Momentum grows as donors and nonprofits invest in capacity building

Across the Quad Cities region, nonprofits are navigating rising community need, tighter funding, rapid technological change, and an evolving policy landscape. The Quad Cities Community Foundation’s Hunt and Diane Harris Center for Nonprofit Excellence is bringing nonprofits together to learn, build networks, and increase capacity at a time when the sector needs it most.  

“The Harris Center represents the belief our donors have in the power of nonprofits to make all of our lives better,” said Sue Hafkemeyer, president and CEO. “They trust in nonprofits, and nonprofits are returning that trust by leveraging the knowledge presented through the Harris Center’s programs.”

In 2025, momentum at the Harris Center accelerated. Participation reached new highs, with 844 total attendees and 354 unique participants across Harris Center offerings. Even more telling: nonprofits are coming back. Data shows strong repeat engagement, as participants return for additional workshops, peer learning groups, and flagship programs—an indicator that offerings are practical, trusted, and immediately useful.

Last year marked another milestone as the Diane and late Hunt Harris family made a transformative $10 million gift to name and permanently endow the Harris Center. That gift—together with the support of other generous donors—signaled a long-term commitment to the local nonprofit sector.

Flagship programs continue to anchor the Harris Center’s work. The Effective Nonprofit Management launched its inaugural cohort, bringing together 27 professionals from 12 organizations to build skills in leadership, financial stewardship, fundraising, and storytelling. And the Strong Board Governance Series engaged 72 current and aspiring board members and nonprofit leaders from 50 organizations, with 93 percent reporting new connections that strengthened their work.

Participants consistently highlight the value of learning together. “I love the fact that I can sit at a table surrounded by experienced board members, and though I don’t have that experience yet, they still wanted to hear from me,” shared Jodi Rickels of Estes Construction, a Strong Board Governance participant.

“This year reinforced the value of creating space for nonprofit leaders,” said Daisy Moran, director of the Harris Center. “When leaders are supported by peers who understand the work, they share resources, solve problems together, and lead with greater confidence.”

As the Harris Center looks ahead, its work continues to be guided by nonprofit leaders themselves. In January, the Harris Center welcomed a group of new Advisory Committee members: Brian Allen, Caitlin Wells, Edwin Salazar, Frances Williams, Hannah Howard, and Micaela Booth.

“The rapid growth of the Harris Center since its launch has proven how deeply important this work is,” said Moran. “We’re responding directly to what nonprofits are asking for. We’ll continue to be designed by nonprofits, for nonprofits, and driven by the goals of the sector.”