Big BangFoundation
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Cedar Rapids · Since 2016

Big ideas need
a place to begin.

Big Bang Foundation helps young people turn curiosity into creative work, growing confidence, and meaningful contribution.

Explore the library Support the work
501(c)(3) nonprofit✦EIN 81-2131907✦Cedar Rapids✦Founded 2016✦Every young person welcome

The mission

Potential is already there.

Every young person carries something worth discovering.

Create.
Learn. Lead.

We make room for ideas through creative resources, mentorship, culture, and community action—so young people can explore what they care about and see what they can contribute.

What young people bring

The spark is theirs.
We make room for it.

Curiosity, talent, humor, ambition, and imagination are already present.

Big Bang brings together mentors, materials, creative experiences, local culture, and opportunities to make—helping each young person move from “what if?” to “look what I did.”

Start with the idea. Build from there.

A connected pathway

From a spark
to something shared.

Different interests. Different starting points. One belief: every young person deserves room to make, grow, and contribute.

  1. 01

    Curiosity

    Notice what lights you up.

  2. 02

    Creativity

    Give the idea shape through making and play.

  3. 03

    Guidance

    Learn alongside people who make room for growth.

  4. 04

    Confidence

    See what becomes possible through practice.

  5. 05

    Leadership

    Use your voice, skills, and point of view.

  6. 06

    Contribution

    Bring what you learned back to the community.

Every entry point can lead somewhere.

CURIOSITY → CREATIVITY → GUIDANCE → CONFIDENCE → LEADERSHIP → CONTRIBUTION

How the mission moves

Four ways in.
One community growing.

Programs and resources can change over time. The commitment stays the same: create welcoming ways for young people to participate.

01

Create & Learn

Books, media, technology, and hands-on projects turn curiosity into something young people can see, share, and build upon.

Make the idea real.
02

Mentor & Lead

Guidance and trusted relationships help young people practice decision-making, self-expression, teamwork, and leadership.

Grow with guidance.
03

Culture & Expression

Music, art, storytelling, and community history create room for young people to be seen, heard, and proud of what they make.

Tell your story.
04

Community in Action

Neighborhood cleanups, public events, and youth-led service make contribution visible, local, and shared across generations.

Make it matter.

Tiny Prompters & creative books

Ideas you can
hold in your hands.

Workbooks, coloring books, and practical guides designed to make learning feel inviting, creative, local, and possible.

Collection 01—07AI literacy · Creative learning · Local culture
Tiny Prompters, Big Ideas cover
01

Featured workbook · Ages 5–7

Tiny Prompters, Big Ideas

An unplugged introduction to AI thinking and prompt-building through drawing, imagination, and play.

Buy on Amazon
The Quick-Prompt Guide for Educators cover
02

Free PDF · Educators

The Quick-Prompt Guide for Educators

A concise Tiny Prompters resource for discovering, adapting, evaluating, and teaching with stronger prompts.

Open free PDF
Your AI Co-Pilot for the Classroom cover
03

Practical guide · Educators

Your AI Co-Pilot for the Classroom

A classroom-minded guide to saving time, personalizing learning, and sparking creativity with AI.

Buy on Amazon
Tiny Prompters AI ABCs cover
04

Coloring book · Young learners

Tiny Prompters AI ABCs

A bright, friendly alphabet journey that introduces the language of AI one letter at a time.

Ask about availability
Cedar Rapids Coloring Book cover
05

Local creativity · All ages

Cedar Rapids Coloring Book

A playful tour of landmarks, culture, and the places that make Cedar Rapids feel like home.

Buy on Amazon
Color Chicago! cover
06

Big city adventure · All ages

Color Chicago!

A city-sized coloring trip through Chicago landmarks, neighborhoods, energy, and imagination.

Search on Amazon
Juneteenth Coloring Book cover
07

Culture & celebration · Families

Juneteenth Coloring Book

A vivid invitation to explore freedom, music, community, remembrance, and celebration.

Ask about availability

Rooted in Cedar Rapids

Built by showing up.

Big Bang Foundation’s story is a series of real community moments—service, music, mentorship, learning, and ideas made visible.

  1. 2016

    A foundation takes root

    Big Bang Foundation is established in Cedar Rapids and helps bring Rock the River to the community with free activities, music, books, and school-supply support.

    Rock the River archive
  2. 2016–19

    Showing up for young people

    Community service and the Lights On mentorship program create welcoming spaces for learning, creativity, mentors, and connection.

  3. 2022

    Leadership keeps growing

    Big Bang participates in a Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation learning cohort supporting emerging community organizations and their leaders.

    Community Foundation story
  4. 2023

    The Diplomats take the court

    The Diplomat Basketball Club opens free tryouts to boys and girls in grades 3–8, adding sport, teamwork, and belonging to the Foundation’s community work.

    Cedar Rapids schools listing
  5. 2025

    Iowa creativity takes the stage

    Big Bang Foundation supports the Iowa Music Awards alongside T1 Entertainment, celebrating artists and creative expression from across the state.

    2025 awards coverage
  6. Today

    Ideas become resources

    Tiny Prompters guides, local coloring books, creative learning materials, and community relationships carry the mission into its next chapter.

Leadership

Local roots.
Shared responsibility.

Three co-founders bringing community knowledge, creative practice, and long-term commitment to Cedar Rapids.

Portrait of Charles “Chuck” Crawley01

Co-Founder & Executive Director

Charles “Chuck” Crawley

Chuck guides the Foundation’s creative direction, educational resources, and community initiatives. He is an author, builder, and longtime Cedar Rapids advocate.

JR02

Co-Founder · Community Strategy & Partnership Architect

Jorel James Robinson

Jorel connects community insight with thoughtful partnerships. His work spans organizing, civic leadership, digital strategy, and relationship-building across Cedar Rapids.

Portrait of Antonio “Tone Da Boss” Chalmers03

Co-Founder · Youth Engagement & Creative Programs Director

Antonio “Tone Da Boss” Chalmers

Antonio brings experience in music, event production, youth media, and cultural programming that helps young people find their voice and share it.

Credibility you can check

Evidence,
not hype.

01
501(c)(3) profileCharity Navigator · EIN 81-2131907
02
Active Iowa organizationBig Bang Foundation, Inc. · Business No. 520560
03
Community leadership cohortGreater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation

Give the next idea a beginning

Help big ideas
begin.

Your support helps sustain creative resources, youth experiences, cultural programming, community projects, and the people who make the work possible.

01 · Give securely

Make a gift

Choose a one-time gift or become a monthly supporter through our secure Givebutter campaign.

Campaign liveOne-time and monthly giving are available now.

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02 · Build together

Partner with us

Have books, space, expertise, sponsorship, or a community idea to share? Start a conversation with the Foundation.

Start a conversation hello@wearebigbang.org
01

Creative learning

Books, guides, materials, and inviting ways to explore new ideas.

02

Youth experiences

Welcoming opportunities to create, practice, connect, and lead.

03

Culture & community

Local stories, arts, events, and projects that bring people together.

04

Steady support

Monthly giving helps the Foundation plan thoughtfully and keep showing up.

Start a conversation

Bring an idea.
Let’s see where it can go.

Programs, partnerships, media, volunteering, book questions—send us a note and it will reach the right conversation.

General inboxhello@wearebigbang.org
Write to us
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