The Kirkwood Foundation
Since 1969, the Kirkwood Foundation has ceaselessly raised funds to support students through education and training. We provide resources that are not typically supported by taxes, tuition, or other funding sources.
Our vision is to be a model for excellence in fundraising, scholarship administration, alumni relations, and investment stewardship.
The Foundation is a nonprofit, tax exempt corporation.
All students at Kirkwood are eligible to apply for scholarships. There are over 1,400 scholarship awards for students ranging from $500 to $5,500 and totaling over $3 million every year.
Kirkwood Currents is a semi-annual publication sent to alumni, donors, and friends, with information about some of the current issues and activities of your community college.
The Kirkwood Foundation welcomes your interest in our financial operations. We take great pride in stewarding the private gifts raised to support Kirkwood Community College and our students.
The financial and investment operations of the Kirkwood Foundation are under the direct oversight of the Foundation Board of Directors. Ellwood Associates is engaged as the professional investment consultant reporting to the Foundation's investment committee.
The Kirkwood Foundation's financial statements are audited annually by an independent, international accounting firm in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. The independent auditors report directly to the audit committee of the Kirkwood Foundation Board.
Audit
Tax Return
Condensed Balance Sheet
If you would like a printed copy of our financial reports, please contact us at foundation@kirkwood.edu or 319-398-5442.
The Kirkwood Community College Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to securing and stewarding private gifts and grants that benefit Kirkwood Community College.
We are registered to solicit charitable contributions with the appropriate governing authorities in all states requiring registration. Financial and other information about our purpose, programs and activities can be obtained online, by contacting us at 6301 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404 or 319-398-5442. If you are a resident of any of the following states, please review the relevant disclosure statement below.
State Nonprofit Disclosures
Maryland: For the cost of copies and postage, from the Office of the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401.
New Jersey: Information filed with the attorney general concerning this charitable solicitation and the percentage of contributions received by the charity during the last reporting period that were dedicated to the charitable purpose may be obtained from the attorney general of the state of New Jersey by calling 973-504-6215 and is available on the Internet here. Registration with the attorney general does not imply endorsement.
New York: Upon request, from the Attorney General's Charities Bureau, 28 Liberty Street, New York, NY 10005, 212-416-8686 or www.charitiesnys.com.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of Kirkwood Community College Foundation may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999.
Washington: From the Secretary of State at 1-800-332-4483 or www.sos.wa.gov/charities/.
Contributions are deductible for federal income tax purposes in accordance with applicable law. Registration in a state does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation of Kirkwood Community College Foundation by that state.
About the Kirkwood Foundation
The Kirkwood Foundation has one of the largest community college scholarship programs in the country, along with total assets of $73 million as of June 2024 — including $68 million in investments.
The Foundation supports Kirkwood events, as well as staff and faculty development such as the Endowed Faculty Chair program, Annual Endowed Lecture series, and Estate Planning for Employees seminars.
Students who received Kirkwood scholarships were more than two times as likely to graduate in three years (the required federal reporting period) as those not receiving scholarships according to a study conducted by the college’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness.
The Foundation has inducted more than 400 members into the Samuel J. Kirkwood Society, comprised of individuals who have either created a planned gift or endowed their gift to Kirkwood, KCCK-FM, or the Older Iowans Fund.
There are more than 200 members in the President's Circle, made up of donors who make a minimum cash gift of $1,000 to the Foundation each fiscal year, July 1 to June 30.
In 2023, the Foundation introduced the Bricklayer Society. Kirkwood's premiere cumulative giving society, the Bricklayer Society honors donors whose contributions have accumulated to $100,000 or more. Collectively, these donors form a strong cornerstone on which Kirkwood flourishes today.
The Kirkwood Foundation
Fast Facts About the Kirkwood Foundation
- Has total assets of $73 million as of June 2024, which includes $68 million in investments.
- Administers 400+ scholarship funds, including 200+ endowments.
- Has 400 members in the Samuel J. Kirkwood Society, comprised of individuals who have either created a planned gift or endowed their gift to Kirkwood, KCCK-FM or the Older Iowans Fund.
- Has more than 200 members in the President's Circle, comprised of donors who make a minimum cash gift of $1,000 to the Foundation each fiscal year, July 1 to June 30.
- Has more than 80 members in the Bricklayer Society, comprised of donors whose contributions to the Foundation have accumulated to $100,000 or more.
- Supports Kirkwood events and staff and faculty development such as the Endowed Faculty Chair program, Annual Endowed Lecture Series, Mini-Grants, and Estate Planning for Employees seminars.
- Has facilitated $10 million in departmental program support and in-kinds gifts in the past 10 years, enabling Kirkwood to maintain its tradition of excellence in the classroom.
Anne Parmley
TrueNorth Companies, Director of Community Impact
Kirkwood Foundation Board President
Dennis Jordan
Alliant Energy, Director of Customer, Community and Economic Development for the State of Iowa
Kirkwood Foundation Board Vice President
Paul Morf
Simmons Perrine Moyer Bergman PLC, Attorney
Kirkwood Foundation Board Secretary
Deborah J.L. Gertsen
Cedar Rapids Bank & Trust, Senior Vice President - Trust & Investments
Kirkwood Foundation Board Treasurer
Edmund Abodeely
Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Financial Advisor
Melanie Abu-Nameh
Feedwell Kitchen and Bakery, Co-Owner
Barbara Allen
Retired, Allen & Rhea, PLC, CPA
Ed Anctil
Collins Aerospace, Director of Technology and Development
Anthony Arrington
Top RANK, Managing Partner
Arbe Bareis-Moyyad
Kirkwood Community College, Associate Professor
Tom Cilek
West Bank, Senior Vice President
Richard L. Ferguson
Retired, ACT
Teri Gibson
TrueNorth Companies, Benefits Advisor
Barry G. Goettsch, FACHE
Compass Memorial Healthcare, CEO
Elaine Harrington
Community Volunteer
Carissa Johnson
Johnson Marketing & Events
G. Richard Johnson
Retired, Rockwell Collins
Darice Keating
Renaissance Learning, Senior VP, Government Affairs
David Kehoe
Ohnward Bank & Trust, Market President
Roger Klouda
MSI Mold Builders, President
Ruthina Malone
University of Iowa Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Departmental Administrator
Chad Meyers
Transamerica, VP, Head of Internal Audit
James Mollenhauer
M & D Farms, Inc., President & Director
Kirkwood Board of Trustees Chair
Dr. Clayton Parks
Parks, Schmit & Fuller Orthodontics, Orthodontist/Partner
Dr. Vincent Reid
Mercy Medical Center, Hall-Perrine Cancer Center Department of Onocologic Surgery, Medical Director
Pat Sauter
King’s Material, Inc., Vice President
Kent Statler
Retired, Collins Aerospace
Aaron Warner
ProCircular, CEO
Gene Wehrheim
The Wehrheim Group LLC, CEO
Stephen West
West Music Company, Chairman of the Board
All gifts to Kirkwood Community College are administered by the Kirkwood Foundation and are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. For more information, or if we can be of service to you in considering a gift to Kirkwood, please contact our staff.
| Jody Pellerin, CFRE | ||||||
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| Title: | Vice President, Advancement – Kirkwood Community College Executive Director – Kirkwood Foundation |
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| Phone: | 319-398-5409 | |||||
| Email: | jody.pellerin@kirkwood.edu | |||||
| Bio: | Jody Pellerin joined the Kirkwood Foundation in 2017 as the director of planned and endowed giving. In 2020, she became vice president of advancement for Kirkwood Community College. In this role, she serves as executive director of the Kirkwood Foundation and leads the initiatives to provide private sector resources for the college. She works closely with the Foundation board and college leadership to carry out the vision, mission, and strategies of the Kirkwood Foundation. Prior to joining Kirkwood, Jody served as the executive director of the Xavier High School Foundation from 2004 to 2017, and director of public support for the American Red Cross, Grant Wood Area Chapter, from 1998 to 2004. Jody earned her bachelor of arts degree from the University of Iowa and she received her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) certification in 2001. Jody is a member of the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Cedar Rapids Estate Planning Council, Eastern Iowa Planned Giving Council and the Cedar Rapids Downtown Rotary. Previous community involvement includes past president of the Eastern Iowa Planned Giving Council, and served as a board member of the following; Old Creamery Theatre, Eastern Iowa Chapter of AFP and Cedar Rapids Daybreak Rotary. She is a 2009 graduate of Leadership for Five Seasons and was named one of the Corridor Business Journal’s Forty under 40 in 2006. | |||||
| Jody Donaldson | ||||||
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| Title: | Director of Advancement | |||||
| Phone: | 319-398-7186 | |||||
| Email: | jody.donaldson@kirkwood.edu | |||||
| Bio: | Jody Donaldson joined the Kirkwood Foundation in 2005. She is dedicated to serving and stewarding donors, overseeing the annual awarding process of over $3 million in scholarship gifts, and enthusiastically working to re-connect and share the Kirkwood spirit with the college’s 75,000+ alumni. She is a graduate of Kirkwood Community College, Upper Iowa University, Iowa State University, and a graduate of the Leadership for Five Seasons Class of 2011. Jody has served as an adjunct instructor for the Business and Information Technology department teaching Introduction to Marketing and Introduction to Business. Jody is a strong advocate for philanthropy and volunteerism. She currently serves as The Arc of East Central Iowa Board Past-President, CASE District VI Board of Directors Chair of Sponsors & Exhibitors, Adult Accelerated Advisory board, Economic Alliance Leadership for Five Seasons Advisory Board In-coming Chair, Association of Fundraising Professionals Treasurer, and Iowa Snowdrifters Secretary. She recently completed noteworthy roles with the CASE Commission on Alumni Relations, and the CASE Community College Advisory Board. | |||||
| Tresa Wandrey | ||||||
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| Title: | Advancement Services Officer | |||||
| Phone: | 319-398-5457 | |||||
| Email: | tresa.wandrey@kirkwood.edu | |||||
| Bio: | Tresa joined the Kirkwood Foundation team in 2012. In her role as the advancement services officer, Tresa is responsible for the comprehensive management of the donor database, gift recording and acknowledgement, and reporting. She also serves as the liaison between the Foundation and the college’s finance department for operational and financial matters. Tresa is a graduate of Coe College. | |||||
| Alison Robinson | ||||||
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| Title: | Scholarship & Annual Fund Officer | |||||
| Phone: | 319-398-4943 | |||||
| Email: | alison.robinson@kirkwood.edu | |||||
| Bio: | Alison Robinson joined the Kirkwood Foundation in 2021 as scholarship and department coordinator. She moved to become the scholarship and annual fund officer in 2024, where her role involves promoting, managing, and awarding all scholarships, in addition to working with individual donors, corporations, organizations and foundations to establish new scholarships and raise annual funds for the college. Before joining the Kirkwood Foundation, Alison worked for 12 years in the Student Services division of Kirkwood Community College. Alison is also a Kirkwood alum, proudly earning her associate of arts degree before completing a bachelor of arts from the University of Iowa and her MBA from the University of Dubuque. Alison enjoys volunteering in the community through various organizations, is a Board of Trustee for the Hiawatha Public Library, and serves as sexton of the Greenhill Cemetery in northeast Iowa. Alison completed the Board Orientation and Leadership Development Program through United Way in 2022, was named as a Corridor Business Journal “40 Under 40” in 2022, and was a Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance Leadership for Five Seasons graduate of 2024. | |||||
| Eric Weiler, CFRE | ||||||
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| Title: | Major Gifts Officer | |||||
| Phone: | 319-398-1281 | |||||
| Email: | eric.weiler@kirkwood.edu | |||||
| Bio: | Eric joined the Kirkwood Foundation in 2008 as annual giving officer, working with individual donors, corporations, organizations and foundations to establish new scholarships and raise funds for college initiatives and departmental support. In 2020, Eric transitioned to major gifts officer where he cultivates, stewards, and solicits current and prospective major and endowed donors. He earned his associate degree from Southeastern (IA) Community College and his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Illinois University. He earned the CFRE fundraising credential in 2013. Eric is a graduate of the Cedar Rapids Leadership for Five Seasons Class of 2010 and the Iowa City Community Leadership Program Class of 2013. He was named to the Corridor Business Journal's “Forty Under 40” list in 2010 and received the Iowa City Area Chamber's Spark Leadership Award in 2016. Eric’s community involvement include current/past board roles with Iowa City Noon Rotary (president elect 2021-2022), Iowa City Area Business Partnership (past president- Empowered Professionals of Iowa City), United Way of Johnson County (campaign cabinet), Association of Fundraising Professionals Eastern Iowa Chapter, Johnson County I-Club, Kirkwood Keynotes Toastmasters, and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. | |||||
| Ashley Moore | ||||||
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| Title: | Alumni and Marketing Specialist | |||||
| Phone: | 319-398-5531 | |||||
| Email: | ashley.l.moore@kirkwood.edu | |||||
| Bio: | Ashley Moore joined the Kirkwood Foundation in 2022 as the alumni and marketing specialist. In this role, Ashley engages Kirkwood Alumni and Friends through events, publications, social media, and other outreach. Before joining the Kirkwood Foundation, Ashley spent eight years as event director at the Corridor Business Journal. Ashley is a proud Iowa native. She graduated from Southeastern (IA) Community College, achieving her associate degree before earning bachelor’s degrees in journalism and marketing from the University of Iowa. She was named one of the Corridor Business Journal’s Forty Under 40 in 2019, past president of the Empowered Professionals of the Iowa City Area (the Iowa City Area Business Partnership’s young professionals organization), and is a former Big Brothers Big Sisters volunteer. | |||||
| Jordan Eastburn | ||||||
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| Title: | Foundation and Finance Department Coordinator | |||||
| Phone: | 319-398-5899 ext. 5924 | |||||
| Email: | jordan.eastburn@kirkwood.edu | |||||
| Bio: | Jordan Eastburn joined the Kirkwood Foundation in 2024 as the department coordinator. With a bright, welcoming smile, she greets staff, donors, students, faculty, and community members, ensuring that everyone feels included and valued. Jordan provides essential support to both the Kirkwood Foundation and Finance Departments, where she completes various projects and manages everything from supply inventory and purchasing to coordinating critical Foundation Board meetings. She enjoys organizing projects, compiling reports, and delivering key communications, always ensuring that the details are handled with care. Jordan is passionate about creating an inclusive, welcoming environment and enjoys collaborating with others to champion service and excellence. Before joining the Kirkwood Foundation, she spent 6 years in the Student Services division of Kirkwood Community College, where she supported the Dean of Students Office as a department assistant. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa. | |||||
Student Success
A struggling single mother achieved her dream to become a nurse. An aspiring engineer, impressed by the faculty he met on his first visit, enrolled in the Electronics Engineering Technology program and discovered his ideal career path. A young mother enrolled after her job was eliminated, and Kirkwood prepared her to earn the prestigious Pearson Prize given annually to only 20 business students across the country.
Stories like these are written every day at Kirkwood. Our programs, facilities and people help ensure a bright future for our students — and ultimately — a strong future for our region.
Ways to Give
You can make a secure online gift to support Kirkwood Community College, KCCK-FM, or the Older Iowans Fund through our secure online site or by downloading a donation form.
Kirkwood employees can donate as part of the Employee Giving Campaign or by filling out a payroll deduction form. Alumni & Friends of Kirkwood can make personalized donations and get updates on how their dollars are being used in service of Kirkwood’s mission.
The Kirkwood Foundation is grateful for your gifts in the form of:
- Cash, check, or credit card
- Appreciated assets (stocks, bonds, and mutual fund distributions)
- Personal property (art, automobiles, and equipment)
- A planned gift, such as bequest, charitable gift annuity, charitable remainder trust, charitable lead trust, real estate, and retirement plan
For more planned giving information or bequest language, visit https://kirkwood.giftlegacy.com/.
How to Allocate Your Gift
Donors who give to a permanently endowed fund at a qualified Iowa community foundation are eligible to receive a 25% state tax credit for their gift. Gifts may be designated to benefit the Kirkwood Foundation. Gifts can be allocated as:
- Unrestricted contributions, which go to the area of greatest need for student support
- Restricted contributions for a specific area in the college, such as a departmental, named, or endowed scholarship fund
- Named gifts to establish a new scholarship, you can establish one with a $1,000 gift
- Endowed scholarships support students or programs in perpetuity at an average of 5% annually and can be established with a $15,000 gift.
Contact the Foundation
319-398-5442
foundation@kirkwood.edu
The Kirkwood Foundation
6301 Kirkwood Blvd. SW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
| Kirkwood Community College Foundation has received a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (formerly GuideStar), the world’s largest source of information on nonprofit organizations. This seal is given to nonprofits who have achieved the highest level of transparency about their organization, its goals and effectiveness. Click the logo to learn more. | |
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Kirkwood Community College Foundation has received a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, the world’s largest and most trusted nonprofit evaluator. This rating means the Foundation exceeds or meets best practices and industry standards across almost all areas and is a highly-effective charity. Click the logo to learn more. |