News Archives - Cedar Falls Community Foundation

2026 Melendy Award Recipient

Fri, 03 Apr 2026 22:00:08 GMT

The Cedar Falls Community Foundation (CFCF) is pleased to announce Bob Beach as the posthumous recipient of the

2026 Melendy Spirit Award, recognizing his lifetime of extraordinary leadership, philanthropy, and service to the Cedar Falls

community. The Melendy Spirit Award honors individuals whose contributions have significantly enhanced the quality of life in

Cedar Falls through community engagement, civic leadership, and generosity. Living fully and exuberantly in to his 90’s,

Beach exemplified the spirit of the award through decades of dedication to the institutions, organizations, and initiatives that

help make Cedar Falls a vibrant place to live, work, and learn.

This award will be presented to Bob’s family at the Cedar Falls Business and Community awards luncheon on Thursday, May

7 th, doors open at 11:30 a.m., at the Daimond Events Center at Jorgensen Plaza.

Born on September 23, 1926 — the same day that UNI’s Campanile was originally dedicated — Bob’s life would remain

closely connected to the university and the community it serves. A 1951 graduate of Iowa State Teachers College, Beach

carried forward a deep commitment to education and community building throughout his life. Beach’s impact was particularly

significant through his leadership with the University of Northern Iowa Foundation. He joined the Foundation’s Board of

Governors in 1980, was elected to the Board of Directors in 1985, and was soon elected as President, remaining in that role

for an unprecedented ten years. During his presidency, the Foundation experienced significant growth and advancement,

including the launch of the Leading Building Sharing Campaign, which exceeded its $25 million goal and resulted in the

construction of the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, now a cultural cornerstone for Cedar Falls and the Cedar

Valley.

Beach was deeply involved in the College Hill community, as for nearly four decades he led University Book & Supply,

transforming it from a campus bookstore into a major retail destination while serving as a welcoming presence for generations

of UNI students and their families. Known for spending much of his time on the store floor greeting visitors and engaging with

students, Beach deftly uniting the town and gown factions with the College hill Partnership, and the College Hill Arts Festival.

His civic leadership included service as President of the Cedar Falls Chamber of Commerce, involvement with the local

tourism board and Main Street initiatives.

Beach’s philanthropy touched projects both large and small — from major initiatives such as the UNI-Dome and the Gallagher

Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, to community improvements like park benches, trail amenities, and neighborhood

enhancements. His generosity and leadership helped support many organizations and institutions throughout Cedar Falls,

including the Cedar Falls Community Foundation, the Cedar Falls Rotary Club, Hearst Center for the Arts, Cedar Falls

Historical Society, Sturgis Falls Celebration, the Cedar Falls Public Library, the Oster Regent Theatre, and the Cedar Falls

Recreation Center.

Throughout his life, Beach was widely recognized for his service and impact. Among many honors, he was named Outstanding

Individual Philanthropist for Northeast Iowa by the National Society of Fundraising Executives, received the Governor’s Annual

Recognition Award for Volunteer Service, and was inducted into the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame. He also

received the 8 Over 80 Legacy Award and numerous recognitions from the University of Northern Iowa. Colleagues and

community members remember Beach as an inspirational leader, progressive thinker, and tireless advocate for collaboration

and civic engagement. His ability to bring people together around shared goals helped launch projects and initiatives that

continue to shape Cedar Falls today.

For his lifetime of service and the lasting legacy he leaves behind, the Cedar Falls Community Foundation is honored to

recognize Bob Beach posthumously, as the 2026 Melendy Spirit Awardee.

More information and how to purchase tickets to the Cedar Falls Business and Community awards luncheon will be available

soon.

2025 Cedar Falls Public Library Fund Video!

Director@cf-communityfoundation.org (Sally Kleiss Timmer) — Fri, 28 Mar 2025 20:22:03 GMT

2025 Cedar Falls Public Library Imagination Library Video!

Fri, 28 Mar 2025 20:22:01 GMT

2025 Spring Robert Eller Scholarship Recipients

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 15:36:16 GMT

Congratulations to our 2025 Spring Eller Scholarship Award Winners!

Pictured: Robert Eller

The Cedar Falls Community Foundation has awarded $27,000 in scholarships from the Robert Eller Study Abroad Endowment to support UNI students studying abroad during th e Spring 2025 semester.

The Robert Eller Study Abroad Endowment was established by emeritus UNI Education Media Specialist Robert Eller to foster the educational, professional, and personal growth of undergraduate students at the University of Northern Iowa by providing funds to support study outside the United States for students whose previous travel and study experiences abroad had been limited. Applications are accepted through the UNI Study Abroad Center and reviewed by a committee of University of Northern Iowa Emeritus Association members: Diane Curtis (chair), Paul Rider, Susan Schwieger, Gary Shontz and Michael Prahl, and Cedar Falls Community Foundation Executive Director, Sally Timmer. Four students were chosen to receive scholarships for Spring 2025 from the Robert Eller Study Abroad Endowment.

Each student has been introduced below:

Savannah Willard is a Psychology major with a Mental Health and Family Studies minor from Cedar Falls, Iowa. Savannah will be studying at Florence University of Arts in Florence, Italy.

Martin Martinez is a Business Administration and Financial Management major with an Entrepreneurship minor from Story City, Iowa. Martin will be studying at American College of Greece in Athens, Greece.

Zachary Mineart is a Spanish and Interactive Digital Studies major with a Translation and Graphic Technology minor from Earlville, Iowa. Zachary will be studying at University of Oviedo in Oviedo, Spain.

Lindsey Stabenow is a Psychology and Interactive Digital Studies major with a Spanish minor from Waterloo, Iowa. Lindsey will be studying at Universidad Veritas in San Jose, Costa Rica.

“Robert Eller envisioned offering Iowa students the chance to explore the world and enhance their personal development and autonomy through international study experiences. The Foundation is privileged to carry forward Mr. Eller’s vision by supporting these students on their study abroad journeys. Upon their return, these students will share their enriching experiences with prospective students, aiming to inspire a greater number of students to pursue international study opportunities in the years to come,” says Cedar Falls Community Foundation Direction, Sally Timmer.

The Robert Eller Study Abroad Scholarship Fund has awarded 109 scholarships for a total of over $411,892.00. Applications for the Robert Eller Study Abroad Scholarship are available by contacting the Study Abroad office at the University of Northern Iowa and are accepted in November and March of each year.

The Cedar Falls Community Foundation is a nationally accredited community foundation, managed by a Board of Directors made up of Cedar Falls residents. The Cedar Falls Community Foundation accepts and manages estate gifts and donations to fulfill donor wishes, assisting donors to achieve their charitable legacy. The mission of the Cedar Falls Community Foundation is to inspire and connect individuals, families and organizations to enhance our community, support non-profits, elevate educational opportunities, and build legacies through philanthropy. The Cedar Falls Community Foundation strives to be a champion of local philanthropy and a trusted, empowering partner to donors who are passionate about enriching the community of Cedar Falls.For more information about the Cedar Falls Community Foundation, please visit www.cf-communityfoundation.org or contact 319.243.9170 or director@cf-communityfoundation.org.

2024 Grants Awarded!

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 17:21:28 GMT

Cedar Falls Community Foundation announces 2024 competitive grant awards

The Cedar Falls Community Foundation has awarded $84,500 in grants to area non-profits and childcare facilities. Applications for these grants were accepted from April 1 ^st through June 15 ^th and were approved by the organization’s board of directors in July. Funding for the grants came from the Rownd Trust, the Diamond Arts and History Fund, and the CFCF Children and Families Fund.

The Cedar River Recreational Project will receive $50,000 paid out over four years from the Rownd Trust to support the Cedar River enhancement project. These enhancements include safe handicap access to the river’s edge, recreational water activity for kayakers and canoeists, tubing options along the river bank, fishing opportunities through improved access and improved habitat development and much more!

The Cedar Falls Rotary Club will receive $10,000 for the 100 ^th Anniversary Cedar Falls Rotary Club Plaza from the Rownd Trust. Funding will be used to support the plaza to honor and recognize essential workers during the pandemic including educators, public servants, and sustainers.

The Cedar Falls Rotary Club endeavors to serve their community, nation, and world through worthwhile projects and emphasizes “Service above Self” in their mission.

The Cedar Falls Woman’s Club will receive $5,000 for new HVAC for their kitchen from the Rownd Trust.

The Cedar Falls Woman’s Club provides opportunities for members learning, serving through volunteerism, and participating in civic events. In addition, the Cedar Falls Woman’s Club plays a vital role in the historic district of Cedar Falls by maintaining a Victorian House for use as a meeting site by the Woman’s Club and businesses and organizations in the community.

The Cedar Falls Community Theater will receive $3,500 for the New Play Festival from the Diamond Arts and History Fund. This will be a new event at the theatre that is designed to celebrate and support Iowa playwrights by providing a platform to showcase their work. The primary goals of the festival are to discover and nurture local talent, enrich the cultural landscape of Cedar Falls, and offer the community a unique theatrical experience.

The mission of the Cedar Falls Community Theater is to showcase community-based performing arts in Cedar Falls.

The University of Northern Iowa Foundation will receive $1,000 to help fund the Suzuki Orchestra Tours from the Diamond Arts and History Fund. This grant will support tours to arts-underserved populations that would usually not have access to orchestra concerts and encourages students to pursue musical studies by featuring performances by students of similar age. The Suzuki School at the UNI School of Music seeks to enrich the lives of children and adults through the study of music.

The Cedar Falls Community Foundation granted $15,000 from the Children and Families Fund this year.

Community United Childcare Centers-Valley Park will receive $3,500 to repair the front sidewalk of their facility that has become a tripping hazard.

Lora’s Child Care will receive $3,000 to help pay for new flooring and equipment.

St. John’s Preschool and Childcare Center will receive $3,000 to purchase a new industrial sized refrigerator, to continue providing breakfast, two snacks, and lunch to the children enrolled in their program.

Prairie Rose Montessori School, LLC will receive $3,000 to put towards the cost of making their new building ADA compliant through adding a ramp and creating an ADA compliant restroom.

Immanuel Lutheran Preschool will receive $1,000 to help with the cost of renovations to their classrooms to add wrap around childcare to their preschool program.

Little Hawkeyes Daycare will receive $1,500 to support a new storage shed and new outdoor play equipment.

The Cedar Falls Community Foundation

The Cedar Falls Community Foundation (CFCF) is a nationally accredited community foundation working with donors to make a difference in Cedar Falls. The Cedar Falls Community Foundation is located inside Farmers State Bank, 6 ^th and Main Street, Cedar Falls, and is accessible by appointment, phone 319.243.9170, email: director@cf-communityfoundation.org, and website: www.cf-communityfoundation.org.

Cedar Falls Community Foundation Awards 2023 Grants!

Thu, 03 Aug 2023 18:12:00 GMT

The Cedar Falls Community Foundation has awarded $73,000 in grants to area non-profits and childcare facilities. Applications for these grants were accepted from April 1st through June 30th and were approved by the organization’s board of directors in July. Funding for the grants came from the Rownd Trust, the Diamond Arts and History Fund, the CFCF Health and Wellness Fund and the CFCF Children and Families Fund.

Cedar Valley Preschool and Childcare will receive $3,000 from the Children and Families Fund. The funding will be used to replace four windows on the main floor of their facility that do not currently open, which helps address some health and safety issues. This institution has been providing a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for the past 52 years! Children from various family styles, economic circumstances, diverse cultures, and with different capabilities are served at the Cedar Valley Preschool and Childcare facility so that parents can attend work or school with peace of mind.

The Learn and Play Preschool and Daycare LLC will receive $5,000 from the Children and Family Fund to help pay for furniture and equipment in their new addition. While at this facility children are engaged in educational and developmental programs that allow them to grow physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually. They are cared for in a safe and nurturing environment that is supplemental to the care they receive from their family unit.

Wonderfully Made Childcare will receive $5,000 from the Children and Families Fund to help pay for an egress window, which will allow for an expansion of the childcare facility. Wonderfully Made Childcare is a home-based childcare provider near Orchard Hill Elementary that provides infant-school age care. They meet individual needs through hands-on learning, faith-building, and play, all while nurturing the children’s hearts and minds in a simple homestead environment.

The Cedar Falls Pickleball Club will receive $12,500 paid out over two years to support the pickleball complex expansion and enhancement project from the Rownd Trust. This expansion will enhance the facilities in Orchard Hill Park with an additional 8 pickleball courts, a new shelter, and a plaza/social area, as well as an expanded parking lot.
The Cedar Falls Pickleball Club works to promote and grow the sport of pickleball in the Cedar Valley by providing fun, healthy, recreational and social opportunities for all in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Cedar Heights Parents Teachers United will receive $5,000 for a new playground at Cedar Heights Elementary from the Rownd Trust. Funding will be used to help construct a playground to replace the current wooden playground that has become unsafe due to deteriorating pieces as well as wasps building nests inside the play structure.
The Cedar Heights Parents Teachers United mission is to support the education, mental, and social welfare of children at Cedar Heights Elementary by fostering relationships among the school, parents, teachers, and community.

The Cedar Falls Community Theater will receive $6,000 for a new furnace for the Oster Regent Theater from the Rownd Trust. This repair will make it so the top two floors of the building can continue to be used during the winter months. By supporting the physical venue, we can ensure a healthy arts and culture sector in the Cedar Valley.
The mission of the Cedar Falls Community Theater is to showcase community-based performing arts in Cedar Falls.

The Cedar Falls Community Center will also receive $6,000 from the Rownd Trust for new furniture. The current seating was donated in 2004 when the Community Center was built and is now in poor condition. The Community Center will also be receiving new flooring and with these updates, the city hopes to increase the appeal to the community to rent the space and make it a more inviting place for all. The Cedar Falls Community Center provides programs and services to senior citizens, hosts public events, and is rented on evenings and weekends by community members for private events.

The University of Northern Iowa Foundation will receive $2,500 to fund audio-description supported performances for TheatreUNI. This grant will support their goal of providing descriptive services opportunities during live performances, in addition to other support, for visually-impaired and blind theatre patrons. The Department of Theatre at UNI works to engage students, audiences, community members, teachers, and guest artists in diverse, innovative and captivating theatre that illuminates the human condition. The department’s coursework and productions serve both students preparing for a life in the theatre and those preparing a place for theatre in their lives.

The Hearst Center for the Arts will receive $3,000 from the Diamond Arts and History Fund to support an art and culture mobile tour. This will be a pilot project to develop a Cedar Falls Public Art mobile tour and selfie scavenger hunt, Hearst Sculpture Garden Scavenger Hunt, and art quizzes for youth over the fall of 2023. The Hearst Center for the Arts opens doors to the humanities and creative arts through the excellence and appeal of exhibitions and programs.

The College Hill Partnership was awarded a grant of $25,000 to support a new inclusive and accessible playground at Seerley Park. At present, the park is not ADA accessible and this renovation will add stable surface and smooth transitions for those with mobility and vision challenges, as well as inclusive playground equipment, and a fence. The College Hill Partnership is a non-profit organization that serves as the leader in revitalization and promotion of the College Hill area, an urban neighborhood community. The scope of it’s mission includes promoting healthy neighborhood business and housing enhancement; strengthening collaboration and pride; developing public/private partnerships; and serving as an advocate for addressing area concerns.

The Cedar Falls Community Foundation
The Cedar Falls Community Foundation (CFCF) is a nationally accredited community foundation working with donors to make a difference in Cedar Falls. The Cedar Falls Community Foundation is located inside Farmers State Bank, 6th and Main Street, Cedar Falls, and is accessible by appointment, phone 319.243.9170, email: director@cf-communityfoundation.org, and website: www.cf-communityfoundation.org.

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CFCF Awards Eller Study Abroad Scholarships

Tue, 23 May 2023 20:05:00 GMT

The Cedar Falls Community Foundation has awarded five $5,000 scholarships from the Robert Eller Study Abroad Endowment to support UNI students studying abroad during the Fall 2023 semester.

The Robert Eller Study Abroad Endowment was established by emeritus UNI Education Media Specialist Robert Eller to foster the educational, professional, and personal growth of undergraduate students at the University of Northern Iowa by providing funds to support study outside the United States for students whose previous travel and study experiences abroad had been limited. Applications are accepted through the UNI Study Abroad Center and reviewed by a committee of University of Northern Iowa Emeritus Association members: Diane Curtis (chair), Paul Rider, Joan Duea, Diane Curtis, Gary Shontz and Michael Prahl, and Cedar Falls Community Foundation executive director Sally Kleiss Timmer. Five students were chosen to receive scholarships for Fall 2023 from the Robert Eller Study Abroad Endowment.

Sally Kleiss Timmer, Executive Director of the Cedar Falls Community Foundation, said, “The committee was presented with another round of outstanding student applicants. We are impressed with the quality of UNI students, not only in their classroom work, but their community engagement and passion for their chosen fields and we are happy to assist them in their desire to experience life in another country.”

Each student has been introduced below:

Jordan Kreft, is an English Teaching Major, from Council Bluffs, Iowa. Jordan will study at the University of Hull in Hull, England. After graduation Bre plans to work as a teaching artist. Jordan has never traveled outside the US and is excited to experience new things, meet new people and widen her understanding of the world as a whole.

Mitch Bawek is a Finance major from Center Point, Iowa. Mitch will study at the American College of Greece in Athens. He has never traveled outside the US and is confident that his study abroad experience will provide him with significant education, professional, and personal growth opportunities that will remain with him for a lifetime.

Adam Vig is a History Education major from Mount Vernon, Iowa. Adam plans to study at Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. He is looking forward to studying history from the South African perspective.

Erin Spake is a Social Work major from Sioux City, Iowa. She will be studying at The Florence University of the Arts in Florence, Italy. While there she plans to take classes that will further her knowledge and understanding of cultural differences that she will likely encounter in her future as a social worker.

Ethan Walthall is a double major in both History and Communication Studies with a minor in Legal Studies from Mason City, IA. He will be studying at the University of Chichester in Chichester, England. Ethan has never had the opportunity to travel outside of the country. He is excited to learn history in a place with so much history!

“Robert Eller wanted to give Iowa students the opportunity to travel and study abroad for all the benefits that brings to personal growth and independence. The Foundation is honored to help fulfill Mr. Eller’s legacy and assist these students with a study abroad experience. Upon their return, the students will present about their study abroad experiences to prospective students and hopefully encourage more students to study abroad in the future” said the CFCF director.

The Robert Eller Study Abroad Scholarship Fund has awarded 95 scholarships for a total $344,649. Jasmine Zeleke was an Eller Scholarship awardee for the spring semester of 2023. Of her experience she says, “My semester in Costa Rice has been challenging, eye opening, unforgettable and absolutely beautiful. I am so grateful I was able to take advantage of the opportunity to study abroad, as it has been a once in a lifetime adventure.” Applications for the Robert Eller Study Abroad Scholarship are available by contacting the Study Abroad office at the University of Northern Iowa at uni.edu/studyabroad/robert-eller-study-abroad-scholarship.

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CFCF awards $45,000 in scholarships

Tue, 20 Dec 2022 17:09:00 GMT

The Cedar Falls Community Foundation has awarded nine $5,000 scholarships from the Robert Eller Study Abroad Endowment to support UNI students studying abroad during the Spring 2023 semester.

The Robert Eller Study Abroad Endowment was established by emeritus UNI Education Media Specialist Robert Eller to foster the educational, professional, and personal growth of undergraduate students at the University of Northern Iowa by providing funds to support study outside the United States for students whose previous travel and study experiences abroad had been limited. Applications are accepted through the UNI Study Abroad Center and reviewed by a committee of University of Northern Iowa Emeritus Association members: Joan Duea (chair), Paul Rider, Diane Curtis, Gary Shontz, and Michael Prahl, and Cedar Falls Community Foundation Executive Director Sally Kleiss Timmer. Nine students were chosen to receive scholarships for Spring 2023 from the Robert Eller Study Abroad Endowment.

Each student has been introduced below:

Kate Murphy, is Public Relations and Journalism major, with a minor in Psychology from Indianola, Iowa. Kate will study in the Czech Republic in Prague and is excited to take hands-on media courses and learn what it’s like to work in journalism internationally. After graduation, Kate plans to work as a travel reporter.

Alex Wilmer is a Biology major from Cedar Falls, Iowa. Alex will study at the American College of Greece, in Paraskevi, Greece. He is looking forward to immersing himself in Greek culture while also taking classes to advance his academic career in biology.

Macey Overturf is a Spanish Teaching major from Urbana, Iowa. Macey plans to study at the University of Oviedo in Spain. She is looking forward to immersing herself in the Spanish language, so she can better engage her future students.

Abbey Case is a Spanish Teaching major with a minor in TESOL and Spanish/English translation from Garner, Iowa. Abbey plans to study Universidad Veritas in San Juan, Costa Rica. She plans to have a career as a Spanish teacher to elementary aged children and believes her time abroad will give her experiences and knowledge she can share with her future students.

Alex Perrin is a Social Science Teaching major from Thurman, Iowa. He will be studying at the University of Newcastle in Australia. He has never been outside the United States and is looking forward to bringing valuable perspectives from his time abroad to his future classroom as a teacher.

Olivia Brunsting is an English major and music, Spanish translation, and professional writing minor with a certificate in Literary Publishing from Orange City, IA. She will be studying at Soonchunhyang University in Asan, South Korea. She is looking forward to learning more about the Korean culture and learning the Korean language in her time abroad.

Sydney Lee is an Elementary Education major with a minor in Special Education from Ankeny, Iowa. She will be studying at the Florence University of the Arts in Florence, Italy. She has never traveled abroad and is excited to learn the culture and explore the area around Florence. She expects to grow from this experience and looks forward to sharing it with her future students.

Jasmine Zeleke is a Social Work major with a minor in Family Studies from West Des Moines, Iowa. She will be studying at the Nelson Mandela University in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. She has never traveled aboard and looks forward to witnessing the difference in the education system in South Africa and learning about the history and way of life in that country.

Hannah Horn is a Social Studies Teaching major from Manson, Iowa. She will be studying at IMC University of Applied Sciences in Krems, Austria. Hannah plans on working in an American International secondary school post graduation. She is looking forward to the professional development of learning about the European academic experience while abroad so she will be better prepared to engage with future students in that setting.

Applications for the Robert Eller Study Abroad Scholarship are available by contacting the Study Abroad office at the University of Northern Iowa.
The Cedar Falls Community Foundation is a nationally accredited community foundation, managed by a Board of Directors made up of Cedar Falls residents.
The Cedar Falls Community Foundation accepts and manages estate gifts and donations to fulfill donor wishes, assisting donors to achieve their charitable legacy.
The mission of the Cedar Falls Community Foundation is to inspire and connect individuals, families and organizations to enhance our community, support non-profits, elevate educational opportunities, and build legacies through philanthropy. The Cedar Falls Community Foundation strives to be a champion of local philanthropy and a trusted, empowering partner to donors who are passionate about enriching the community of Cedar Falls.

For more information about the Cedar Falls Community Foundation, please visit
www.cf-communityfoundation.org or contact 319.243.9170 or director@cf-communityfoundation.org.

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2022 Grant Recipients

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 16:21:00 GMT

The Cedar Falls Community Foundation has awarded $44,300 in grants to area non-profits and childcare facilities. Applications for these grants were accepted from April 1st through June 30th and were approved by the organizations board of directors the fourth week in July. Funding for the grants came from the Rownd Trust, the Diamond Arts and History Fund, and the CFCF Children and Families Fund.

Cedar Valley Preschool and Childcare will receive $2,300 from the Children and Family Fund. The funding will be used to purchase replacement chairs and tables for children so that safety can be maintained at the highest level. This institution has been providing a safe, engaging, and nurturing environment for the past 51 years! Children from various family styles, economic circumstances, diverse cultures, and with different capabilities are served at the Cedar Valley Preschool and Childcare facility so that parents can attend work or school with peace of mind.

The Learn and Play Preschool and Daycare LLC will receive $5,000 from the Children and Family Fund to repair sidewalks and fix drainage issues which have posed a risk to anyone entering and exiting the building. While at this facility children are engaged in educational and developmental programs that allow them to grow physically, socially, emotionally, and intellectually. They are cared for in a safe and nurturing environment that is supplemental to the care they receive from their family unit.

MercyOne Cedar Falls Foundation will receive $5,000 to support the Bluebell Road Health Plaza OB/GYN expansion from the Rownd Trust. This expansion means proper care will be more accessible for women in Cedar Falls. Because of this, women will be able to receive personalized care through comprehensive services that are dedicated to the growing population of younger families.
This foundation is dedicated to helping people and communities live their best life through keeping individuals’ health at the highest priority. MercyOne was founded in 1998 and has been serving the Cedar Valley ever since.

Southdale IMPACT will receive $10,000 for the Cooper Lins Memorial Project from the Rownd Trust. Funding will be used to help construct a playground in honor of Cooper Lins a 7-year-old boy who attended Southdale Elementary until his passing in February 2022. This project will capture his energetic spirit while providing a safe place to play for the entire community.
The Southdale IMPACT is dedicated to providing enrichment opportunities through physical activity and exercise for the students at Southdale Elementary as well as all other members of the Cedar Falls Community.

The Cedar Falls Woman’s Club will receive $10,000 for new kitchen flooring from the Rownd Trust. Their mission is to provide members with the opportunity to learn, serve, and volunteer through civic events. Many organizations and businesses have had the opportunity to meet, grow, and serve the community because of this house. Many individuals and families have also used this space to gather for special events as well. By repairing the kitchen flooring the Cedar Falls Woman’s Club will be able to continue to foster community engagement and enhancement through the use of their house for the community.

The University of Northern Iowa Foundation will receive $3,000 to fund the Suzuki Orchestra Tour from the Diamond Arts and History Fund. The Northern Iowa Junior Orchestra and the Northern Iowa Youth Orchestra will each be going on a one-day tour. This will provide concerts to arts-underserved populations that do not usually have access to orchestra concerts. It also encourages students to pursue musical studies by featuring performances by others of similar ages. The University of Northern Iowa Foundation serves with the purpose to grow and sustain private resources and builds relationships to support the students, faculty, staff, and programs of the University of Northern Iowa. The Suzuki Music School was established in 1976 and seeks to enrich the lives of children and adults through the study of music.

The Cedar Falls Historical Society will receive $9,000 from the Diamond Arts and History Fund. These funds will be used to renovate a new building for the Historical Society to improve on the current services the offer. A classroom will be constructed to accommodate twice as many individuals as the previous one. Additionally, a museum which celebrates business, industry, agricultural, and transportation development in Cedar Falls will also be renovated. This new space will allow citizens to have a space to gather and learn about the city’s heritage in a new and enriched way. The Cedar Falls Historical Society’s goal is to keep Cedar Falls heritage alive by engaging the public preservation, education, and celebration of our history.

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2022 Melendy Spirit Award Recipients

Fri, 22 Jul 2022 15:36:00 GMT

The Melendy Spirit Award is presented to individuals, families, groups, or organizations, both living and deceased, who have made outstanding contributions to Cedar Falls, positively affecting our overall quality of life through philanthropic or other means. The award is named for Peter Melendy who at age 36 became a Cedar Falls resident in 1859. By living fully and energetically, he contributed to our city’s cultural life and economic development. Recipients of this award have made exemplary impacts to the community through philanthropic or other means.

The Cedar Falls Community Foundation is pleased to announce that two Posthumous Melendy Spirit Award recipients have been named, Eddie Bowles, and Mary Taylor.

Mary Taylor was nominated by the Western Home Communities with letters of support for the nomination from Rosemary Beach and Jan Anderson. Eddie was nominated by the University of Northern Iowa, with the Hearst Center for the Arts, Linda Chapin Fobian, and Rosemary Beach writing letters of support.
Eddie Bowles grew up in New Orleans where playing music was a large part of his life. His contemporaries during this time were Louis Armstrong, and Kid Ory. After meeting his wife, Sarah Blanche, the couple moved to Cedar Falls in 1914. Eddie found solid work paving some of the first roads in Cedar Falls. He also was employed by the local railroads, as a foundryman for John Deere, and as a tree trimmer. However, he eventually returned to his musical roots and played for family, friends, and neighbors. During the Blues Revival of the 1960’s, he was sought after by young guitarists wanting to learn his unique picking style of guitar playing. Eddie continued to play for local audiences well in his 90’s. and was well known for his impromptu concerts in his yard after work. His musical talents were always something to be shared with others and to be used to bring groups of people together.

Eddie Bowles musical talents were not the only thing he shared with others. His home was always a safe place for children to escape to from time to time. He also ensured each child had a new pair of shoes for each school year so they could focus more on their learning. He never wanted recognition for his gifts and was always ready to help in whatever way was needed. Like Peter Melendy, Eddie lived his life fully, energetically, and brought a special warmth to our community.

Mary Taylor was born and raised in Waterloo. Her family valued volunteer work, and this value was something Mary carried with her throughout her entire life. Unlike Eddie living to be over 100 years old, Mary was only able to share a little more than a half of a century with Cedar Falls Community, but the impacts are profound and notable.

Cultivating an award-winning Cedar Falls Main Street, through service on the Design and Economic Development Committee’s, is one of Mary’s most important accomplishments. She focused on maintaining the historical integrity of each business while still making them marketable and successful. Being instrumental to, and providing leadership for, saving the Old Post office, was not only a pet project, and award-winning rehab, it was also a catalyst to other historic preservation projects in Cedar Falls. Mary was also an active volunteer in the Cedar Fall’s Author’s Festival, Cedar Trails Partnership, Friends of Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, and was a co-chair of an overnight RAGBRAI stop in Cedar Falls. Providing leadership in each of these endeavors, events or organizations, Mary’s “touch” and impact, is everywhere in the Cedar Falls community. Though reluctant to be recognized, she was often; most recently Mary was posthumously inducted into The Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame, and she received the Representative Citizen Award given by the City of Cedar Falls and the Cedar Falls Utilities- Mary was always quick to share the praise she received with others.

Mary was a keen developer of new talent, never more evident in the scholarships she helped to raise funds for and award to, deserving healthcare and other staff, during her tenure at the Western Home Communities. This special talent and passion now lives on in the Mary Taylor Health Sciences Scholarship established in her name with the Western Home Foundation.

Cedar Falls would not be the city it is today without the work of Eddie Bowles and Mary Taylor. Eddie’s work building the brick-and-mortar aspects of the town, his special gifts for guitar playing and bringing people together, as well as his generous attitude made an impact on historic Cedar Falls, cultivating the spirit we enjoy today. Mary worked diligently to preserve this spirit and make it marketable for the future all while connecting others in a way to help them do the same. These individuals embody the spirit of Peter Melendy, and the Cedar Falls Community Foundation is honored to present them with the 2022 Melendy Spirit Award for their exemplary impact on the city of Cedar Falls. An Awards ceremony and celebration will be held in early September.

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E-News letter Archive

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 14:22:00 GMT

Monthly e-newsletter
The Cedar Falls Community Foundation shares news of interest through a monthly e-newsletter. Read the archived newsletters below.

12/01/2024- December 24 CFCF Newsletter

11/01/2024- November 24 CFCF Newsletter

10/01/2024- October 24 CFCF Newsletter

09/01/2024- September 24 CFCF Newsletter

08/01/2024- August 24 CFCF Newsletter

07/01/2024- July 24 CFCF Newsletter

06/01/2024- June 24 CFCF Newsletter

05/01/2024- May 24 CFCF Newsletter

04/02/2024- April 24 CFCF Newsletter

03/01/2024- March 24 CFCF Newsletter

02/01/2024- February 24 CFCF Newsletter

01/01/2024- January 24 CFCF Newsletter

12/01/2023- December 23 CFCF Newsletter

11/01/2023- November 23 CFCF Newsletter

10/01/2023- October 23 CFCF Newsletter

09/01/2023- September 23 CFCF Newsletter

08/01/2023- August 23 CFCF Newsletter

07/01/2023- July 23 CFCF Newsletter

06/01/2023- June 23 CFCF Newsletter

05/01/2023- May 23 CFCF Newsletter

04/01/2023- April 23 CFCF Newsletter

03/01/2023- March 23 CFCF Newsletter

02/01/2023- February 23 CFCF Newsletter

01/01/2023- January 23 CFCF Newsletter

12/01/2022- December 22 CFCF Newsletter

11/01/2022- November 22 CFCF Newsletter

10/01/2022- October 22 CFCF Newsletter

09/01/2022- September 22 CFCF Newsletter

08/01/2022- August 22 CFCF Newsletter

07/01/2022- July 22 CFCF Newsletter

06/01/2022- June 22 CFCF Newsletter

05/01/2022- May 22 CFCF Newsletter

03/02/2022- March 22 CFCF Newsletter

02/01/2022- February 22 CFCF Newsletter

01/04/2022 – January 22 CFCF Newsletter

12/01/2021- December 21 CFCF Newsletter

11/02/2021- November 21 CFCF Newsletter

10/01/2021- October 21 CFCF Newsletter

09/02/2021- September 21 CFCF Newsletter

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Nominations being accepted for the Melendy Spirit Award

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 14:29:00 GMT

February 9, 2022

The Cedar Falls Community Foundation is accepting nominations for the Melendy Spirit Award. The Melendy Spirit Award is open to individuals, families, groups, or organizations who, as Cedar Falls residents, have made outstanding community contributions that have enhanced, improved, or positively affected the overall quality of life in Cedar Falls, through philanthropic or other means. Nominations may be made for honorees both living and deceased.

The award is named in memory and honor of Peter Melendy, who came to Cedar Falls in 1859 at the age of 36. By living fully and energetically, he contributed to the cultural life and economic development of Cedar Falls. Nominees are sought who reflect the example set by Peter Melendy.

Previous award recipients include, among others: Sid Morris, Hugh Pettersen, Liane Nichols, and the Sturgis Falls Celebration. Previous posthumous awardees include, among others: John M. Overman, Solomon B. Humbert, Ella Cotton Rownd, Herman Hemenway, Theresa Sartori, the Streeter Family, the Sturgis Falls Celebration, Dennis Downs, Erasmus Adams and Rosemary Beach. Biographies of recent previous award recipients are available at www.cf-communityfoundation.org .

Nominations and supporting materials are due April 20 th annually . Nominations may be submitted electronically to director@cf-communityfoundation.org or mailed to PO Box 546, Cedar Falls, IA 50613.

Nominations should include the name and address of the individual making the nomination; a biographical sketch or resume of the nominee(s); specific contributions the nominee(s) has/have made to the community of Cedar Falls in the form of community involvement, commitment to volunteering their time and/or skills, leadership, community assistance, personal example, personal accomplishments, or financial support. Two letters of support from other community members will enhance your nomination, as will photos of the nominee.

For more information e-mail director@cf-communityfoundation.org or call the Foundation office at 319-243-9170.

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Black Hawk County libraries bringing book gifting program to the Cedar Valley

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 14:26:00 GMT

February 4, 2022

The Black Hawk County public libraries are coming together to bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to our communities in partnership with the Cedar Falls Community Foundation. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a book gifting program that mails free books to children once per month from birth until age five in participating areas.

Currently, the libraries are raising funds to meet their goal of $75,000 before registration can open up. Donors can give to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Fund held at the Cedar Falls Community Foundation to help support this wonderful project! Just $25 dollars provides one book per month for one child for a whole year! A donation of $125 provides monthly books for one child from birth until they turn five years old. Give today by visiting www.cf-communityfoundation.org and clicking Donate at the top of the page! The library directors are hoping to reach their fundraising goal by May so that they can begin registering children by June 1 st .

The Cedar Falls Community Foundation accepts and manages estate gifts and donations to fulfill donor wishes, assisting donors to achieve their charitable legacy. The Cedar Falls Community Foundation’s mission to use the resources entrusted to its stewardship to support projects that enhance the community’s quality of life through cultural, scholarly, recreational, literary and artistic endeavors. For more information about the Cedar Falls Community Foundation, please visit www.cf-communityfoundation.org or contact 319.243.9170 or email: director@cf-communityfoundation.org.

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Cedar Falls Community Foundation Awards $20,000 in Scholarships

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 02:15:00 GMT

January 2022

he Cedar Falls Community Foundation has awarded six $6,000 scholarships from the Robert Eller Study Abroad Endowment to support UNI students studying abroad during the Spring 2022 semester.

The Robert Eller Study Abroad Endowment was established by emeritus UNI Education Media Specialist Robert Eller to foster the educational, professional, and personal growth of undergraduate students at the University of Northern Iowa by providing funds to support study outside the United States for students whose previous travel and study experiences abroad had been limited. Applications are accepted through the UNI Study Abroad Center and reviewed by a committee of University of Northern Iowa Emeritus Association members: David Duncan (chair), Paul Rider, Joan Duea, Diane Curtis, and Gary Shontz, and Cedar Falls Community Foundation executive director Sally Kleiss Timmer. Six students were chosen to receive scholarships for Spring 2022 from the Robert Eller Study Abroad Endowment.

Madeline Hinz , a Spanish and Political Science major from Garner, Iowa, will be studying at the Universidad Veritas in San Jose, Costa Rica.  Madeline is excited to build her Spanish speaking skillset during her time in Costa Rica. She is planning a future as a professional translator.  Madeline has only previously traveled to Peru while in high school.

Olivia Arnold , an elementary education major from Johnston, Iowa, will at the American College of Greece, in Athens, Greece. Both of Olivia’s parents studied abroad and she is excited to follow in their footsteps. Olivia is interested in expanding her understanding of cultural awareness and using that to connect with future students in a diverse classroom setting. She is inspired to create her own experiences that can encourage others to study abroad and step outside of their comfort zone.

Jace Bell , an environmental science major from Solon, Iowa, will study at the Universidad Veritas in San Jose, Costa Rica. Jace is interested in the unique opportunity to study areas of tropical marine biology, ecology, and environmental policy in Costa Rica. He believes the academic courses he will take there will lead him on a successful path towards graduation and applying to graduate school in ocean sciences. Jace has previously traveled to Costa Rica and Antigua, Guatemala.

Katherine Greenwood , a Public Relations major from Lamoni, Iowa, will study at the University of Oviedo in Oviedo, Spain. Katherine has a dream of becoming bilingual, and is excited for the study abroad experience to help her reach her goal. She hopes to work for an international adoption agency after graduation, and believes studying aboard will help her combat ethnocentricism that can happen when working in this role. Katherine wants to learn how to effectively communicate and work with people from different cultures and to expand her world view. Her only experience travelling outside the US was briefly visiting an exchange student in Germany while in high school.

Sami Zimmerman , a Spanish Teaching major from Cedar Falls, Iowa, will study at the Universidad Veritas in San Jose, Costa Rice as well. Her time abroad will allow her to develop her Spanish speaking skills and learn about another culture. She’s also looking forward to becoming more culturally competent. Sami’s previous travel experience is limited to one family trip to the Bahamas.

Rachel Bass , a biology major from Waterloo, Iowa, will also study at the University of Oviedo. She hopes to become a psychiatrist, and believes learning to speak Spanish fluently will allow her to work with patients who do not speak English. She is also looking forward to the personal growth that can come from studying abroad. Rachel has never traveled outside of the United States.

Sally Kleiss Timmer, said, “Robert Eller wanted to give Iowa students the opportunity to travel and study abroad for all the benefits that brings to personal growth and independence. The Foundation is honored to help fulfill Mr. Eller’s legacy and assist these students with a study abroad experience. Upon their return, the students will present to the UNI Emeritus Association about their study abroad experiences.”

Applications for the Robert Eller Study Abroad Scholarship are available by contacting the Study Abroad office at the University of Northern Iowa.

The Cedar Falls Community Foundation is a nationally accredited community foundation, managed by a Board of Directors made up of Cedar Falls residents.

The Cedar Falls Community Foundation accepts and manages estate gifts and donations to fulfill donor wishes, assisting donors to achieve their charitable legacy.

The mission of the Cedar Falls Community Foundation is to inspire and connect individuals, families and organizations to enhance our community, support non-profits, elevate educational opportunities, and build legacies through philanthropy. The Cedar Falls Community Foundation strives to be a champion of local philanthropy and a trusted, empowering partner to donors who are passionate about enriching the community of Cedar Falls.

For more information about the Cedar Falls Community Foundation, please visit

www.cf-communityfoundation.org or contact 319.243.9170 or director@cf-communityfoundation.org.

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