Three local nonprofits each received $2,500 to support their missions during a ceremony on Thursday, May 29, at the JA Inspiration Center in Moline.
Throughout the 2024-25 school year, elementary students from nearly all Quad City schools, and surrounding regions, learned about giving back to the community while visiting the new Free Enterprise Foundation Junior Achievement Inspiration Center.
Students who participated in JA BizTown learned the importance of supporting nonprofits when their fellow students – representing the Moline Regional Community Foundation’s Giving Tree – shared the impact of three local nonprofits.
The nonprofits that received financial help included Niabi Zoo, Living Lands and Waters, and the River Bend Food Bank. They all received a $2,500 check from MRCF presented by students at the JA Inspiration Center.
“By supporting the Giving Tree we are committed to the next generation understanding how philanthropy will change our community for the better. While students learn how the free enterprise system works in a simulated environment, we wanted to demonstrate the importance of putting inspiration into action,” said Paul Plagenz, president / CEO of Moline Regional Community Foundation.
Junior Achievement of the Heartland President and CEO Dougal Nelson added: “This initiative brings philanthropy to life in a way that resonates with students. When young people see that their voices and decisions can direct real dollars to causes they care about, it empowers them to become lifelong community leaders and changemakers.”
