Waterloo Community Foundation

10/15/2026

Exciting things are taking shape for the future of STEM education in the Cedar Valley!

This week, Lynn LaGrone, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Hawkeye Community College, joined us for Windows on Waterloo to share an inside look at the developing Challenger Learning Center.

Designed primarily for students in grades 5–8, the center will use space-themed simulations and hands-on challenges to build problem-solving skills, spark curiosity, and inspire the next generation of innovators. It will also create new opportunities for educators, families, businesses, and the broader community to engage with STEM.

Missed the presentation? Watch the recording here:

Join us for a look at Hawkeye Community College’s developing Challe...

10/12/2026

We are looking forward to our next Windows on Waterloo presentation this Wednesday, October 14 at 11 AM, featuring a conversation about the Challenger Learning Center at Hawkeye Community College.

Lynn LaGrone, Vice President of Academic Affairs at Hawkeye Community College, will share more about this exciting new initiative, which will be the first and only Challenger Learning Center in Iowa. The center will offer an immersive STEM learning experience that inspires the next generation of creative thinkers, problem solvers, and innovators.

Designed primarily for students in grades 5–8, the center will use space-themed simulations and hands-on challenges to build skills, while creating opportunities for educators, families, businesses, and the broader community to engage with STEM.

We hope to see you there! Register online at https://wloocommunityfoundation.org/learning-opportunities/

10/07/2026

The future of STEM learning is taking shape at Hawkeye Community College!

Join us for an upcoming Windows on Waterloo conversation about the Challenger Learning Center on Wednesday, October 14 at 11 AM.

Designed primarily for students in grades 5–8, the center will offer an immersive STEM learning experience using space-themed simulations and hands-on challenges to build creative thinking, problem-solving, and innovation skills.

We’ll learn more about the vision for the center, how it could engage students and educators, and the opportunities it may create for families, businesses, and the broader community to connect with STEM.

Register online at https://wloocommunityfoundation.org/learning-opportunities/

10/05/2026

There’s still time to apply for a Waterloo Community Foundation grant this fall!

If your organization is making a difference in Waterloo, we’d love to hear about the work you’re doing.

Our competitive grant program supports local nonprofits working in five areas:
• Arts & Culture
• Education
• Economic Development
• Health & Human Services
• Inclusion

Our typical grant is $5,000, and funding has supported both newer nonprofits getting started and established organizations preparing for the future.

Applications are due this Thursday, October 8 at 4 p.m. If your organization has a project that could help make Waterloo stronger, there’s still time to apply!

Learn more at https://wloocommunityfoundation.org/grants/

10/01/2026

We love seeing young professionals connect with the community and find ways to make an impact!

We’re proud to support Cedar Valley Young Professionals (CVYP) Community Impact events, which give young professionals opportunities to learn more about our community, explore causes they care about and get involved. Thanks for creating these opportunities, CVYP!

10/01/2026

Applications for our competitive grant cycle are due in one week on Thursday, October 8 at 4 PM.

We are inviting local nonprofits to apply for projects that strengthen our community in one of five areas:
• Arts & Culture
• Education
• Economic Development
• Health & Human Services
• Inclusion

Our typical grant award is $5,000 and funding has supported both newer nonprofits getting started and established organizations preparing for the future.

If your organization is making a difference in Waterloo, we'd love to hear what you're working on! Learn more and apply at https://wloocommunityfoundation.org/grants/

09/30/2026

We are pleased to welcome Kelly Martin as the new Executive Director of Go! Transportation, an organization we're proud to support through fiscal sponsorship!

Kelly brings experience in education, community leadership, partnership development, and program coordination through his work with Waterloo Community Schools, the City of Waterloo, and community partners across the Cedar Valley. He has spent much of his career working with schools, nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, and families to support youth and strengthen community connections.

Kelly also serves as an At-Large City Council Member for Waterloo and has more than 20 years of experience as a youth sports coach and referee.

Please join us in welcoming Kelly to the Go! Transportation team.

09/25/2026

Where does Iowa’s energy come from and how can renewable energy help us meet growing electricity demand?

In this week’s Windows on Waterloo, Jordan Oster of the Iowa Environmental Council explored Iowa’s changing energy landscape, opportunities for renewable energy, and practical ways households and organizations can reduce energy use.

Missed the presentation? Watch the recording here:

Jordan Oster of the Iowa Environmental Council will share insights ...

09/23/2026

Is your organization making a difference in Waterloo? Our competitive grant cycle is now open, and we want to hear what your organization is working on!

We’re inviting local nonprofits to apply for projects that strengthen our community in one of five areas: Arts & Culture, Education, Economic Development, Health & Human Services, and Inclusion

Our typical grant size is $5,000, and funding has supported both newer nonprofits getting started and established organizations preparing for the future.

If your organization is doing work that helps make Waterloo stronger, we’d love to learn more.

Learn more and apply at https://wloocommunityfoundation.org/grants/

09/21/2026

Have you considered what renewable energy could look like for you?

Join us this Wednesday, September 23 at 11 AM for Windows on Waterloo with Jordan Oster from the Iowa Environmental Council.

Jordan will share insights into Iowa’s changing energy landscape, including increasing electricity demand, renewable energy opportunities, and ways households and organizations can reduce energy use while incorporating renewable energy into everyday life.

This is the final presentation in our special three-part series exploring earth protection and its connection to the future of our community.

Join us online! Community members are welcome to attend. Register at https://wloocommunityfoundation.org/learning-opportunities/