Cedar Rapids Older-Adult Center Nears Funding Goal
Local fitness, food, and senior-service businesses should watch for new competition as the 13,000-square-foot B. Young Center moves toward opening.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Horizons East Central Iowa has raised $5.5 million toward building the B. Young Center, a 13,000-square-foot gathering place for older adults at 819 Fifth St. SE in Cedar Rapids. The nonprofit has launched a final $500,000 goal for construction costs and an endowment.
Why it matters
The final $500,000 is meant to cover rising construction costs and establish an endowment so the center can keep operating after it opens. For Cedar Rapids operators, the project signals sustained local demand for older-adult amenities, including a cafe, fitness studio, and outdoor pickleball court.
Horizons East Central Iowa has raised $5.5 million toward the 13,000-square-foot B. Young Center, with a final $500,000 goal remaining. Identified funding includes an anonymous $2 million gift, a $600,000 state Community Attraction and Tourism grant, and $200,000 in Linn County American Rescue Plan Act funds.
The players
Horizons East Central Iowa
A Cedar Rapids-area nonprofit that operates Meals on Wheels, Neighborhood Transportation Service, and the Financial Wellness Center for older adults and residents of East Central Iowa.
Linn County
The Iowa county government that contributed $200,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds toward the B. Young Center.
The details
The campaign drew on hundreds of individual donors along with community partners, foundations, and businesses. The nonprofit is raising the remaining $500,000 to cover increased construction costs and to establish an endowment that supports ongoing operations. Horizons already runs Meals on Wheels, Neighborhood Transportation Service, and the Financial Wellness Center, and the new facility adds a cafe, fitness studio, and outdoor pickleball court.
Timeline
Late 2025: An anonymous $2 million gift was received for the center.
November 3, 2026: Horizons announced $5.5 million raised toward the center.
Market Landscape
The project combines private philanthropy with a state Community Attraction and Tourism grant and ARPA dollars routed through Linn County, a common pattern for local nonprofit capital projects. For Cedar Rapids operators, it adds a new amenity cluster for older adults that may shape how nearby fitness, food, and recreation businesses approach this customer segment.
Local businesses that serve older adults, including fitness, food, and transportation providers, should watch for new competition and partnership opportunities as the center prepares to open. Operators planning sponsorships or vendor relationships tied to the project should confirm terms directly with Horizons and consult a qualified accountant on any contribution decisions.
The takeaway
Nonprofit capital campaigns that combine private gifts with public grants are reaching their final funding stretch, so operators should track whether the $500,000 goal is met. Businesses considering sponsorship or partnership should review gift terms with a qualified attorney or accountant before committing.
Further reading
Explore more Philanthropy coverage to see how nonprofit capital campaigns like this one are funded in Cedar Rapids.
More information
Learn how to support the project through the Horizons campaign gift contact page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Gazette.
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