The Quad Cities Contributors Council, a collection of major local funders of the region’s nonprofit organizations, has announced a new model for how it will support transformational nonprofit campaigns and strengthen philanthropy in the Quad Cities.
The Contributors Council, which traces back more than 30 years, said in a recent news release that the updated approach is designed to engage nonprofit organizations earlier in their planning process to provide feedback and endorsement of capital, endowment, and strategic campaigns exceeding $1 million.
“We’ve taken the feedback of nonprofits and engaged with funders to develop this approach,” said Tom Thoms, a Contributors Council member. “Over time, we’ve continued to refine the process to better support both nonprofits and donors. The result is a more collaborative approach that reduces barriers, strengthens partnerships, and helps ensure the campaigns and organizations our region depends on have the resources they need to succeed.”
Since 1991, the Contributors Council has brought together experienced funders, corporate leaders, foundations, financial institutions, and philanthropists to review and share due diligence around major high-impact nonprofit campaigns.
Today, the council is made up of 14 funders, including corporations, community foundations, and family foundations.
Council members gain a clear understanding of the broader campaign landscape across the region so generosity and funding decisions can be guided by clarity, confidence, and impact, the council’s website said.
Informed donors, fundraisers
The redesigned process, the council said, reflects the growing need for stronger coordination between nonprofits and funders responding to the community’s increasingly complex challenges.
“Well-planned campaigns make the best use of dollars and have the biggest impact,” said Matt Mendenhall, the council’s current chair and president of the Regional Development Authority (RDA). “Our updated approach is designed to create stronger conversations earlier in the process so organizations can build more successful campaigns and funders can make more informed philanthropic investments.”
In a council blog early this year, Mr. Mendenhall shared his thoughts on the longtime organization’s strengths and expanded perspective. “While capital projects and buildings will always be important, the Council has evolved to look more broadly at community initiatives with transformational potential,” he wrote. “By focusing on overall project potential – whether that’s a facility, a program, or a collaborative effort – the Council helps funders better understand how organizations are working to move the community forward.”
Among the benefits that nonprofits and funders new process that nonprofits and funders will see are:
- A simple pre-application stage with no polished campaign pitch required.
- Readiness tools and mentorship opportunities for nonprofits.
- Organizations create applications; Contributors Council provides guidance and review throughout the process.
- Streamlined online applications and transparent evaluation criteria.
- Constructive feedback designed to strengthen campaigns.
Early acceptance
Some of the initial nonprofits to participate in the updated process indicated that they received valuable guidance to shape the way they approach fundraising.
“This process really helped us see how we can better highlight our impact in the community through both data and storytelling,” said Erika Gunn, executive director of the Humane Society of Scott County in Davenport. “The feedback was incredibly helpful, not just for this application, but for grants and conversations with donors moving forward as well.”
Leaders stressed that the updated process is intended to improve campaign readiness and provide greater clarity and confidence for philanthropic leaders tasked with evaluating major community investments.
“The Contributors Council creates space for funders to learn together, share perspectives, and better understand emerging community needs,” Mr. Mendenhall said. “It strengthens the entire philanthropic ecosystem by encouraging more strategic collaboration and stronger long-term community impact.”
The Contributors Council also is seeking more philanthropic leaders and funders to join the collaborative review. Learn more at www.QCContributorsCouncil.org.
