Philanthropy in uncertain times

by Sue Hafkemeyer
President & CEO

I’ve grown accustomed to navigating change—be it in our communities, our programs, or the economic landscape in which we are currently experiencing. The Quad Cities Community Foundation has been doing this work for more than 60 years, so market volatility is nothing new.

Still, when investment portfolios fluctuate, the effects inevitably reach our sector. In those moments, I’m reminded just how essential steady, long-term philanthropic commitment is—not just for sustaining our mission, but for upholding the trust placed in us by the communities we support.

I often remember that our mission was built not just for the good times, but for the hard ones as well. The strength of our model as a community foundation is in its resilience, and we’ve designed our investment strategies with both growth and stability in mind. We are prepared to stretch in seasons of abundance and stay grounded when resources tighten. But more than anything, it’s the consistency of our donors and supporters that makes stability possible.

During periods of economic uncertainty, we may feel tempted to hit a pause on giving. That’s understandable. Yet, I encourage donors to remember that philanthropy is an investment in a better tomorrow. As Suresh Balakrishnan, our board treasurer and senior financial analyst at Deere & Company, wisely put it: “Growth doesn’t always look like expansion—it often looks like persistence.”

Donor-advised funds and thoughtful philanthropic planning are essential tools in uncertain times. They allow for both immediate responsiveness and enduring generosity. Working closely with philanthropic advisors, donors can calibrate their giving to remain aligned with their values, no matter what the market is doing.

Ultimately, giving during uncertain periods is an act of courage and hope. It sends a message—to nonprofits, to our community, and to future generations—that we believe in a long arc of positive progress. That we’re committed not just to impact, but to growing with stability.

Because the needs don’t stop when the markets dip. And neither should our resolve to meet them. Your Community Foundation has a team of experts working closely with our community and the best financial advisors as we support donors through every market change. If volatility has been on your mind, just give us a call. We’d love to talk about how—even in uncertain times—you can build something that lasts.