Community Foundation and John Deere launch Board Connections series

Across the Quad Cities, nonprofit organizations are searching for skilled, engaged board members while many community professionals are looking for meaningful ways to contribute their expertise. Bridging that gap is essential to building stronger organizations, developing future civic leaders, and ensuring the nonprofit sector has the leadership it needs to meet the region's most pressing challenges.

To help make those connections, the Quad Cities Community Foundation is launching Quad Cities Board Connections, a networking series supported by corporate sponsors and designed to connect nonprofit organizations with professionals interested in serving on nonprofit boards, committees, and advisory groups. The first session is sponsored by John Deere.

The inaugural Quad Cities Board Connections event will take place Tuesday, September 15, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the WWHQ Display Floor at John Deere Place in Moline. The event will bring together approximately 200 nonprofit executives, board leaders, and corporate professionals for structured networking and meaningful conversations designed to build lasting relationships and strengthen nonprofit governance throughout the region.

"This is about investing in the future leadership of the Quad Cities," said Daisy Ramírez, director of the Community Foundation’s Hunt & Diane Harris Center for Nonprofit Excellence. "Great nonprofit organizations need engaged, talented board members, and many professionals want to use their skills in ways that make a meaningful difference. Networking events like this create a space for those relationships to begin and, ultimately, help build a stronger nonprofit sector for our entire community."

The event will supplement the Harris Center’s Strong Board Governance Series, a hybrid training program for current and aspiring board members, as well as nonprofit executives. “Series participants identified a need for connection between individuals interested in board service with organizations that are seeking qualified professionals to serve on their boards,” said Ramírez. “Board Connections is a result of that feedback.” 

John Deere is serving as the presenting sponsor of the inaugural event, reflecting the company's longstanding commitment to community leadership and employee engagement. “John Deere believes in contributing to a strong community," said Taryn Edgin, president of the John Deere Foundation and director of community relations at John Deere. "We're proud to partner with the Community Foundation to create new pathways for our employees and other community professionals to share their expertise, develop as leaders, and make a lasting impact across the Quad Cities." 

Quad Cities Board Connections will be a recurring series with different corporate partners, creating an ongoing pipeline of skilled, engaged board members for nonprofits throughout the region. 

"Corporate partners play an important role in strengthening our communities," Ramírez said. "By sponsoring Quad Cities Board Connections, companies invest in the professional development of their employees, and in the long-term success of the nonprofit organizations that improve quality of life throughout the Quad Cities."

Corporate professionals interested in board or committee service, as well as nonprofit executives and board leaders seeking prospective volunteers, are encouraged to register now at QCCommunityFoundation.org/BoardConnections. Future sponsors will benefit through priority registration in future Strong Board Governance Series sessions.

Organizations interested in sponsoring future Board Connections events are encouraged to contact the Community Foundation to learn more about partnership opportunities.