Nonprofits receive more than $170,000 in capacity building grants

As the local nonprofit sector continues to evolve and grow, so does the need for timely, strategic support that helps organizations strengthen their operations and expand their impact.

That’s why the Quad Cities Community Foundation created Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants—to invest in the systems, structures, cultures, and skills necessary for the long-term health and sustainability of organizations doing critical work in our region. Now, the donor-driven grant program has awarded $171,218 to ten local organizations.

“Capacity building takes many forms, and it’s absolutely essential to nonprofit success,” said Kaleigh Trammell, director of grantmaking and community initiatives at the Community Foundation. “Thanks to donors who believe in the power and potential of our local nonprofit sector, these grants give organizations the tools to grow with purpose. Each of these nonprofits is already making a difference—and now they’re better equipped to do even more.”

This year, donors had the opportunity to support these projects directly through the Community Foundation’s grant catalog. Incredibly, donors stepped up to give more than $38,000 to fund capacity building projects.

The 2025 grantees represent a broad spectrum of missions, from arts and education to public health and social services. Their capacity building efforts include initiatives like strategic planning, technology improvements, leadership development, and governance enhancements—all designed to help them lead with confidence and deliver lasting impact in the Quad Cities.

The following nonprofits received spring 2025 Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants:

  • Martin Luther King Jr. Center, Inc.: Strategic planning, website upgrade, and knowledge management to strengthen organizational effectiveness—$20,000

  • YWCA of the Quad Cities: Technology upgrades to improve financial and data management—$19,375

  • Robert Young Center: New eating disorder intensive outpatient program to increase program capacity and equitable access—$17,100

  • Humane Society of Scott County: Contract consulting to sustain HSSC’s animal services and expand community programs—$19,375

  • Empowering Abilities: Smart Home Initiative to advance independence for individuals with disabilities through innovation—$20,000

  • Figge Art Museum: Endowment consulting to improve the Figge’s fundraising and financial management capabilities—$20,000

  • Putnam Museum and Science Center: Assessing technology/software needs and processes to improve data management and fundraising capacity—$17,000

  • Mercado on Fifth, Inc.: Strategic planning and fund development to strengthen long-term sustainability—$13,000

  • World Relief Quad Cities: Consulting and technology to build fundraising and engagement capacity—$15,000

  • River Bend Food Bank—New software solution for more effective and efficient warehouse management—$10,368

Nonprofit Capacity Building grants are made from the Quad Cities Community Impact Fund, a permanent endowment fund supported by donors from across the region to address high-priority needs and opportunities in the Quad Cities as they arise. 

Community Impact Fund grants are also supported by the following charitable funds: the Bill and Helen Iten Family Endowment, Carol and John Willard Endowment, the Duncan J. and Dianne R. Cameron Community Impact Fund Endowment, the Elise A. Brett Fund, the Henry and Linda Neuman Community Impact Fund, the Hofmann Family Community Impact Endowment, the Irma L. Jepsen Community Impact Fund, the Jean and Rex Hutchison Endowment Fund, the John & Pat Lujack Community Impact Endowment, the Louise Gerbers Community Impact Fund, the Maggie Tinsman Fund, the Marsha and Don Pedersen Community Impact Fund, the Mary Hubbell Waterman Community Impact Endowment, the Mary Rose Hawkinson Endowment, the Memorial Endowment, the Paul and Beverly Eckert Community Impact Endowment, the Potter Family Foundation Fund, the Ralph E. and Betty J. Levetzow Endowment, the Ray and Jill McLaughlin Community Impact Endowment, the Richard and Sally Muller Endowment Fund, the Robert Cowles Community Impact Fund, the Susan S. Skora Community Impact Endowment, the Wilbert Schaff Community Impact Fund, and the Wilma A. Zabel Endowment.

Another round of Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants will be awarded in the fall. Pre-applications are due by September 1, 2025. To learn more, visit https://www.qccommunityfoundation.org/nonprofitcapacitybuilding.

Will Van CampNonprofit Capacity Building Grant