Waterloo Community Foundation

09/02/2026

Join us Wednesday, September 9 at 11 AM for the first presentation in our special three-part Windows on Waterloo series exploring earth protection and its connection to the future of our community.

Audrey Tran Lam, Environmental Health Program Manager at UNI Center for Energy and Environmental Education, will explore Iowa's water quality, including local and statewide trends, the impacts of agricultural runoff, and what we know about nitrate contamination and its potential connection to rising cancer rates.
She'll also discuss practical approaches to improving water quality and share steps individuals can take, including water testing and filtration options.

This is an online presentation, and community members are welcome to join by registering online at https://wloocommunityfoundation.org/learning-opportunities/

Wednesday's presentation is the first of three conversations focused on practical ways we can protect our environment and strengthen the health and quality of life of our community. To learn more about our upcoming presentations on healthier transportation options and renewable energy, visit https://wloocommunityfoundation.org/learning-opportunities/

09/01/2026

Our grant cycle is OPEN!

Is your organization making a difference in Waterloo? We’d love to hear what you’re working on.

The Waterloo Community Foundation is now accepting grant applications for projects that strengthen our community in one of five areas: Arts & Culture, Education, Economic Development, Health & Human Services, or Inclusion.

Thinking about applying? Join us for a Grant Information Session!

We’ll walk through our grantmaking process, share tips for applying, and answer your questions.

We’re offering two sessions so you can choose the time that works best for you: Wednesday, September 2 at 2:00 PM or Thursday, September 3 at 9:00 AM

Both sessions will be held at the Union Block Board Room (114 E. 4th Street, Suite 300, Waterloo)

Whether you’ve applied for a Waterloo Community Foundation grant before or are considering applying for the first time, we’d love to have you join us!

Learn more and apply: wloocommunityfoundation.org/grants

08/20/2026

What does a more sustainable future look like for Waterloo?

Join us this September for a special three-part Windows on Waterloo series - Earth Protection: Local Solutions for a Sustainable Future.

We'll explore some of the environmental issues impacting our community and hear from local experts about practical solutions and steps each of us can take to make a difference.

💧 Water Quality: Protecting Our Most Vital Resource
Wednesday, September 9 at 11 AM
Audrey Tran Lam from UNI Center for Energy and Environmental Education will explore Iowa's water quality, nitrate contamination, and practical steps individuals can take to protect their water.

🚲 Biking and Driving: Designing Healthier Transportation
Wednesday, September 16 at 11 AM
Brenda Vavroch of INRCOG and Abbie Christophersen of the Mid-Iowa Planning Alliance will discuss trail connectivity, e-bikes, electric vehicles, and opportunities for more sustainable transportation in our region.

⚡ Renewable Energy: Local Solutions to a Global Challenge
Wednesday, September 23 at 11 AM
Jordan Oster of the Iowa Environmental Council will explore Iowa's changing energy landscape, renewable energy opportunities, and ways households and organizations can reduce energy use amid growing energy demand.

Join us for one presentation or all three as we learn more about the challenges facing our region, explore local solutions, and discover ways we can all contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future.

These online presentations are free and open to the public!

Register today: https://wloocommunityfoundation.org/learning-opportunities/ -on-waterloo

08/19/2026

Be sure to visit The Community Crate while it is in Waterloo! This interactive exhibit explores housing challenges and solutions through local data, stories, and lived experiences, sparking important conversations about the role stable housing plays in building strong families and thriving communities.

Thank you to the Otto Schoitz Foundation and Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity for bringing this experience to our community!

Join us this week and visit the Community Crate, a mobile exhibit that shares local data about housing barriers and solutions. Stop by for 10 or 15 minutes to learn more. https://upliftiowa.org/the-community-crate/

08/18/2026

"One thing nobody can take away from you is your education."

That lesson, passed down from his parents after they immigrated from Mexico, has shaped the life of Waterloo City Council member Hector Salamanca Arroyo. Today, it is inspiring a new scholarship for the next generation.

The newly established Salamanca Arroyo DREAM Scholarship Fund will support graduating Waterloo high school seniors who are first-generation immigrants or of Latino heritage as they pursue higher education.

For Salamanca Arroyo, the scholarship is deeply personal. As a first-generation immigrant learning English and adapting to a new culture, mentors and educators helped him discover his voice, pursue his education, and eventually find his path to public service.

Now, he hopes to help create those same opportunities for others.

"I want students to know that where you start doesn't have to determine where you finish," Salamanca Arroyo said. "There are opportunities available to help you move further than you ever imagined."

Named in honor of both sides of his family, the Salamanca Arroyo DREAM Scholarship Fund is a tribute to his parents' sacrifices and their unwavering belief in the power of education. It is also an investment in the young people who will help shape Waterloo's future!

08/14/2026

If you missed this week’s Windows on Waterloo, you can still catch the conversation with Anne Lefter, the new Executive Director of the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, and Bethany Brooks, Director of Development.

From Anne’s fresh perspective as a new leader in the community to an exciting preview of the upcoming season, this presentation offers a look at the future of one of the Cedar Valley’s most important cultural destinations!

Check out the full recording at https://youtu.be/o6e-qZPVvRA

08/10/2026

Meet Anne Lefter, the new Executive Director of the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center at this month's Windows on Waterloo presentation!

Join us Wednesday, August 12 at 11 AM for a conversation with Anne as she shares what’s next for the Gallagher Bluedorn, along with Bethany Brooks, Director of Development. We’ll get a preview of performances planned for the upcoming season and explore the role this treasured institution plays in bringing people together through the arts.

Register online to join us for this free virtual presentation at https://wloocommunityfoundation.org/learning-opportunities/

08/06/2026

Join us Wednesday, August 12 at 11 AM for a Windows on Waterloo webinar!

This month, we're pleased to welcome Anne Lefter, the new Executive Director of the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. Join us for a conversation about what's next for the Gallagher Bluedorn, get a preview of the performances planned for the upcoming season, and explore the role this treasured community institution plays in bringing people together through the arts.

Register for this free presentation online at https://wloocommunityfoundation.org/learning-opportunities/

08/01/2026

Creating a will isn't just about your assets - it's an opportunity to pass on your values and support the people, causes, and community that matter most to you!

A thoughtful estate plan gives you the opportunity to care for your loved ones while also creating a lasting impact. Whether you choose to support a favorite nonprofit, invest in the future of Waterloo, or leave a gift that reflects your values, your generosity can make a difference for generations to come.

Whether you're creating your first will or it's time to update an existing one, now is a great opportunity to take the next step. We're here to help you explore simple ways to include charitable giving in your estate plan so your values continue making an impact well into the future. Learn more at https://wloocommunityfoundation.org/set-up-a-fund/

If you're looking to learn more about estate planning, check out our past webinars that answer common questions and help simplify the process. Watch them here:
🔗https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEmV5slVufA&list=PLjOcgBoXkebpcY6ttsnNIaUUY2KoVPo8H&index=12&t=5s
🔗https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T452ZpV-ZOc&list=PLjOcgBoXkebpcY6ttsnNIaUUY2KoVPo8H&index=24

07/31/2026

Thank you for hosting, Cedar Valley Nonprofit Association! We enjoyed seeing everyone!