier’s 2026 Eight Over Eighty Awards luncheon on Tuesday, June 9 at the Diamond Event Center in Cedar Falls.

06/12/2026

Happy Birthday to Paula Hill! 🎉

Today we're celebrating Paula, one of our dedicated Charitable Advisors, whose passion for connecting people with causes they care about helps strengthen communities across Northeast Iowa every day.

Paula's thoughtful guidance, commitment to philanthropy, and genuine care for donors and nonprofit partners make a lasting impact throughout our region.

Please join us in wishing Paula a very happy birthday and a wonderful year ahead!

06/09/2026

What happens when a financial institution invests not just in individuals, but in the organizations helping them succeed?

Since 2010, the Veridian Credit Union Fund has distributed more than $1.1 million to nonprofits across Iowa, Nebraska, and Minnesota that are removing barriers, strengthening workforce readiness, expanding financial literacy, and creating pathways to long-term stability.

Through its partnership with the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, Veridian Credit Union takes a trust-based approach to philanthropy, supporting organizations already doing impactful work and empowering them to meet the needs they see every day.

Read how this partnership is helping build stronger communities and successful financial futures for generations to come.

06/09/2026

We were excited to welcome one of our scholarship fundholders to the office on Friday. Bernie Scallon, an Ackley native now living in Pennsylvania, stopped by while in town to talk to Staci Mueller, our Director of Scholarship Impact, and Kaye Englin, our President and CEO. It was incredible to meet Bernie and discuss the impact he is having on student lives through the Hugh George and Elizabeth Scallon Scholarship Fund. You can read more about the fund here: https://bit.ly/3PLddzS. You can also read how the scholarship is impacting the life of Ella McGrath, a student at Iowa State University. https://bit.ly/4g7C4Zb

06/08/2026

Friday night kicked off the first Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center Block Party of the summer. CFNEIA is excited to once again sponsor these great community events. Jake and Stephanie from our staff had a great night talking to people and listening to The Snozzberries! We hope to see you at the next Block Party!

06/05/2026

Belonging makes more possible.

When Joana Lwin arrived in Waterloo as a child, she often helped her family navigate a new language, a new school system, and a new community. Today, she's helping the next generation do the same.

Through the Refugee and Immigrant Youth Organization (RIYO), Joana and her team provide academic support, leadership development, and a sense of belonging for more than 100 refugee and immigrant youth in the Cedar Valley.

"By the Community Foundation investing in us, we are able to invest in the over 100 youth that we serve."

When young people have access to opportunity, guidance, and connection, they can build brighter futures for themselves and strengthen our entire community.

Read Joana's inspiring story and see the impact your generosity makes possible.

06/04/2026

Black Hawk County high school students: Make a difference in your community through Teen Trust!

Teen Trust is a youth philanthropy program that empowers students to learn about local needs, support nonprofit organizations, and make real funding decisions.

As a Trustee, you'll:
✅ Help award more than $15,000 in grants to local nonprofits
✅ Participate in hands-on service projects
✅ Build leadership skills
✅ Connect with students from across Black Hawk County

Applications for the 2026–2027 Teen Trust class are open now!

Learn more and apply today at cfneia.org/teentrust.

Ahan TandonAnna HempelAraceli Perez-TorresArjun AnuguBrynn BakulaCael HarmsDaniel UmemezieDiana QuintoDina NazryElise WingEstelle MillerHunter SpitzerIsabela HafermannKaitlynn WillisKate PickarKen Kane

06/03/2026

Growing up on a dairy farm outside Jesup, Pat Monat learned the value of hard work, saving money, and helping others. Those lessons shaped a successful career in financial planning and inspired a lifelong commitment to giving back.

Today, through the Patricia and Daniel Monat Family Fund, Pat is helping the next generation of her family learn the joy and responsibility of philanthropy.

"My goal was to start a fund my family could manage down the road. I want to teach them how to explore their options and start giving back."

Read Pat's story and discover how a mindset of generosity can create lasting impact for generations to come.

📖 Read the full story in the comments.

06/02/2026

On May 21, 62 community members came together for the Cedar Valley Living Lab, hosted by Advancing Together—a hands-on session focused on real solutions, not presentations. The Living Lab model prioritizes depth and shared responsibility over quick answers.

Ten tables. Ten challenges. One shared goal: advancing economic stability through action.

Participants worked alongside local entrepreneurs to co-create ideas rooted in lived experience, while leaning into the kind of conversation that isn’t always easy, but is always necessary.

“We sharpen each other in ways that may cause friction, but it’s not to dull anyone. It’s to sharpen everyone,” said Rudy Jones, participant and long-time Director of the Community Development Department for the City of Waterloo.

Special thank you to our incredible entrepreneurs for your leadership, your vision, your strength, and for sharing your authentic stories!

Thank you to our partners: Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, Advancing Together, Black Hawk County Public Health, North Carolina A&T State University, and Qii – Institute for Quantum Innovation & Impact, along with all who made this work possible. The Community Foundation is honored to sponsor this event.