The Iowa City Jazz Festival brings local, regional, national, and international musicians together to celebrate a uniquely American art form. Past performers have included Dr. Lonnie Smith, Kurt Elling, Jane Ira Bloom, Christian McBride, and Joshua Redman. On our Side Stage, we create performance opportunities for local, and Iowa-based jazz musicians, such as university faculty from Eastern Iowa and young performers beginning their professional careers. This fund will be used to support our performer budget, so that we can maintain a world-class lineup on our stages.
By supporting this fund, you also believe that everyone in our community should be able to enjoy this event. Summer of the Arts believes in arts access and the transformative power of music: everyone should be able to experience this, no matter what.
Learn more about this organization at summerofthearts.org
We are seeking support to enhance the seating arrangements for our intimate performances hosted on the illustrious stage of The Englert. These performances offer a unique opportunity for audiences to forge an intimate connection with the artists, resulting in awe-inspiring experiences. Regrettably, our existing seating infrastructure shows signs of significant wear and tear, compromising patron experience. This has limited the intimate performances we've produced in the cherished setting. In our relentless pursuit of excellence, we have previously sought internal funding to rejuvenate the furnishings within our establishment. With your generous support, we aim to procure an additional set of 48 seats, specifically designed to elevate the experience of our seated performances and dining events held on this prestigious stage. Your contribution directly contributes to the enhancement of our artistic offerings, ensuring that audiences continue to be captivated by the magic of The Englert.
Learn more about this organization at englert.org
As part of our mission to help Iowans better understand international issues and foster global engagement, we work to make internship opportunities available each academic year for university students who are passionate about international affairs and committed to promoting understanding and cooperation through high-quality educational programs, community outreach, and engagement.
Your support will help us fund three internship opportunities for the 2023-24 academic school year, allowing students to connect with leaders in their field while developing professional experience supporting weekly programs, outreach and communications efforts, and making an impact through community engagement and advancement of our international topics and speakers.
For 40 years, ICFRC has brought expert speakers to members of the Iowa City community to explore topics and issues affecting our local and global community while engaging with each other during weekly programs throughout the school year.
Learn more about this organization at icfrc.org
One needn't spend more than a few minutes inside The Iowa Children's Museum (The ICM) to recognize the dynamic, immersive artistry that leads to profound learning and life-changing connections for our community's kids and their families. Over the past quarter century, The ICM has invested thousands of hours and millions of dollars into exhibits and programs to ensure that this essential resource is ever-evolving to meet the needs of children. Your contribution today will go toward the purchase of an augmented reality sandbox that will help to complete one of The ICM's newest and most innovative exhibits, Lights Out. This room already features a variety of unique educational games and sensory experiences that make it one of the museum's most sought-after destinations. But the new sandbox will offer a highly engaging, hands-on way to teach children important concepts about geography, topography, water and other aspects of our environment, all while being creative and having fun.
Learn more about this organization at theicm.org
Embark on our Net-Zero journey with us! As Climate Ambassador Clarity Guerra shared, "My other favorite thing about the Bike Library is doing the work of equity and inclusion, getting bikes to people who need them, making everyone feel welcome, and contributing to meaningful climate action." Your support transforms these words into action, enabling us to replace gas with electric heating in our building. Join us in not just envisioning but actively creating a sustainable, inclusive future for all!
Funds will help us to electrify our 3,500 sq ft of our building, replacing gas heating with a 3 ton Mini-Split Heat Pump. This step is vital in our journey towards full electrification of our 7,000 sq ft facility, aligning with our core values of equity, community, and sustainability. Your contribution accelerates our mission to eliminate gas dependence, foster energy efficiency, and generating solar power within the next three years.
Learn more about this organization at bikelibrary.org
Bur Oak Land Trust advances biodiversity in eastern Iowa by protecting resilient landscapes and connecting people to nature. Over the last 45 years, Bur Oak has grown to protect 1,000 acres of vulnerable land mostly in Johnson County. Seven of the preserves are free and open to the public 365 days a year allowing our community to explore Iowa's beauty. This year marks the 5th year of Bur Oak's AmeriCorps program which has increased the capacity of the organization to better serve our community. Each year Bur Oak provides training for 6 to 8 full-time members who leave the program with vital hands-on experience leading to many jobs in conservation. To train the members and transport people via tours and volunteer events Bur Oak uses three trucks. This fund would go toward a three-year lease on one of the trucks. Funds that would have been spent on the truck would go toward general funding for programs that further the mission of the Trust.
Learn more about this organization at buroaklandtrust.org
ChildServe’s mission is to partner with families to help children with special healthcare needs live a great life. Due to long wait lists, we are expanding. Philanthropic funds will provide therapy resources, sensory supplies, and equipment necessary to expand services and increase access to care for hundreds of Johnson County families.
ChildServe is one of a kind in Iowa, offering clinical, home and community-based services to children with special healthcare needs. Children served have developmental delays, disabilities, chronic medical conditions, mental health needs, injuries and other special healthcare needs. Services provided include physical, speech, occupational and mental health therapies, autism services, including specialized weekday care, as well as respite, psychology, concussion clinic, developmental clinic, and more.
By making a gift to ChildServe, you are helping improve access to life-changing care for children with special healthcare needs in our community.
Learn more about this organization at childserve.org
We are looking for support for our diabetes education program. $10,000.00 will provide 6 months of comprehensive education and behavioral support including Spanish language one-on-one health education and general support for changes which improve patient well-being and ability to self-manage their diabetes. The Diabetes Educator supplements the routine care and medications and supplies for approximately 400 patients each year.
Having a diabetes educator/education program is a key support for patients as they learn to self-monitor make changes in diet, expand exercise habits, monitor glucose levels, adjust medication dosages and intervals, monitor foot health and blood pressure, and cope with the overall stress of living. Thank you for supporting this invaluable program!
Learn more about this organization at freemedicalclinic.org
Clean & Healthy is a new program that was born from a community member sharing that when their depression is very severe, they do not even have the energy to put away groceries. Many of the clients we serve report that they do not clean their house or cook when their mental health symptoms are severe. This can lead to further social isolation if they are embarrassed to invite people to their house. Their health can deteriorate if they are living in an unclean or unsafe environment and not eating or not eating well. NAMIJC is gathering groups of volunteers to deep clean and cook for these clients to get them back on their feet. The volunteers will also demonstrate how to deep clean and cook in simple ways that are manageable for the clients so they do not feel so overwhelmed by household tasks. These seemingly simple changes can make a huge impact on our clients’ quality of life.
Learn more about this organization at namijc.org
In partnership with United Action for Youth, CommUnity Crisis Services will begin offering youth crisis stabilization services in 2024. The 12-bed property will fill a critical gap in our community by providing 3-10 day stays for crisis stabilization, and 21-day stays for homeless, trafficked, or runaway youth. While in residence, youth aged 11-17 will have access to onsite counseling, case management, therapeutic groups, and other programming. The farm currently includes a horse, a llama, pigs, goats, chickens, and other winged friends. We are seeking to add more animals to provide increased therapeutic benefits for youth utilizing the crisis stabilization services. For people living with mental illness, animal-assisted therapy offers an opportunity to make a transformative impact. Your support of this project can provide changes in their personality, behavior, and physical health, as well as affect their social interactions and cognitive, psychological, and emotional state.
Learn more about this organization at builtbycommunity.org
The Domestic Violence Intervention Program’s (DVIP) Finding Safety, Building Hope campaign was created to support building the new emergency shelter which will allow DVIP to double the capacity of victim-survivors served. The new shelter will have approximately 65-70 beds; allowing DVIP to serve around 700 victim-survivors annually. DVIP is in the process of building pod-like living spaces that will include 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a kitchenette and small living space for families or individuals to share. While DVIP is nearing the completion of the fundraising phase for the Finding Safety, Building Hope - New Shelter campaign they are in need of support for new beds for the client rooms. The waterproof mattresses are made of durable materials made to last through the countless nights of safety DVIP will provide to 300 children and 700 adults annually. Investing in quality beds will not only provide a safe nights sleep for victim-survivors but also save DVIP funding in the future.
Learn more about this organization at dvipiowa.org
Houses into Homes provides gently-used beds, furniture, and other items for families and individuals in Johnson County, who are exiting homelessness, domestic violence, and other crisis situations. Every year, we provide hundreds of beds and dozens of couches, chairs, and tables. It is essential that the items we deliver are clean, safe, and pest-free, so our entire warehouse is inspected regularly by a bed bug-detecting dog. Funds will be used to support biweekly inspections, extra inspections as needed, and landfill costs for items that need to be disposed of.
A member of our community whose home we furnished recently told us, “[Receiving furniture] brought a lot of peace of mind when it came to trying to fill up a large empty space. It made me feel a lot more confident for when I have people over. My home didn't feel empty, and it brought a lot more long-term benefits that were very helpful for my health and my engagement in the community here. I'm really grateful.”
Learn more about this organization at housesintohomes.org
Iowa City Hospice (ICH) requests $9,495 to help cover clinician professional development, education, and certification costs. $1,500 Hospice and Palliative Nurse Association Certification for 6 clinicians. $2,750 Access to the Center to Advance Palliative Care resources and education for all staff. $5,245 Access to the Hospice & Palliative Care Association of Iowa education and resources for all staff, and tuition and travel for 5 clinicians to attend the 2024 Fall Education Conference. Well-trained and supported clinicians are our most valuable resource. We currently employ 38 clinicians: nurses, aides, social workers, physicians, nurse practitioners, spiritual counselors, and music therapists. Providing professional development opportunities has become more difficult due to inflation and stagnant reimbursement rates. If you value the care provided by ICH clinicians, please consider investing in their continued expertise, support, and provision of high-quality care.
Learn more about the organization at iowacityhospice.org
The Iowa City Senior Center has been a hub of musical magic and intergenerational connections for decades. From seniors gracefully playing the piano to numerous organizations utilizing its soulful melodies for various programming in the Assembly Room. Time has taken its toll on our beloved grand piano. After years of diligent repairs, it's with a heavy heart that we admit our cherished instrument is nearing the end of its musical journey.
We are thrilled to announce our plan to replace our aging grand piano with the exquisite CLP-795GP Clavinova Digital Piano by Yamaha USA. This state-of-the-art instrument will give us 20 more years of music. To make a contribution and ensure the legacy of music at the Iowa City Senior Center. Your donation, no matter how big or small, will help us purchase this remarkable instrument and keep the music alive for generations to come.
Learn more about this organization at seniorcenter.org
This fund plays a pivotal role in supporting women on their path to recovery. Upon admission to our home, women are typically physically, mentally and spiritually unwell. Finances are often insufficient until employment is re-established. Donations to the fund directly contribute to covering initial program fees, ensuring that women have access to the comprehensive support and resources needed for a successful recovery. The fund allocates resources for groceries, guaranteeing that residents have nutritious meals essential for their well-being. Contributions also extend to personal items, fostering a sense of dignity and self-care. The fund includes provisions for gas money, enabling women to attend important appointments and engage in activities that contribute to their overall recovery. Your donation to this fund has a direct and tangible impact, providing the essential foundation for women seeking a fresh start in their journey toward lasting recover. Thank you for your support.
Learn more about this organization at iowacitysoberliving.com
The North Liberty Community Pantry (NLCP) has seen unprecedented growth in the need for food and clothing in North Liberty and surrounding rural Johnson County communities. The NLCP has seen 50% more visits in 2023 compared to 2022. NLCP receives food donations to distribute to neighbors in need. NLCP often has requests from trucking companies to deliver food donations that go unwanted at grocery stores. Due to the increased need, NLCP needs increased capacity to accept more donations. Currently, NLCP is unable to receive semi-truck donations because we lack the equipment necessary to unload semi-trucks. To grow and meet this higher need, NLCP needs new equipment to accept larger donations from semi-trucks. The NLCP will use funds to purchase a walk-behind electric stacker. This piece of equipment will allow NLCP to accept donations from semi-trucks and will allow us to unload pallets. This purchase will expand NLCP's capacity to receive and process food donations.
Learn more about this organization at northlibertycommunitypantry.org
We deliver 8,000 meals per week using our 22ft refrigerated box truck. The largest truck in the Table to Table fleet has transported 3 million pounds of food throughout Johnson County since the start of our lease in 2017. This vehicle now transports more than 25% of all the food T2T distributes in a year. In partnership with a regional natural foods distributor, we deliver thousands of pounds of organic, vegan, gluten free, whole grains, dairy, eggs, and culturally specific foods - many of which have weeks/months before their sell by dates. Before we had access to this vehicle, these donations were loaded by hand into smaller vehicles multiple times per week and now we collect half a million pounds per year with three volunteer drivers and one vehicle. With our lease coming to an end in 2024, you can help us purchase this equipment that has become so critical to our operation! Make your donation today to put a meal on our neighbors' table tomorrow!
Learn more about this organization at table2table.org
UAY has been supporting youth experiencing homelessness for decades. These young people often “hide in plain sight”. They are difficult to locate and, often times, hesitant to engage. Our housing program can help but is limited by the number of units we have available, and can’t provide immediate help to a young person in crisis. However, UAY’s new federally funded Street Outreach program will increase our ability to interact with and locate youth you are experiencing homelessness but are afraid or ashamed to reach out. Providing these youth with Safety and Care Kits allows us to build rapport and help ensure that some basic needs are met. These kits include personal care items, first aid kits, flashlights, snacks, resource information, and seasonally appropriate clothing items. It is a small step that can mean the difference between life and death for youth who are experiencing housing insecurity. UAY expects to hand out 200 of these kits in the next year.
Learn more about this organization at unitedactionforyouth.org
