The UFG Foundation has distributed $442,000 in grants to 23 nonprofit organizations as part of its midyear funding cycle, with gifts reaching groups in Iowa, Colorado, New Jersey and Texas.
The geographic spread mirrors the footprint of Cedar Rapids-based UFG Insurance, the property and casualty carrier that also maintains offices in the other three states.
“Expanding the footprint of our charitable giving is deeply meaningful,” said Casey Prince, UFG’s AVP of marketing communications and a foundation representative. “From coast to coast, our employees and agent partners dedicate their personal time and treasure to nonprofit work that’s making a tangible difference in their communities. UFG Foundation grants aim to amplify the importance of giving back.”
The largest single gift in this cycle — $210,000 — went to United Way of East Central Iowa, continuing a decades-long tradition tied to employee giving during United Way’s annual campaign. It’s typically the foundation’s biggest gift of the year.
“We often say we owe every success to our people,” Prince said. “The UFG Foundation’s annual gift to United Way of East Central Iowa is our way of echoing our employees’ commitment to community shown through Day of Caring events, annual fundraising campaigns and volunteerism.”
Prince added that the timing carries extra weight this year: UFG is marking its 80th anniversary in 2026. “This year’s gift feels especially poignant as we honor the people — past and present — who represent the legacy of our mission that proudly includes community support,” she said.
Beyond the United Way gift, funding went to a range of organizations supporting arts, education, health and human services, including the African American Museum of Iowa, American Heart Association, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Corridor, Cedar Valley Humane Society, Kirkwood Community College, Mount Mercy University, the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library, Space Center Houston, the University of Iowa Center for Advancement and the University of Northern Iowa Foundation, among others. Two out-of-state arts organizations — Colorado’s Lone Tree Arts Center Fund and Texas’ The Company Onstage, Inc. — also received support.
The full list of recipients:
- African American Museum of Iowa
- American Heart Association
- Boys & Girls Clubs of the Corridor
- Cedar Rapids Concert Chorale
- Cedar Valley Humane Society
- Eastern Iowa Health Center
- Iowa Ceramics Center and Glass Studio
- Iowa Valley RC&D
- Kirkwood Community College
- Leaders, Believers, Achievers (LBA) Foundation
- Lone Tree Arts Center Fund – Colorado
- Mount Mercy University
- National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
- New Jersey Agricultural Society
- North Liberty Community Pantry
- Patrons of the Performing Arts
- Space Center Houston
- The Catherine McAuley Center
- The Company Onstage, Inc. – Texas
- United Way of East Central Iowa
- University of Iowa Center for Advancement
- University of Northern Iowa Foundation
- YPN
UFG Foundation runs three grant cycles annually for qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations. The second application window of 2026 remains open through Aug. 30. Organizations can review eligibility requirements and apply at ufginsurance.com/foundation.
UFG was founded in 1946 as United Fire & Casualty Company. Through its subsidiaries, the company writes property and casualty insurance and is licensed in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, working with roughly 850 independent agencies. AM Best rates members of the United Fire & Casualty Group “A-” (Excellent).
