Cedar Rapids schools foundation surpasses $2M in assets

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Cedar Rapids Community Schools Foundation has surpassed $2 million in assets, doubling its financial support for local public education since 2019 and supporting student participation in activities, preparing them for postsecondary success and providing staff with financial assistance for professional development.

During the 2023-24 school year, the foundation served almost 300 teachers and 15,600 students. The nonprofit received a total of $622,572 in donations and awarded $504,622 through scholarships and grant programs.

“This achievement is a testament to the generosity and confidence of our donors — locally and nationwide — who believe in our mission to support students and staff,” Karen Swanson, executive director of the foundation, said in a news release.

The foundation spends 82 percent of contributions it receives on programming, 11 percent on administration and 7 percent on fundraising efforts. The majority of donations — 81 percent — come from individuals. Last fiscal year, contributions were received from 577 private donors.

The foundation was founded in 1982 and is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to enrich the educational experience of students in the Cedar Rapids district through strategic funding for academics, technology, professional development and extracurricular activities.

One of the newest programs at the foundation is its college and career pathways grants, which provide funds for programming aligned with workforce needs.

College and career pathways engage students in the application of academic content to prepare them for their future, while developing skills in communication, critical thinking, leadership and citizenship. Pathway programs can prepare students for high-wage, high-skill, in-demand careers.

College and career pathways grants include funds for educators to receive professional development with help toward tuition and textbooks, the purchase of materials for an innovative curricular project or implementing positive behavior supports into their classroom practice, among other uses.

Other grants can provide funding assistance to at-risk or low-income students who want to participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities but otherwise could not because of financial constraints.

The foundation’s work is aligned with the school district’s three-year strategic plan approved by the Cedar Rapids school board in 2023. The plan includes goals of:

Aligned with the strategic plan is the district’s plan to launch pathways at four of its high schools, beginning with freshman academies next fall. The pathways will break down barriers and raise student achievement by giving students the opportunity to explore careers while in high school and be empowered in their learning, school leaders say.

For more information about the foundation or to donate, visit crcsf.com.

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