Over half a million dollars in grants just announced

Thirty-four local nonprofits are receiving $577,262 through the Quad Cities Community Foundation’s Operations and Program Grants.

The Community Foundation’s largest competitive grantmaking cycle each year, Operations and Program Grants are made possible by donors to 12 different Field of Interest Funds as well as the Quad Cities Community Impact Fund. Grants from the program are intended to provide general operating funding or program support for successful ongoing efforts. They cover a variety of focus areas, from basic needs and health to community development and arts and culture.

“General operating support and unrestricted funding are so important to nonprofits’ health and viability,” said Sue Hafkemeyer, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “That’s especially true during tough economic times, when organizations may be dealing with increased demand for their services and reduced donor support. We’re so grateful to the donors whose generosity allows us to put these grants out into the community.”  

Operations and Program Grants range in size from $5,000 to $20,000, with $40,000 available for two-year requests. This year, eight nonprofits are receiving funding from the Community Foundation for the very first time: Amani Community Services, ASWAS, Inspire Next, Kinna’s House of Love, Lotus Blossoms, Positive Brothers United, Rock Island Milan Little League, and Understanding Works.

“We hope the community will join us in congratulating these first-time grantees and learn more about the work they’re doing to make the Quad Cities a more vibrant and inclusive place,” said Kelly Thompson, vice president of grantmaking and community initiatives. “We strive to be connected and relevant to our community’s nonprofit sector as it continues to grow, and we couldn’t be more excited to see what all of these organizations achieve with this support.”  

This year’s grants come from the following funds, with additional funding provided by the Quad Cities Community Impact Fund. An * denotes a grant paid over the course of two years.

Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund—focuses on health, community development, youth development, education, and arts and cultural activities:

  • Christ United Methodist Church of the Illinois Quad Cities—$5,000

  • Christian Care—$20,000

  • EveryChild—$20,000

  • One Eighty—$8,790

  • Rock Island County Children's Advocacy Center—$20,000*

  • Rock Island Milan Little League—$5,000

  • Testimonies of Hope—$20,000

  • The Project of the Quad Cities—$5,000

  • Unity House of Davenport, Inc.—$8,000

Basic Human Needs Fund & Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund—focuses on organizations supporting basic human needs:

  • NEST Cafe—$40,000*

Children At Risk Fund & Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund—focuses on youth:

  • YWCA of the Quad Cities—$40,000*

Chip Sunderbruch Memorial Risk Management Fund & Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund—focuses on risk management and safety issues:

  • Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities—$20,000

Health and Wellness Fund & Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund—focuses on health:

  • Transitions—$10,472

Health and Wellness Fund, Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund & Basic Human Needs Fund:

  • Vera French Housing Corp.—$40,000*

John J. Quail Fund & Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund—focuses on arts and culture:

  • Quad City Botanical Center—$5,000

Judith Berger Fund & Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund—focuses on education, poverty, and children in need:

  • Tapestry Farms—$15,000

Marsha and Don and Pedersen Endowment & Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund—focuses on arts and culture, education, and children, youth, and seniors:

  • LivWell CARES—$15,000

Nell C. Brennan Fund & Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund—focuses on educational opportunities for underserved children:

  • Hope at the BRICK House, Inc.—$10,000

Roy E. Murray Fund & Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund—focuses on youth:

  • Christian Friendliness - YouthHope—$40,000*

Sekharan Family Fund & Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund—focuses on hospice care and homelessness:

  • Quad Cities Housing Council—$30,000*

Quad Cities Community Impact Fund—focuses on the most pressing needs and promising opportunities in the Quad Cities: 

  • Amani Community Services—$20,000

  • ASWAS, Inc.—$5,000

  • Augustana College Advancement Office—$20,000

  • Fresh Films - Dreaming Tree Foundation—$13,000*

  • Heart of Hope Ministries—$40,000*

  • Inspire Next—$10,000

  • Kinna’s House Of Love, Inc.—$10,000

  • Living Proof Exhibit—$10,000*

  • Lotus Blossoms, Inc—$5,000

  • Positive Brothers United—$20,000*

  • Quad City Arts—$10,000

  • STEAM on Wheels—$20,000*

  • Understanding Works—$5,000

  • WVIK Quad Cities NPR—$12,000

Grants are made available thanks to the generosity of donors in the region who have made endowment gifts to the funds above to support communities in the Quad Cities area. These grants were awarded through the Quad Cities Community Foundation’s Operations and Program Grants program, which allows nonprofits to submit one application and be considered for many grant opportunities.

Ted Stephens IIIGrant, Amy Helpenstell Foundation