Nonprofits receive more than $145,000 in capacity building grants

As the needs of our communities continue to evolve, so does the need for strong, resilient nonprofit organizations. Behind every successful program or service are the systems, leadership, and infrastructure that make meaningful impact possible.

Grantees include the Iowa Black Doula Collective and their work to build capacity for sustainable community-based maternal support.

To help strengthen those foundations, the Quad Cities Community Foundation's Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants invest in the people, planning, technology, and organizational development that position nonprofits for long-term success. This year, the donor-supported grant program awarded $147,600 to nine nonprofit organizations across the region.

"Strong nonprofits are built through intentional investments in leadership, strategy, and organizational health," said Ann Berger, grantmaking manager at the Community Foundation. "These grants help organizations strengthen the foundation beneath their mission so they can adapt, grow, and serve our communities even more effectively. We're grateful to the donors who understand that investing in nonprofit capacity creates benefits that extend far beyond any single project."

The 2026 grantees represent organizations working across a wide range of issue areas, from education and the arts to human services, health, and community development. Grant funding will support initiatives such as strategic planning, technology enhancements, board and leadership development, financial sustainability, and operational improvements—all designed to help local nonprofits increase their effectiveness and deepen their impact throughout the Quad Cities.

The following nonprofits received 2026 Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants:

  • School Health LINK, Inc.: Comprehensive pediatric care strengthening initiative—$20,000

  • STEAM on Wheels: Expanding capacity for data management and evaluation of hands-on learning—$20,000

  • Iowa Black Doula Collective: Building capacity for sustainable community-based maternal support—$17,000

  • WQPT - QC Public TV / Western Illinois University Foundation: Mission and strategy planning to secure long-term organizational viability and growth at WQPT PBS—$20,000

  • Junior Theatre Inc: Strategic planning to create sustainability—$11,000

  • SAL Family and Community Services (Skip-a-Long): Enhancing communications and access through SAL’s website redesign—$20,000

  • Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois - Quad Cities: Building the Future: succession planning for next generation leadership—$20,000

  • Family Resources, Inc.: Building staff capacity for safer crisis response and effective trauma recovery—$9,600

  • Autistic and Loved: Strategic planning to expand Autistic and Loved’s organizational capacity—$10,000

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

Another round of Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants will be awarded in the fall. Pre-applications are due by September 1, 2026. To learn more, visit www.qccommunityfoundation.org/nonprofitcapacitybuilding.

Will Van CampNonprofit Capacity Building Grant