December 18, 2024
2024 Community Celebration Reflection
The Community Foundation of Johnson County (CFJC) awarded $3,269,169 in grants to various nonprofit organizations during Fiscal Year 2024, a new record for the organization. The CFJC celebrated this record at the organization’s annual fall Community Celebration, which hosted over 125 attendees at the Highland Hotel in Iowa City.
The CFJC also awarded $125,000 in Community Impact Grants at the event. These grants serve as investments into major projects operated by local nonprofit organizations that will substantially increase the quality of life for Johnson County residents. The recipients of the 2024 Community Celebration Grants were the Coralville Public Library, CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank, Iowa City Free Medical Clinic, Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County, and North Liberty Food Pantry.
“Our record-breaking $3,269,169 in grants is a testament to the generosity of our philanthropic neighbors and the evident value our nonprofit sector provides to our community,” said Shelly Maharry, the CFJC’s President and CEO. “The Community Celebration was more than a recognition of the CFJC’s accolades; it was a celebration of what makes Johnson County truly the best place to live, give, grow, work, and play. We are thrilled by the prospect of making 2025 an even greater year for our nonprofits, donors, and community.”
5224GOOD—a Johnson County-based giving circle and CFJC partner—awarded over $70,000 in Housing Security Grants at the CFJC Community Celebration. 5224GOOD granted the Domestic Violence Intervention Program, United Action for Youth, and Shelter House to support their efforts in resolving housing insecurity in Johnson County.
The CFJC recognized four Community Impact Award recipients to conclude the event. The Community Impact Awards are non-competitive awards that honor outstanding individuals, businesses, families, and organizations making meaningful community contributions through their philanthropic work. The 2024 Community Impact Award recipients were:
- Community Collaborator: United Action for Youth & CommUnity Crisis Services and Food Bank – Healing Prairie Farm
- Community Business Partner: Robyn Hepker – Benson Hepker Design
- Community Convener: 100+ Men Who Care & 100+ Women Who Care
- Community Catalyst: Mary Palmberg – Free Lunch Program
“The CFJC’s Community Celebration was a celebration, indeed, of how so many groups in our community provide help to others,” said Mary Palmberg, who earned the Community Catalyst for her work as the former Director of the Free Lunch Program. “The CFJC Celebration highlighted the bounty of all kinds of critical help in our generous community.”
Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s CFJC Community Celebration. Please join us next year as we commemorate our 25th Anniversary!