New MissionLink program creates space for nonprofit professionals to connect, learn, and grow together
Strong nonprofits are built by strong teams. Every role within an organization plays a part in advancing mission-driven work.
That belief is at the heart of MissionLink, a new quarterly peer networking program launched by the Hunt & Diane Harris Center for Nonprofit Excellence at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Designed for nonprofit professionals working across operations, finance, communications, human resources, administration, programs, and other essential functions, MissionLink creates a dedicated space for connection, shared learning, and practical problem-solving.
Nonprofit leadership and fundraising professionals have long benefited from peer learning opportunities at the Community Foundation through CEOLink and DevelopmentLink, MissionLink expands that model to support the many professionals working across roles to make organizational missions possible.
“Nonprofits are powered by talented professionals in every role, and those individuals need spaces where they can connect with peers, share challenges, and learn from one another,” said Daisy Ramírez, director of the Harris Center. “MissionLink was created because advancing a mission is never the work of one department alone. It takes collaboration across an entire organization, and even across the sector.”
Each quarterly MissionLink session will feature peer-led conversations focused on practical, real-world challenges nonprofit professionals navigate every day. Topics will rotate based on participant needs and may include collaborative budgeting, internal communication, management development, evaluation strategies, workplace systems, and strengthening cross-functional teamwork.
MissionLink is designed for nonprofit staff who are not CEOs, executive directors, development officers, or fundraisers. However, if a session topic is relevant to these roles, all are welcome to attend.
The first MissionLink session will take place on Thursday, July 16, and will focus on overcoming delegation challenges, a conversation designed for both those who delegate work and those who receive delegations. The session will be led by Edwin Salazar, director of youth engagement and development at YWCA, bringing firsthand nonprofit leadership experience to a topic many organizations encounter as teams grow and evolve.
Future sessions will include budget forecasting, evaluation design, new management responsibilities, and marketing. As always, topics will be shaped by the needs and expertise of the local nonprofit sector.
Nonprofit professionals can learn more about MissionLink, register for the first session, and sign up to receive reminders about future meetings here.