On April 14, while tornado sirens sounded outside, a group of undaunted community members gathered at the Coralville Public Library for the 2026 Community Board Fair. In the downstairs meeting rooms, safe from the wind and rain, more than 30 local nonprofits came together to share their missions and opportunities for involvement.
Organized by Greater Iowa City, Inc, the United Way of Johnson and Washington Counties, the Community Foundation of Johnson County, and sponsored by Hills Bank, this event offers more than just information. It creates space for genuine connection and helps people find meaningful ways to engage with their community.
Nonprofits rely heavily on their board of directors for support. Board members not only oversee the functioning of the organization, but they also bring their unique skills, perspectives, and passions to further strengthen organizational impact.
Kathy Hotsenpillar, a member of the Coralville Community Food Pantry’s board and one of those tabling, says “At a time when there is so much uncertainty in our country and our state, I feel like a lot of people feel helpless. Volunteering locally directly impacts others in our community, and is a way we can feel like we’re doing something. We are lucky to have so many nonprofits in the greater Iowa City area. Seeing friends and neighbors come out to offer their skills and services to local nonprofits is truly heartwarming.”
Serving on a nonprofit board is a powerful way to strengthen your connection to the community while gaining meaningful experiences. It offers a unique mix of personal, professional, and civic growth. Board service provides hands-on exposure to organizational leadership, including HR practices, personnel management, and nonprofit finance. It also expands your network beyond typical professional circles, bringing together individuals from different sectors who share a commitment to community impact and fostering more authentic, cross-sector relationships. Finally, and most importantly, board involvement deepens your understanding of the challenges facing your community and the systems working to address them.
The Community Board Fair itself reflects the strength of local collaboration. Originating as a Community Leadership Program group project and now as the culminating event for the Board Leadership Program, the Fair is quickly becoming a hallmark of local community building and apparently the place to be to get away from the stormy weather.
If you weren’t able to attend but are still interested in exploring how you can share your skills and get involved in a nonprofit board, feel free to reach out to Tom Martinez, Community Development Program Manager at Greater IC, at tom@greateriowacity.com.
