John & Barbara Knapp Charitable
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable purposes. Its mission centers around enabling organizations to carry out their charitable activities, with a focus on community service, education, and religious institutions. The foundation primarily supports nonprofits in the Cedar Rapids area, including organizations like the United Way of East Central Iowa and Mount Mercy University Foundation. Through its grants, it aims to foster community development and educational initiatives, reflecting a commitment to enhancing the welfare of its local community.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small to mid‑sized Cedar Rapids / eastern Iowa nonprofit working in education, community services, faith‑based programs, or local arts seeking modest grants (typically under $5,000) and connected to local networks or intermediaries.
Good Fit
- • Based in Cedar Rapids or eastern Iowa
- • Program or operating needs that match recent grants to education, churches, United Way and local service providers
- • Existing relationship or referral from a current grantee or local intermediary
- • Requests in the small grant range (hundreds to a few thousand dollars)
- • Track record of local community impact or partnership with other funded organizations
Geography
In the latest year all observed grant dollars stayed in Iowa; past years show almost all giving concentrated in the Cedar Rapids area, indicating a narrowly local footprint.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funded five distinct recipients in the latest year and supported organizations across education, faith, arts and community service; however the overall pool is small and giving is concentrated in a handful of repeat grantees.
New Applicants
The foundation formally indicates it only funds preselected recipients and the portfolio shows a stable core of recurring grantees (four repeat grantees across three years) with only one new recipient in 2024, so unfamiliar applicants appear unlikely to enter the portfolio without a referral or relationship.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
