About

Our Mission

We love Waterloo and are excited about its future! Established in 2015, Waterloo Community Foundation exists to focus on the ever-changing needs of our community and invest in its progress. 

The opportunities in our city will continue to be as diverse as the people in it. Our commitment is to stay engaged with the work of our local nonprofits and the needs of our neighbors so we can connect donors to the causes that matter.  

Every investment in our community makes a lasting impact, not only today but for generations to come. It takes all of us to inspire growth and opportunity in Waterloo. We want to help you play your part in investing in the city we love. 

Our History

The original Waterloo Civic Foundation was created in 1956, later to be expanded and converted into an area foundation serving a multi-county area of Northeast Iowa. In 2014, a group of longtime Waterloo residents determined there may be a place for an additional foundation that once again was focused on Waterloo and its future.  

Tim Hurley, Joe Vich, Mike Young, and Rick Young gauged the interest for such an endeavor and determined the community could support a Waterloo-focused foundation. 

The Waterloo Community Foundation was incorporated in 2015 with the sole purpose of providing a conduit for past, present, and future Waterloo residents to invest funds specifically to enhance Waterloo and the immediate area. The first grant was awarded in 2016.  

Board & Staff

One of our strengths is our locally focused board of directors. Board members have diverse backgrounds and experiences, and each is tied to the Waterloo community.

Board

Sam
Holden

President

Retired, Construction Machinery

Steve
Carignan

Vice President

University of Northern Iowa, Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center

John
Richter

Treasurer

Beecher Law Firm

Bev
Smith

Retired,
Waterloo Schools

Jane
Lindaman

Retired,
Waterloo Schools

Lance

Vanderloo

Past President

Vanderloo Chiropractic

Mike

Broshar

Retired, INVISION Architecture

Bob
Hellman

Build Our Ballpark

Rachael
Hoffman

US Bank

Lori
Johnson

University of Northern Iowa

Krystal
Madlock

Wartburg College

Christa
Miehe

VGM Group, Inc.

Tamera

Cook

Waterloo Schools

Chuck
Rowe

Midwest Studies Group

Dodie

Young

Littler Mendelson PC

Staff

Erin
Tink

Executive Director

Email

(319) 883-6022

Paige
Price

Program Manager

Email

(319) 883-6022

Founding Members

  • Stacey Bentley 
  • Geof Grimes 
  • Tim Hurley 
  • Theresa Hoffman 
  • Dr. Wilfred Johnson  
  • Jim Lind 
  • Kent McCausland
  • Kathy McCoy 
  • Troy Smith 
  • Joe Vich 
  • Jim Walsh 
  • Dan Watters 
  • Mike Young 
  • Rick Young

What is a Community Foundation

A community foundation is a grantmaking public charity that is dedicated to improving the lives of people in a defined local geographic area. It brings together the financial resources of individuals, families, and businesses to address community needs and support effective nonprofits.

Local Expertise

We stay engaged with the community so we understand the greatest needs and opportunities better than a single individual or nonprofit can. We will help you make informed decisions to target the issues you care about.

Personalized Service

We work with you to customize a giving approach that matches your personal interests and tax planning needs. After listening to your charitable goals, we work alongside you to find the best way to invest in the community. 

Open to Everyone

You don’t have to have a lot of resources to make a difference. There are opportunities for every donor who wants to make a lasting impact in Waterloo.