The Moline Regional Community Foundation celebrated the recipients of its 2024 Make a Difference Grants on Friday, Nov. 8, at the Hauberg Estates Park in Rock Island.
The program was held in the Hauberg Carriage House, at 1300 24th St., Rock Island. In a news release, the foundation said it awarded $355,000 to 33 local nonprofits. The grant awards range from $5,000 to $35,000.
“The Moline Regional Community Foundation is pleased to support these nonprofits as they improve the quality of life for area residents and exemplify our donors’ wishes to see their giving in action,” said Paul Plagenz, the foundation’s president & CEO.
The largest grant, $35,000, went to The Arc of the Quad Cities Area for its QC FLEX workforce program.
“Through the support of the Moline Regional Community Foundation, we can purchase a large format printer to expand QC Flex’s capabilities, improve the financial stability of people with disabilities, and provide innovative business solutions to our customers,” Michael Glanz Arc’s president & CEO, said in the release. “We are grateful that the Moline Regional Community Foundation sees the value of an inclusive workforce.”
West End receives $25k
In addition, these three QC nonprofits will receive $25,000 each to assist in their missions: Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, West End Revitalization, for a rebate program; Alternatives for the Older Adult for an office security buildout; and Bethany for Children & Families for its capital campaign to expand its service center.
“As we move at the speed of trust to revitalize the West End of Rock Island into a preferred place to live and thrive, genuine partners who are also action-focused are essential,” Thurgood Brooks, a West End Revitalization coordinator, said. “This grant award will provide direct assistance to make homes and businesses in our neighborhood more energy efficient. Importantly, it sends a message to residents that they live in a community that cares about their well-being.”
Additional 2024 Make a Difference grant recipients, their award amounts and projects – by service category – are:
Arts & Culture
- Figge Art Museum, $10,000, to increase artwork storage and diversify its permanent collection.
Community & Economic Development
- Dress for Success Quad Cities, $5,000, for Empowering Women Everywhere: The Dress for Success Mobile Career Center.
- German American Heritage Center and Museum, $10,000, historic roof repair.
- Lead(h)er, $5,000, Fanning the Flames of Success for QC Women.
Education
- Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley, $7,500, to support one-to-one mentoring in McDonough, Warren, and Henderson counties in Illinois.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley, $10,000, for Dream, Design, Discover: STEAM program for Boys & Girls Clubs youth.
- First Tee Quad Cities, $7,500, First Tee classroom at Emeis Golf Course, Davenport.
- Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, $10,000, for Girl Scout leadership and Life Skills Program in Rock Island, Henry, Henderson and Mercer counties in Illinois and Scott County, Iowa.
- Nahant Marsh Education Center, $7,500, creating equitable access to the Quad Cities’ natural resources.
- SAL Community Services, $15,000, enhancing outdoor learning spaces at SAL Community Services.
- Spring Forward, $5,000, Growing Our Impact on Moline’s Vulnerable Students
- William Butterworth Foundation, $5,000, building a local history curriculum.
- WQPT, $10,000, Imagination Station children’s educational outreach event.
Health & Human Services
- Children’s Therapy Center of the Quad Cities, $10,000, flooring replacement in the new sensory room and the large gymnasium/event space at the Rock Island clinic location.
- Christian Care, $5,000, street outreach services.
- EveryChild, $10,000, Safe from the Start – Early Childhood Therapy.
- GiGi’s Playhouse Quad Cities, $12,500, capacity building.
- Habitat For Humanity Quad Cities, $15,000, to make homes accessible.
- Hand in Hand, $5,000, school-age program supplies.
- Henderson County Rural Health Center, $10,000, facility upgrades.
- Humility Homes & Services, $10,000, Pathway to Home.
- Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, $7,500, MLK Center’s 35th annual Thanksgiving Meals and its 48th annual Children’s Holiday Gifts giveaway.
- Narratives QC, $5,000, Strengthening the local workforce with improved mental health for young adults.
- NEST Cafe, $5,000, to nourish the QC with nutrient-dense food.
- Rebuilding Together Henry County, $7,500, Safe and Healthy Homes.
- River Bend Food Bank, $10,000, All Hands on Deck.
- Special Olympics Illinois, $5,000, support for programming and activities benefiting individuals with disabilities in Special Olympics Illinois Region F.
- Tapestry Farms, $10,000, Investing in the Lives of Refugees in the Quad Cities.
- The Arc of the Quad Cities Area, $35,000, Putting the FLEX in QC Flex.
- Youth Service Bureau of Rock Island County, $10,000, counseling for at-risk youth.
