The Community Foundation provides peer networks, training opportunities, and resources through the Hunt and Diane Harris Center for Nonprofit Excellence to help strengthen the nonprofit sector as a connector, capacity builder, and champion for our region.
For ticketed events, all ticket sales are final, and no refunds will be given. Tickets may be transferred to another person in the registered participant's organization up to the event date.
If you need to request a ticket transfer, need assistance, or have questions, contact us at (563) 326-2840.
The Community Foundation is hosting four grant application workshops, offering 1:1 support for applications at any stage of the drafting process.
The Community Foundation is hosting four grant application workshops, offering 1:1 support for applications at any stage of the drafting process.
Cybersecurity & Data Privacy, guided by Nicole Mann, EveryChild
Held at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Networking starts at 8:30 a.m., and group discussion is from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
At each CEOLink session, exclusively for nonprofit CEOs and Executive Directors, CEOLink participants focus on a self-selected topic facing their organizations, providing opportunities for best practice sharing and collaborative partnerships among CEOs. Past discussions have included working with a Board of Directors, strategic planning, volunteer management, and grant seeking.
Announcements about CEOLink are sent via an email distribution list. If you are a nonprofit CEO or Executive Director interested in joining CEOLink, please email the Community Foundation.
Visit our Strong Board Governance Page for more details!
Registration begins on November 17th.
Held at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Networking starts at 8:30 a.m., and group discussion is from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
MissionLink is designed for nonprofit staff who are not CEOs, Executive Directors (CEOLink), or Development Officers (DevelopmentLink). However, if a session topic is relevant to your role, you are always welcome to attend.
Announcements about MissionLink are sent via an email distribution list. If you are a nonprofit professional interested in joining MissionLink, please email the Community Foundation.
Quad Cities Board Connections is a new networking series from the Hunt & Diane Harris Center for Nonprofit Excellence designed to connect individuals interested in board service with organizations that are seeking qualified professionals to serve on their boards.
Through a combination of structured networking and informal conversation, Board Connections creates opportunities for nonprofit leaders and community professionals to explore board, committee, and advisory service in a welcoming, engaging environment.
We are proud to launch the Board Connections series in partnership with John Deere, whose commitment to community leadership helps make this opportunity possible.
The event will bring together approximately 200 participants, including:
Corporate professionals interested in serving on nonprofit boards, committees, or advisory groups.
Nonprofit executives and board leaders seeking talented individuals to strengthen their organizations.
Participants will take part in guided networking designed to foster meaningful conversations and lasting connections, followed by time for additional informal networking.
Facilitating and Recording Gifts-in-Kind, guided by Katie Resig, Project NOW
The meeting will be held at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Networking starts at 8:30 a.m., and group discussion is from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
At each session, exclusively for nonprofit development professionals, DevelopmentLink participants focus on a self-selected topic facing their organizations, providing opportunities for idea sharing and collaborative partnerships among peers.
Announcements about DevelopmentLink are sent via an email distribution list. If you are a nonprofit development professional interested in joining us for DevelopmentLink, please email the Community Foundation.
Visit our Strong Board Governance Page for more details!
Registration begins on November 17th.
Quad City Bank & Trust is excited to host a free workshop on 403(b) Planning for Nonprofit Professionals.
Nonprofit leaders are responsible for making thoughtful financial decisions that support both their employees and their organization’s long-term sustainability. This workshop will explore retirement plan options for nonprofit employers, including 403(b) and 401(k) plans, the costs and benefits of each option, and the responsibilities of serving as a plan sponsor.
Participants will also learn best practices for managing organizational investments, including how to evaluate investment partners, develop an Investment Policy Statement, and understand board fiduciary responsibilities. Greg Bauer, Financial Advisor with the Quad City Investment Center, and Tyler Edwards, Director of Financial Advisors, will share their expertise on building strong retirement programs and creating investment strategies that help nonprofits prepare for future opportunities.
RSVP by Wednesday, October 28th by signing up here:
The Art of Delegation, guided by Telly Papanikolaou, Alternatives
Held at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Networking starts at 8:30 a.m., and group discussion is from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
At each CEOLink session, exclusively for nonprofit CEOs and Executive Directors, CEOLink participants focus on a self-selected topic facing their organizations, providing opportunities for best practice sharing and collaborative partnerships among CEOs. Past discussions have included working with a Board of Directors, strategic planning, volunteer management, and grant seeking.
Announcements about CEOLink are sent via an email distribution list. If you are a nonprofit CEO or Executive Director interested in joining CEOLink, please email the Community Foundation.
Held at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Networking starts at 8:30 a.m., and group discussion is from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
MissionLink is designed for nonprofit staff who are not CEOs, Executive Directors (CEOLink), or Development Officers (DevelopmentLink). However, if a session topic is relevant to your role, you are always welcome to attend.
Announcements about MissionLink are sent via an email distribution list. If you are a nonprofit professional interested in joining MissionLink, please email the Community Foundation.
Using Analytics and CRM to Drive Fundraising Success, guided by Jayna Gallagher, River Bend Food Bank
Held at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Networking starts at 8:30 a.m., and group discussion is from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
At each session, exclusively for nonprofit development professionals, DevelopmentLink participants focus on a self-selected topic facing their organizations, providing opportunities for idea sharing and collaborative partnerships among peers.
Announcements about DevelopmentLink are sent via an email distribution list. If you are a nonprofit development professional interested in joining us for DevelopmentLink, please email the Community Foundation.
Visit our Strong Board Governance Page for more details!
Registration begins on November 17th.
The Community Foundation is hosting four grant application workshops, offering 1:1 support for applications at any stage of the drafting process.
The Community Foundation is hosting four grant application workshops, offering 1:1 support for applications at any stage of the drafting process.
Major Donor Solicitation, guided by Christina McNamara, Bethany for Children & Families
The meeting will be held at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Networking starts at 8:30 a.m., and group discussion is from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
At each session, exclusively for nonprofit development professionals, DevelopmentLink participants focus on a self-selected topic facing their organizations, providing opportunities for idea sharing and collaborative partnerships among peers.
Announcements about DevelopmentLink are sent via an email distribution list. If you are a nonprofit development professional interested in joining us for DevelopmentLink, please email the Community Foundation.
Fall Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant applications close on September 1, 2026, and we're hosting an info session to help you make the strongest case possible for your project.
Please join us virtually on August 4 to hear from Community Foundation staff, learn more about our Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants, and ask any questions you may have about the application process.
The session will also be recorded and posted on the Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants page on our website for those who are not able to attend.
Please RSVP for this session to receive a link to the virtual meeting.
Visit our Strong Board Governance Page for more details!
Registration begins on November 17th.
Date: July 16
Time: 8:30-9:30 am, followed by networking.
Edwin Salazar, director of youth engagement and development at YWCA, will lead a conversation on overcoming delegation challenges.
Every role is essential for an organization to deliver on its mission. And yet, there are few spaces designed specifically for nonprofit professionals to connect with peers, ask questions, and work through real challenges together.
MissionLink is that space.
MissionLink is a free quarterly peer networking group for those in operations, finance, HR, programs, communications, administration, and any other field that makes the mission happen. Each session brings together professionals from across organizations to learn from each other, discuss shared lived experience, and build relationships that last beyond a single meeting. Fill out this interest form to recieve future messages about this resource.
Human Resources, guided by Cindy Diehl Yang, Putnam Museum and Science Center
The meeting will be held at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Networking starts at 8:30 a.m., and group discussion is from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
At each CEOLink session, exclusively for nonprofit CEOs and Executive Directors, CEOLink participants focus on a self-selected topic facing their organizations, providing opportunities for best practice sharing and collaborative partnerships among CEOs. Past discussions have included working with a Board of Directors, strategic planning, volunteer management, and grant seeking.
Announcements about CEOLink are sent via an email distribution list. If you are a nonprofit CEO or Executive Director interested in joining CEOLink, please email the Community Foundation.
A free, 1-hour workshop open to all interested grant applicants. The workshop will be offered in two different time slots on Monday, June 15.
These sessions are a safe space to join other applicants and grant writers to think, share, and pre-write. Sharing with and listening to others can spark questions and ideas. These sessions will not cover grant writing instructions, and attendance does not impact funding decisions.
Monday, June 15 — 3:00 - 4:00 PM
This session will be held in person at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Register here
A free, 1-hour workshop open to all interested grant applicants. The workshop will be offered in two different time slots on Monday, June 15.
These sessions are a safe space to join other applicants and grant writers to think, share, and pre-write. Sharing with and listening to others can spark questions and ideas. These sessions will not cover grant writing instructions, and attendance does not impact funding decisions.
Monday, June 15 — 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
This session will be held in person at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Register here
Visit our Strong Board Governance Page for more details!
Registration begins on November 17th.
Prospecting and Donor Acquisition, guided by Dr. Luis Moreno, SAL Community Services
The meeting will be held at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Networking starts at 8:30 a.m., and group discussion is from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
At each session, exclusively for nonprofit development professionals, DevelopmentLink participants focus on a self-selected topic facing their organizations, providing opportunities for idea sharing and collaborative partnerships among peers.
Announcements about DevelopmentLink are sent via an email distribution list. If you are a nonprofit development professional interested in joining us for DevelopmentLink, please email the Community Foundation.
Spring Operations and Programs Grants open on June 1, 2026, and we're hosting an info session to help you make the strongest case possible for your project.
Please join us virtually on June 4 to hear from Community Foundation staff, learn more about our Operations and Programs Grants, and ask any questions you may have about the application process.
The session will also be recorded and posted on the Operations and Programs Grants page on our website for those who are not able to attend.
Please RSVP for this session to receive a link to the virtual meeting.
Visit our Strong Board Governance Page for more details!
Registration begins on November 17th.
Scaling Unintentional Growth, guided by Kelli Feigley, Fresh Films
The meeting will be held at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Networking starts at 8:30 a.m., and group discussion is from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
At each CEOLink session, exclusively for nonprofit CEOs and Executive Directors, CEOLink participants focus on a self-selected topic facing their organizations, providing opportunities for best practice sharing and collaborative partnerships among CEOs. Past discussions have included working with a Board of Directors, strategic planning, volunteer management, and grant seeking.
Announcements about CEOLink are sent via an email distribution list. If you are a nonprofit CEO or Executive Director interested in joining CEOLink, please email the Community Foundation.
Interested in the Harris Center’s Strong Board Governance Program? QCCF staff will provide an overview of the Strong Board Governance Series. There will be time for questions with the expert consultants who develop and deliver these programs.
Register for the informational here to receive the Zoom link.
April’s DevelopmentLink is reschedule to take place at AFP-QC’s Success in Fundraising on April 16th during the lunch hour.
If you are interested in attending AFP-QC’s Success in Fundraising Conference, please register here.
At each session, exclusively for nonprofit development professionals, DevelopmentLink participants focus on a self-selected topic facing their organizations, providing opportunities for idea sharing and collaborative partnerships among peers.
Announcements about DevelopmentLink are sent via an email distribution list. If you are a nonprofit development professional interested in joining us for DevelopmentLink, please email the Community Foundation.
This is session three of four in our Effective Nonprofit Management Cohort Program. Teams of three professionals from 15 different nonprofit organizations will participate in all four sessions over an 8-week period.
Session One: Leadership & Management
Session Two: Finance
Session Three: Marketing & Storytelling
Session Four: Fundraising
Visit our Effective Nonprofit Management Page for more details!
Registration begins on November 17th.
Topic: Navigating Uncertainty
Moderator: Ann Schwickerath, Executive Director of Project Renewal
The meeting will be held at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Networking starts at 8:30 a.m., and group discussion is from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
At each CEOLink session, exclusively for nonprofit CEOs and Executive Directors, CEOLink participants focus on a self-selected topic facing their organizations, providing opportunities for best practice sharing and collaborative partnerships among CEOs. Past discussions have included working with a Board of Directors, strategic planning, volunteer management, and grant seeking.
Announcements about CEOLink are sent via an email distribution list. If you are a nonprofit CEO or Executive Director interested in joining CEOLink, please email the Community Foundation.
Spring Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants open on March 3, 2026, and we're hosting an info session to help you make the strongest case possible for your project.
Please join us virtually on March 5th to hear from Community Foundation staff, learn more about our Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants, and ask any questions you may have about the application process.
The session will also be recorded and posted on the Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants page on our website for those who are not able to attend.
Please RSVP for this session to receive a link to the virtual meeting.
This is session three of four in our Effective Nonprofit Management Cohort Program. Teams of three professionals from 15 different nonprofit organizations will participate in all four sessions over an 8-week period.
Session One: Leadership & Management
Session Two: Finance
Session Three: Marketing & Storytelling
Session Four: Fundraising
Visit our Effective Nonprofit Management Page for more details!
Registration begins on November 17th.
February’s topic is From Local to National: Investing in Your Professional and Network Growth.
Moderated by Micaela Booth, Richard Garrett, and Anne Calder.
Join us for a dynamic panel of development groups, where you’ll have the opportunity to elevate your networking skills and engage with peers in meaningful ways.
Each year, DevelopmentLink session topics are selected by member feedback gathered through our end-of-year survey. This year, members expressed a strong interest in gaining greater clarity around the roles, resources, and value of local development groups and how those opportunities connect to broader professional learning and growth.
To kick off our first DevelopmentLink session of 2026, we will bring together representatives from key local development peer groups, including the Association of Fundraising Professionals Quad Cities Chapter, the Quad Cities Planned Giving Council, and the Quad Cities Community Foundation’s Harris Center for Nonprofit Excellence – DevelopmentLink. Together, they will help members better understand who to know, what to know, and how to grow in their fundraising and professional journeys.
In addition, each co-moderator will briefly share the fundraising tools, learning opportunities, and professional resources they personally rely on at the local, regional, and national levels. These insights will spark an interactive group discussion, inviting participants to exchange resources they’ve used, recommend opportunities they value, and explore new ways to intentionally invest in their professional and network growth.
This session is designed to empower development professionals to leverage local connections and peer learning while intentionally investing in themselves to strengthen their careers, organizations, and fundraising efforts for long-term success.
The meeting will be held at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Networking starts at 8:30 a.m., and group discussion is from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
At each session, exclusively for nonprofit development professionals, DevelopmentLink participants focus on a self-selected topic facing their organizations, providing opportunities for idea sharing and collaborative partnerships among peers.
Announcements about DevelopmentLink are sent via an email distribution list. If you are a nonprofit development professional interested in joining us for DevelopmentLink, please email the Community Foundation.
DevelopmentLink is presented in collaboration with AFP-Quad Cities.
This is session two of four in our Effective Nonprofit Management Cohort Program. Teams of three professionals from 15 different nonprofit organizations will participate in all four sessions over an 8-week period.
Session One: Leadership & Management
Session Two: Finance
Session Three: Marketing & Storytelling
Session Four: Fundraising
Visit our Effective Nonprofit Management Page for more details!
Registration begins on November 17th.
This is session one of four in our Effective Nonprofit Management Cohort Program. Teams of three professionals from 15 different nonprofit organizations will participate in all four sessions over an 8-week period.
Session One: Leadership & Management
Session Two: Finance
Session Three: Marketing & Storytelling
Session Four: Fundraising
Visit our Effective Nonprofit Management Page for more details!
Registration begins on November 17th.
Topic: Executive Decision Making
Moderator: Frances William, Mercado on Fifth
The meeting will be held at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Networking starts at 8:30 a.m., and group discussion is from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
At each CEOLink session, exclusively for nonprofit CEOs and Executive Directors, CEOLink participants focus on a self-selected topic facing their organizations, providing opportunities for best practice sharing and collaborative partnerships among CEOs. Past discussions have included working with a Board of Directors, strategic planning, volunteer management, and grant seeking.
Announcements about CEOLink are sent via an email distribution list. If you are a nonprofit CEO or Executive Director interested in joining CEOLink, please email the Community Foundation.
This 90-minute workshop on Building Bridges Through Creativity - Leveraging the Creative Community to Expand Your Nonprofit’s Reach facilitated by Aubrey Barnes will be held at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Networking starts at 8:00 a.m., and the workshop is from 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Cost: $25 per seat
This professional development session will equip nonprofit organizations with strategies to connect with and harness the power of the local creative community to amplify their mission, increase engagement, and strengthen community ties. By partnering with artists, writers, musicians, and other creative professionals, nonprofits can foster unique collaborations that broaden their reach and create meaningful, lasting impact.
Planned gift Estates and Bequests, guided by Amelia (Ami) Allard Wells
The meeting will be held at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Networking starts at 8:30 a.m., and group discussion is from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
At each session, exclusively for nonprofit development professionals, DevelopmentLink participants focus on a self-selected topic facing their organizations, providing opportunities for idea sharing and collaborative partnerships among peers.
Announcements about DevelopmentLink are sent via an email distribution list. If you are a nonprofit development professional interested in joining us for DevelopmentLink, please email the Community Foundation.
DevelopmentLink is presented in collaboration with AFP-Quad Cities.
QCCF staff will provide an overview of the Effective Nonprofit Management Cohort and Strong Board Governance Series. Past program participants will share testimonials, and there will be time for questions with the expert consultants who develop and deliver these programs.
Making the Ask: How to Engage Your CEO in Fundraising, guided by Doug Dilllion, CEO of Panas, Linzy & Partners
The meeting will be held at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Networking starts at 8:30 a.m., and group discussion is from 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Announcements about CEOLink are sent via an email distribution list. If you are a nonprofit CEO or Executive Director interested in joining CEOLink, please email the Community Foundation.
This 4-hour workshop on Succession Planning will be facilitated by consultant Rena Henderson Mason from Bold Agenda. Networking starts at 7:30 a.m., and the workshop is from 8:00-12:00 p.m.
Leadership transitions are inevitable, but with the right tools and planning, they can become opportunities for growth, strength, and mission impact.
Presented by Rena Henderson Mason, Founder and CEO of Bold Agenda, this workshop will guide CEOs, executive directors, and nonprofit leaders through the essential steps of building a robust succession plan, whether transitions are planned or unexpected.
Through discussions and hands-on exercises, you’ll leave with a practical action plan to help your organization thrive through leadership transitions.
As a bonus, participants are invited to join a virtual group coaching session a few weeks after the workshop to refine action plans, ask questions, and connect with peers.
About the speaker: Rena Henderson Mason is a trusted advisor to nonprofit boards and staff leaders, known for helping organizations build high-performance teams and navigate change with confidence. Through her work with Bold Agenda, Rena empowers leaders to embrace succession planning, governance, diversity, and bold strategic thinking. Full bio here.