3 Iowa City nonprofits raise funds for chance at $2 million in grants through 'A Community Thrives'
Three Iowa City nonprofits have applied for the 2022 "A Community Thrives" program and are seeking a chance at $2 million in grants.
A Community Thrives is a grant-making and crowdfunding program by the Gannett Foundation. Gannett is the parent company of the USA TODAY Network, which includes the Iowa City Press-Citizen, and sponsors the initiative that “supports nonprofit organizations with projects focused on community building.”
The program began in 2017, with “more than $17 million” donated through crowdfunding efforts and “disbursed to more than 500 organizations,” according to USA TODAY.
Grants are awarded either for specific projects or operating funds. Depending on the nonprofit’s size, they must raise either $3,000 or $6,000 to be eligible for the grant program.
Fundraising starts month-long on July 18.
Here’s the three nonprofits participating and how they’ll use the money. Visit acommunitythrives.com for more information. Community members can help by donating to these organizations, or view other organizations participating in A Community Thrives through the website.
The Center for Afrofuturist Studies
The Center for Afrofuturist Studies is raising money to support programming for 2023.
The Center for Afrofuturist Studies, founded in 2015, is a residency program for artists of color that “reimagines the futures of marginalized peoples by generating dynamic work spaces” for them, according to CAS's website.
Money raised will be used toward four fully funded residencies for artists of color who are selected through a competitive open call process, according to a program description shared with the Press-Citizen via email by Public Space One programming director Kalmia Strong.
Each artist visits Iowa City for three weeks, when they can pursue their creative projects. They will also be tasked with leading a free workshop for youth of color and one, if not more, public program for adults. It’s part of CAS’s model of community-engaged artist residencies.
CAS will work with artists before their arrival, help them build Iowa City-area connections and provide support and opportunities after the residency.
Community-driven programming centered around CAS’s Reading Room, including artist groups and forums, will also be supported with the money raised. The reading room is located at Public Space One's 538 S. Gilbert St. location.
The Arc of Southeast Iowa
Founded in 1957, the Arc of Southeast Iowa is a disability services and advocacy organization, Amy Greazel, finance director, said in an email to the Press-Citizen.
Services include supported community living, employment services, day habilitation and inclusive child care, Greazel said.
The latter is the focus of its fundraising need.
The day care began in 2018 and allows for the care of 25 children, currently serving children with Down syndrome, spina bifida, autism, developmental delays and more. To serve more children — the program is at capacity and has a wait list — the Arc of Southeast Iowa is expanding to include an addition to the current facility and renovations to existing space to allow for additional classrooms and bathrooms, Greazel said.
The expansion means the Arc of Southeast Iowa can serve more than 70 children.
The nonprofit secured $250,000 through the Child Care Challenge Fund for the expansion, but due to timing of the project and current costs in the construction industry, the project is $200,000 over budget, Greazel said.
Money raised will help complete the expansion project.
Shelter House
Shelter House provides both emergency and permanent supportive housing, and additional resources for individuals experiencing homelessness.
Christine Ralston, director of development, told the Press-Citizen that the nonprofit is essentially fundraising backward for the 501 Project, a 36-unit building providing long-term, supportive housing. The building is located at 501 Southgate Ave.
Money raised will be used toward the building and construction costs of the 501 Project. Though the building is completed, Shelter House chose to take the "vast majority" of the financial burden of the project and move forward with it sooner, Ralston said, not wanting to delay the essential services it would provide.
Iowa nonprofits involved
Here is the complete list of Iowa nonprofits participating in A Community Thrives this year:
Martha's House of Hope, Ames
Home Allies Inc., Ames
Central Iowa Wind Ensemble, Ankeny
Community Healthcare Resources, Bettendorf
Everybody Wins!, Des Moines
Civic Music Association, Des Moines
Family Promise of Greater Des Moines, Des Moines
Young Mens Christian Association of Greater Des Moines, Des Moines
United Upper Nile South Sudanese Community Association in Iowa, Des Moines
Kingdom Living Iowa, Des Moines Highland Park Community Development Association Inc., Des Moines
Highland Park Community Development Association Inc., Des Moines
The Arc of Southeast Iowa, Iowa City
Shelter House, Iowa City
The Center for Afrofuturist Studies, Iowa City
Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa, Urbandale
Shalom Community Impact Center, Urbandale
Iowa Service Dogs, West Des Moines
Paris Barraza covers entertainment, lifestyle and arts at the Iowa City Press-Citizen. Reach her at PBarraza@press-citizen.com or (319) 519-9731. Follow her on Twitter @ParisBarraza.
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Iowa City nonprofits raise funds through Gannett's A Community Thrives
