A group of local teenagers has granted $37,500 to 12 nonprofits in the Quad Cities region through the Quad Cities Community Foundation’s Teens for Tomorrow program.
For more than 20 years, the program has allowed area high school students to guide philanthropic efforts and award grants. The $37,500 awarded this year includes $27,500 raised by the students through donor outreach. To date, Teens for Tomorrow has granted more than $295,000 to local nonprofits.
Sue Hafkemeyer, president and CEO of the Community Foundation, said the program equips young people to make a meaningful impact in their communities. She noted the students’ dedication in researching community needs and making strategic funding decisions.
This year’s Teens for Tomorrow cohort focused on four key areas: affordable education and childcare, food insecurity, immigration support, and supportive housing. They also prioritized unrestricted, operational funding for the nonprofits. Ms. Hafkemeyer emphasized that the students’ chosen focus areas reflect the priorities of the community’s youth.
Grant recipients
The nonprofits that received funding this year are:
- Black Hawk College: $500 for “Hawk 4 Hygiene” program support.
- Christian Care: $2,500 for general operating support of the Community Meal Site.
- Hope at the BRICK House, Inc.: $7,500 for the 2025 Summer Program for At-Risk Children.
- One Eighty: $2,000 for Supportive Housing for Women in Recovery.
- Project NOW, Inc.: $2,000 for the Seniors Home Delivered Meals program.
- Project Renewal Inc.: $3,000 for the Summer Youth Program 2025.
- Spring Forward Learning Center: $2,500 for general operating support.
- St. Anthony Catholic Church: $3,000 for the McAnthony Window meals program.
- Tapestry Farms: $5,000 for operational support.
- Testimonies of Hope: $2,500 for general operating support of the Healing Home for Women and Children Domestic Violence Survivors.
- World Relief Quad Cities: $5,000 for Refugee Family Literacy.
- YWCA of the Quad Cities: $2,000 for the Food and Survival Kit Distribution Program.
The student program participants reviewed numerous grant applications, received leadership and public speaking training, and collaborated with Community Foundation staff to enhance their communication and fundraising skills. Students met with donors to share their experiences, which led to their $27,500 in fundraising.
Kaleigh Trammell, the foundation’s director of grantmaking and community initiatives, praised the group’s focus and leadership, saying how they exceeded expectations for youth philanthropy.
The Community Foundation is now accepting applications for next year’s Teens for Tomorrow program. Information for interested teens and potential donors is available at www.QCCommunityFoundation.org/t4t.
