What We Do
The Cedar Falls Schools Foundation supports the school district through:
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Excellence Grants: expanding opportunities for students, specifically through the focus areas of Innovation, Unique/Memorable Experience, and Social Emotional Learning.
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Senior Scholarships: created by individuals and families who chose to honor special people or interests by investing in the future of Cedar Falls Community School students.
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District Initiatives:
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CAPS: The Center for Advanced Professional Studies is a collaborative program through our schools, businesses, and the community, to develop highly skilled, adaptable, and innovated leaders. CAPS is a partnership with local businesses to put students in a skilled career environment and donor support through the Foundation has helped make that possible.
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connect>CF: A collaborative initiative between Cedar Falls Schools and Cedar Falls Utilities, provides discounted internet service for low-income students and their families. By reducing their rate, these families are not left behind when it comes to all the internet provides, including school work, applying for jobs or staying connected. Internet is a necessity to thrive in today’s society.
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Tiger Performance Center: Help make a new indoor multipurpose space, supporting academic
and wellness training, opportunity a reality for the community and district. Naming opportunities available. -
Community Natatorium (Pool) at new CFHS: Help make a new indoor aquatics center a reality
for the community and district. Naming opportunities available. -
Special Projects: Requested from the district and approved by the Cedar Falls Schools Foundation Board
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Additional Funds
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Floyd & Sherry Winter Sustainability Fund: Floyd Winter served the district as a High School Principal, then as the Director of Secondary of Education for 26 years until his retirement in 1999. When he was named a Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier 2023 Eight Over 80 recipient, a colleague described him as “living and breathing Cedar Falls Schools.” Another nominator mentioned, “He never forgets a former student or colleague and they never forget him and his guidance and presence in their life.” As a continuation of his career, he volunteered to develop and establish the Cedar Falls Schools Foundation, and served as the organizations president for 11 years. Floyd, and his wife Sherry, established this endowed fund in 2023 to support the future success of the organization.
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John & Doris Nero Memorial Grant Fund: The Nero's dedicated their careers to education as teachers and guidance counselors. After John's passing in 2011, his wife Doris established the fund to continue John’s passion for helping and encouraging new teachers, especially to pursue professional development. New teachers pursuing higher education are able to apply for a grant annually from this fund.
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Nels and Kristine Christensen Fund: In 2005, Ms. Elna Christensen left a legacy to "perpetuate quality of life in her hometown," through a $1,390,000 endowed gift, establishing a fund in memory of her parents, Nels and Kirstine Christensen, for the Cedar Falls Community School District. The fund supports the purchase of tangible and intangible assets for student learning.