Reflecting on progress, planning for possibility

By Sue Hafkemeyer
President & CEO

Three years ago, the Quad Cities Community Foundation set out with a simple but ambitious goal: help more people express their generosity and strengthen the nonprofit organizations that help our region thrive.

Now, as we prepare for what’s next, I find myself reflecting on just how much can happen when a community comes together around a shared vision.

Our current strategic plan was shaped by hundreds of conversations with community members, nonprofit leaders, donors, volunteers, and partners across the region. Looking back, I’m proud of how those conversations—and the plan that emerged from them—have guided our work and strengthened our ability to serve the Quad Cities.

Donors have responded in remarkable ways. More than 100 new funds have been established. Giving has increased year after year. Families have made estate commitments that will support future generations. Together, this transformative generosity reflects a deep trust in the Community Foundation and confidence in our region’s future.

We also made significant investments in the nonprofit sector. Through the Hunt and Diane Harris Center for Nonprofit Excellence, hundreds of nonprofit leaders have participated in trainings, leadership cohorts, and educational programs designed to strengthen their organizations and increase their impact. Even more encouraging, participants consistently tell us they are putting what they learn into practice immediately, better serving the people who depend on them.

We also continued to grow our role as a community convener. Whether bringing partners together around river health, helping mobilize support during hunger relief campaigns, or responding to natural disasters, we demonstrated the unique role a community foundation can play in connecting people, resources, and ideas to address challenges no single organization can solve alone.

Those investments, partnerships, and relationships have built a strong foundation for the future. Which brings us to an important question: What comes next?

The Quad Cities region continues to evolve. New opportunities are emerging. New challenges demand our attention. Our next strategic plan, which we are beginning the process of developing, will help determine where we can make the greatest difference over the next five years. This summer, we will once again invite community members into the conversation. We want to hear what gives you hope, what concerns you, where you see unmet needs, and what role you believe the Community Foundation should play in helping address them.

The last strategic plan helped us build stronger relationships, stronger nonprofits, and stronger communities. The next plan is an opportunity to build on that momentum and continue creating a region where generosity can make an even greater impact. I look forward to the conversation.