Who we are

We have one mission—move McElroy’s vision forward.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Mike Young

Kathy Flynn

Jim Waterbury

Sally Hollis

Robert Smith, Jr.

Our History

Remembering McElroy’s Vision

The R.J. McElroy Trust was founded in 1965 and is located in Waterloo, Iowa. The benefactor was R.J. McElroy, a pioneer Iowa broadcaster. In 1947, McElroy founded the Black Hawk Broadcasting Company and put radio station KWWL on the air. That was followed by KWWL TV and several other radio and television stations. McElroy died in 1965 and made provision in his will for the establishment of a trust fund, the proceeds of which are to be used for the educational benefit of deserving young people.

Since then, the Trust has funded a broad range of educational programs—including scholarships, fellowships, internships, student loan funds and numerous other projects to benefit youth of all ages. Literally thousands of young people in northeastern Iowa thank R.J. McElroy for the influence he has had in their lives. His strong commitment to youth and education has extended far beyond his lifetime to the enormous benefit of many, many young people. To see that this vision is continued for years to come is the responsibility of the R.J. McElroy Board of Trustees.

union block

Union Block is

a collective of funders who invest and lead for a thriving community.

Black Hawk County Gaming Association, McElroy Trust, Otto Schoitz Foundation, and Waterloo Community Foundation decided to relocate and share an office space in early 2024. The staff and boards of these organizations put into action a vision of funders collaborating for community betterment.

We are four entities maintaining independent decision-making and funding priorities. Our shared work includes connecting, learning, advocating and working for action.
Our name comes from our joint office space located in the old Union Block Building in downtown Waterloo. Our proximity fosters collaboration.
We value curiosity, trusted partnership and measured risk for innovation.

We believe a thriving community is one where people are healthy, have access to opportunity, feel a sense of connection and take pride in the place they call home.