Waterloo Community Foundation

We are proud to announce the 2024 recipients of the Greg Freshwater Memorial Scholarship: Waterloo firefighters Tim Harmon and Patrick McNally. Both are currently pursuing paramedic training at Hawkeye Community College, advancing their skills to better serve our community. The Greg Freshwater Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2017 to honor the life of firefighter Greg Freshwater, who tragically passed away that same year. Greg’s dream of becoming a paramedic inspired the creation of this scholarship, which has since supported 12 Waterloo firefighters in achieving advanced EMT or paramedic certification. “Not only does the Greg Freshwater scholarship keep alive the memory of one of our members lost to tragedy, it provides financial relief to those who have chosen to pursue the goal of becoming a paramedic on our department. These individuals are the future of our ability to provide emergent, advanced life-saving treatments to those we serve,” says Lt. Jason Hernandez, Medical Supervisor at Waterloo Fire Rescue. As the demand for emergency medical services grows, supporting the next generation of paramedics is more critical than ever. “We are grateful to the Freshwater family for their gift towards the education of future paramedics, which aids in addressing the problem of the paramedic shortage we are currently seeing in our region and across the country,” says Hernandez. Community members are invited to contribute to this fund that is keeping Greg’s legacy alive and training local first responders to provide the best care possible. Donations can be made online at https://lnkd.in/g_He-F6v

Join Cedar Valley Nonprofit Association for a session on fundraising, designed specifically for new and small nonprofits! This workshop will cover the basics and best practices for a variety of funding sources, including individual donors, campaigns, events, and government contracts, emphasizing the importance of diversifying your income to ensure long-term sustainability. Ali Parrish and Dusty Wilson from Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity will lead this session and share tips to help you navigate the fundraising landscape with confidence and success. Free for CVNA members! $25 for nonmembers! Thursday, December 5 12:00-1:00 PM Union Block Board Room (114 E. 4th St. Suite 300 Waterloo) We hope to see you there! Register online at https://lnkd.in/gDy-WA63

We are proud to introduce the Margaret Ann Enderlein Scholarship, honoring a woman whose life was dedicated to service and community. This scholarship will support Waterloo students pursuing their educational goals, continuing Ann’s legacy of generosity and commitment to others. Born and raised in Waterloo, Ann was deeply involved in the community throughout her life. She held board positions with many local organizations, including the National Bank of Waterloo, Allen Hospital Foundation, Friends of the Arts, Waterloo Civic Foundation, and Junior League of Waterloo & Cedar Falls. Ann’s dedication to service, fundraising, and philanthropy left a lasting impact on the community she loved. The Margaret Ann Enderlein Scholarship will honor her legacy by providing annual financial assistance to graduating students from high schools in Waterloo who demonstrate active community engagement through extracurricular activities, volunteer service, or work involvement. Scholarship recipients will pursue undergraduate degrees at accredited colleges or universities within Iowa, with the opportunity to renew their scholarship each year for up to four years. This opportunity joins more than 30 other scholarships available annually through the Waterloo Community Foundation, each tailored to support students in achieving their academic goals. Scholarship funds like the Margaret Ann Enderlein Scholarship offer more than financial aid—they provide an investment in our future, empowering students to pursue their dreams and create a bright future for Waterloo. Learn more about establishing a Scholarship Fund that supports Waterloo students at https://lnkd.in/gStsDu3z Applications for all high school student scholarships, including the Margaret Ann Enderlein Scholarship, will open in January 2025. Students can view more information about these scholarships and the application at https://lnkd.in/gQV3bAPR

Thank you to Waterloo Police Chief Robert Duncan for joining us for Windows on Waterloo this month! Chief Duncan shared insights on his new role as Chief, experiences serving Waterloo, and initiatives being implemented to upgrade technology and care for officers in the department. If you missed this presentation, a recording can be found here: https://lnkd.in/g2utYaCz

Join us for Windows on Waterloo this Wednesday, November 6, at 11 AM! Waterloo Police Chief Robert Duncan will join us to share insights on his new role, experiences serving Waterloo, and what he is planning for the future! Register online at https://lnkd.in/gu3CEhmt

Join us Wednesday, November 6 at 11 AM for an online Windows on Waterloo presentation with Waterloo Police Chief Robert Duncan. Chief Duncan was sworn in this summer but has been with the Waterloo Police Department for over 25 years. He will join us to share insights on his new role, experiences serving Waterloo, and what he is planning for the future! Register online at https://lnkd.in/gu3CEhmt to receive the link for this free webinar.

The Waterloo Community Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Cedar Valley Hospice Waterloo Endowment Fund. An anonymous donor has generously contributed the initial funds to create this long-term endowment, designated specifically for services in Waterloo. Cedar Valley Hospice is Northeast Iowa’s leading expert in hospice and palliative care. Their team of professionals offers a variety of compassionate care services to patients and caregivers, including hospice and palliative care, grief support for adults and youth, caregiver support, and case management for persons living with HIV. This endowment fund aims to provide stability and long-term support to ensure these essential services continue to be available in Waterloo. “We are honored that this generous donor chose to establish an endowment fund for Cedar Valley Hospice – Waterloo at the Waterloo Community Foundation,” said Executive Director Michaela Vandersee. “This endowment fund will help us further our mission: To Enrich Lives with Knowledge, Respect and Compassionate Care for generations to come. By contributing to this fund, you are helping ensure your family, friends and neighbors will continue to receive the highest quality compassionate care and support during some of life’s most difficult moments.” Community members may contribute to the Cedar Valley Hospice Waterloo Endowment Fund online at https://lnkd.in/g8DKz_3m As a permanently endowed fund, the Cedar Valley Hospice Waterloo Endowment Fund is eligible for the Endow Iowa 25% State Tax Credit Program. Learn more about this program at https://lnkd.in/g6vxmtAG

We were fortunate to have Katy Susong, President and CEO of Grow Cedar Valley, join us to share more about Grow Cedar Valley's work to expand opportunities and economic development in our community. Katy shares their strategic plan and the priority areas they are working on for the next few years. If you missed this presentation, a recording can be found here:?https://lnkd.in/gNmg2HYy

Estate planning is much more than just the transmission of wealth – it is an opportunity to pass on your values and passions for the things you care about. This year, we are excited to introduce you to our brand-new Legacy Society, which recognizes the forward-thinking individuals who have decided to invest in our city's future by including the Waterloo Community Foundation in their estate plans. By leaving a gift through your will, retirement plan assets, life insurance, or other sources, you ensure that your love for Waterloo extends beyond your lifetime. If you have questions or would like to discuss the various ways to leave a legacy gift, please contact us at 319-883-6022 or visit https://lnkd.in/gnwmht5P. We are eager to listen and help plan a gift that reflects your unique and creative interests!

Applications for our competitive grant cycle are due soon! The application and required documents must be received by Thursday, October 10 at 5:00 p.m. We are seeking grant proposals from qualified organizations benefiting Waterloo in one of four areas: ? health and human services ? arts and culture ? education ? economic development Learn more and apply online at https://lnkd.in/gxHmt7Tb