For the 34 nonprofits that will share in more than half a million dollars in grants from the Quad Cities Community Foundation, those dollars are critical for the everyday costs of fulfilling their mission. “General operating support and unrestricted funding are so important to nonprofits’ health and viability,” Sue Hafkemeyer, the foundation’s president and CEO […]
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For the 34 nonprofits that will share in more than half a million dollars in grants from the Quad Cities Community Foundation, those dollars are critical for the everyday costs of fulfilling their mission.
“General operating support and unrestricted funding are so important to nonprofits’ health and viability,” Sue Hafkemeyer, the foundation’s president and CEO said in a news release announcing the grant winners. “That’s especially true during tough economic times, when organizations may be dealing with increased demand for their services and reduced donor support. We’re so grateful to the donors whose generosity allows us to put these grants out into the community.”
In addition to providing critical operating costs amid skyrocketing inflation, the $577,262 in grants ranging from $5,000-$40,000 also send an inspiring message of support to nonprofits such as Tapestry Farms, according to Ann McGlynn, executive director of the Davenport-based urban farm system.
“We are so deeply grateful for the Quad Cities Community Foundation believing in our work,” Ms. McGlynn told the QCBJ regarding the $15,000 grant her agency will receive.
“The grant from the foundation will support our efforts in reducing and eliminating barriers for refugees in the Quad Cities,” Ms. McGlynn added. “Right now, we are connected with families who are from east and central Africa, as well as Afghanistan. They are individuals who have experienced extreme hardship in their lives, and we hope that by offering them social services support, and, with our urban farm, meaningful and restorative work, that they will be able to establish roots, heal, and thrive in the Quad Cities.”
“Some days, this work is really hard, and some days, it is really joyful,” she added. “Over the past two years, we have focused on growing our organization so that we can effectively serve more people, and improve our community's welcoming infrastructure. We appreciate the foundation being there with us every step of the way.”
In addition to familiar names, this year eight Quad Cities nonprofits are receiving funding from the Community Foundation for the first time. They are: Amani Community Services, ASWAS, Inspire Next, Kinna’s House of Love, Lotus Blossoms, Positive Brothers United, Rock Island Milan Little League and Understanding Works.
“We hope the community will join us in congratulating these first-time grantees and learn more about the work they’re doing to make the Quad Cities a more vibrant and inclusive place,” Kelly Thompson, the foundation’s vice president of grantmaking and community initiatives, said in the release. “We strive to be connected and relevant to our community’s nonprofit sector as it continues to grow, and we couldn’t be more excited to see what all of these organizations achieve with this support.”
Operations and Program Grants range in size from $5,000 to $20,000. In addition to $40,000 awards that are paid over two years, a handful of other grants will be paid over two years. Funding comes from a dozen “Field of Interest Funds” as well as the Quad Cities Community Impact Fund, the Community Foundation said. The money is intended to provide general operating funding or program support for successful ongoing efforts and cover everything from basic needs and health to community development and arts and culture.
The Community Foundation’s 2022 grants, listed by funds and amounts are:
Amy Helpenstell Foundation Fund which focuses on health, community development, youth development, education, arts and cultural activities:
- Christ United Methodist Church of the Illinois Quad Cities – $5,000
- Christian Care — $20,000
- EveryChild — $20,000
- One Eighty — $8,790
- Rock Island County Children's Advocacy Center — $20,000 (two-year grant)
- Rock Island Milan Little League — $5,000
- Testimonies of Hope — $20,000
- The Project of the Quad Cities — $5,000
- Unity House of Davenport, Inc. — $8,000
- NEST Cafe — $40,000 (two-year grant)
- YWCA of the Quad Cities — $40,000 (two-year grant)
- Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities — $20,000
- Transitions — $10,472
- Vera French Housing Corp . — $40,000 (two-year grant)
- Quad City Botanical Center — $5,000
- Tapestry Farms — $15,000
- LivWell CARES — $15,000
- Hope at the BRICK House, Inc. — $10,000
- Christian Friendliness - YouthHope — $40,000 (two-year grant)
- Quad Cities Housing Council — $30,000 (two-year grant)
- Amani Community Services — $20,000
- ASWAS, Inc. — $5,000
- Augustana College Advancement Office — $20,000
- Fresh Films - Dreaming Tree Foundation — $13,000 (two-year grant)
- Heart of Hope Ministries — $40,000 (two-year grant)
- Inspire Next — $10,000
- Kinna’s House of Love, Inc. — $10,000
- Living Proof Exhibit — $10,000 (two-year grant)
- Lotus Blossoms, Inc — $5,000
- Positive Brothers United — $20,000 (two-year grant)
- Quad City Arts — $10,000
- STEAM on Wheels — $20,000 (two-year grant)
- Understanding Works — $5,000
- WVIK Quad Cities NPR — $12,000
