Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa aims to inspire people and connect resources to enrich our community. They are an organization that connects generous people in the community to nonprofits doing good in the Cedar Valley. Current President and CEO, Kaye Englin, spoke with me about the work they are doing.
Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa was founded 64 years ago as part of a network of community foundations across the country. A local group of volunteers noticed that this type of organization was popping up, and thought that the Cedar Valley could use something like it. They have had full time staff members for thirty years, and Kaye has been the CEO for ten years. They have around 350 volunteers that help them connect their funds to nonprofits doing good, and they also have a variety of scholarships they offer to students.
Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa serves 20 counties. They also have affiliate counties that they partner with to help them do their giving. It’s important to note that they don’t serve just Black Hawk County where their office is located, but they serve the entire northeast region of Iowa.
Brand Identity
Nine years ago, they did a rebrand to update the logo and website. They wanted to “visually do a better job of representing the kind of organization we are,” (Kaye Englin).
Keeping People Aware
The biggest struggle they face in marketing is continually changing and adapting to get your message out there. It takes work to keep your organization relevant and your content interesting. Because they serve so many counties, they have to make sure that people understand that.
Standing Out
Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa is unique in that they are working both with nonprofits growing good in their communities and the generous people that have the means to make an impact. They get to be in the middle of the “doers” and the “givers”. Along with this, they walk alongside nonprofits during the really good times, and the really bad times. Developing authentic relationships with the nonprofits allows them to be a true partner in doing good in the community.
Growing a Nonprofit
Kaye’s number one tip for growing a nonprofit is to be really clear about what you’re doing in the world. You have to help people understand why you exist and the difference you will make to the people you are serving. Also, it’s important to invite people into the work you’re doing so they can see it for themselves.
Visit the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa website to read more! Visit their Facebook page!
Read about more amazing nonprofits in the Cedar Valley.
This has been an interesting series. I think anyone involved in a non-profit, community service organization, or even something so “simple” as a community celebration weekend (think ‘our city days’) would find a valuable nugget or two by reading all your posts.
Thank you for your interest in my posts!