About the Grand Impact
The Grand Impact is a Cedar Rapids-based giving initiative that brings local businesses together to fund bold, high-impact nonprofit projects. The model is simple: 50 businesses each contribute $2,000, creating a $100,000 grant awarded to one nonprofit serving the Cedar Rapids metro.
Each year, eligible human services nonprofits are invited to apply with a specific project, program, or initiative designed to address a meaningful community need. From those applications, three finalists are selected to present at the annual Grand Impact luncheon. Representatives from the donor businesses hear each pitch, ask questions, and vote to determine the winning nonprofit.
The goal is to do more than write a check. The Grand Impact is built to elevate local nonprofits, connect business leaders with community needs, and provide transformational funding for projects that can create lasting change across Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha, Robins, and the surrounding metro.
HOW IT WORKS
For Donating Companies
Companies participate by committing $2,000 alongside 49 other local businesses to collectively fund a $100,000 grant. Representatives attend the Grand Impact luncheon, where they hear live presentations from three nonprofit finalists, evaluate each project’s potential impact, and ultimately vote to determine the recipient. This model gives companies a direct, efficient way to support meaningful initiatives while staying closely connected to the needs of the Cedar Rapids community.
For Participating Non-Profits
Nonprofits apply by submitting a specific, high-impact project designed to address a meaningful community need. A selection committee chooses three finalists based on impact and feasibility, who are then invited to present their initiatives at the Grand Impact luncheon. Each finalist gains valuable exposure to local business leaders, and one organization is selected through a live vote to receive the full $100,000 grant to execute their project.