Friends of the Foundation Fund helps the Quad Cities Community Foundation—and the region—to flourish
“In some ways, I feel like the Quad Cities Community Foundation and I have grown up together,” said Esmeralda Jinez, general engineer at the Rock Island Arsenal and a member of the Community Foundation’s board of directors. “My experience with the organization has been very formative, and it’s amazing to see how the work has evolved over the years.”
Having participated in Community Foundation programs since she was a teenager—and having now served on the board of directors for two years—it’s fair to say Jinez knows the organization inside and out. And that behind-the-scenes knowledge influences her approach to philanthropy.
“I’ve been lucky enough to be involved with the broad range of funds at the Community Foundation,” Jinez said. “They offer many avenues for people to put generosity to work. People want their contributions to make an impact—I believe the best way to do that is through the Friends of the Foundation Fund.”
The Friends of the Foundation Fund supports the Community Foundation’s work and long-term vision for philanthropy in the Quad Cities. Community members can join Jinez in donating to the fund here.
“Gifts to the Friends of the Foundation Fund allow us to continue to respond to community opportunities and needs in thoughtful, proactive, and innovative ways,” says Sue Hafkemeyer, president and CEO. “When our community donates to the fund, their contribution has an immediate impact on our ability to conduct the transformative work. It’s heartwarming to see people like Esmeralda contributing both her time and philanthropic dollars to support our mission.”
Jinez’s relationship with the Community Foundation is longstanding. “It began with Teens for Tomorrow,” she reflected. “The program instilled something in me, a real drive to work with others and to make sure I’m always giving back.”
That philosophy followed Jinez even when she left the Quad Cities for college. “I stayed in touch during that time,” she said. “The Community Foundation gave me an opportunity to review grants for local nonprofits—it really made me feel connected to home.”
When Jinez returned to the Quad Cities, that involvement only deepened as she contributed to the organization’s grantmaking programs and eventually joined the board. “People see the headlines about hundreds of thousands of dollars granted, the nonprofits that are growing, but may not realize how much work is required to reach these goals,” said Jinez. “The Community Foundation is a relatively small team, but they’re tackling a huge mission—and that can’t work without support. That’s why I contribute to the Friends of the Foundation Fund.”
The Friends of the Foundation Fund is essential for the Community Foundation team to do their work. “Organizing events, supporting staff, upkeep for the building, training, donor outreach, promotion for grants and funds, community engagement—it’s an endless list,” said Anne Calder, Community Foundation vice president of development. “It takes all this and more to transform our region through the generosity of donors. The fund makes that mission possible.”
Donations of all sizes make a difference in support of the Community Foundation's mission. “I was hesitant to join the board initially,” Jinez said. “I thought, ‘Why me?’ I didn’t have an established company; I didn’t see myself as a leader. But what the Community Foundation knew—and I’ve learned since—is that everyone has a voice, and everyone can make a difference when given a chance. The same is true in giving. Every dollar has the potential to build our community and help people thrive.”