United Way Quad Cities has announced it recently issued $2.9 million in grants to 51 local partnering nonprofits, grassroots and community organizations serving the residents of Scott and Rock Island counties.
The Strategic Impact Grants continue United Way’s mission of advancing equity and improving education, income and health outcomes in the Quad Cities, the agency said in a news release. The $2.9 million was distributed on Friday, July 1, and represents the second year of a two-year investment period.
“We are laser focused on building a community where everyone has the opportunity and access to thrive. We do that by focusing on education, economic mobility and health,” said Rene Gellerman, president and CEO of United Way Quad Cities.
“Since the (coronavirus) pandemic began, low-income adults, families and children have had to manage more demands and stress than ever before, and our community organizations have answered the call to support those in crisis. These grants will support food, housing, education, workforce development, health care and more to struggling Quad Citizens.”
United Way Quad Cities funding is awarded through an open and competitive grant process. Applications for the two-year funding cycle were submitted in January 2021.
Grantees were screened by more than 100 community volunteers to ensure they aligned to United Way’s Rise United 2030 priorities, for their effectiveness at serving low-income residents and to analyze their outcomes and financial data. If warranted, interviews and reference checks were conducted to ensure sound investments.
The first year funding recommendations were approved by United Way Quad Cities’ Board of Directors in May 2021 and the second year in May of 2022.
“We find, fund and partner with the most effective education, income and health programs and organizations in the Quad Cities,” Ms. Gellerman said. “We have a volunteer-led Impact Investment Council who monitors the progress of the grants quarterly. When they see programs work, we want to try to help find ways to bring their successes to scale. When we see them stumble, we want to identify the problem and help correct it. Our goal is to maximize impact, much like a financial manager selects investments to maximize profit.”
Grants were awarded to organizations aligned with one or more of United Way’s
impact areas and strategy priorities, which include:
Education: $1,165,999 – Early childhood development, academic success, success after high school.
Income: $884,219 – Stabilization services and basic needs, career pathways, financial capability.
Health: $884,219 – Primary and clinical care, behavioral and mental health, health promotion.
Grant recipients include:
- Alternatives
- Bethany for Children & Families
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley
- Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley
- Café on Vine
- Center for Active Seniors, Inc.
- Center for Youth and Family Solutions
- Christian Care
- Community Action of Eastern Iowa
- Community Health Care
- Davenport Community School District
- Dress for Success Quad Cities
- EveryChild
- Family Resources
- Fresh Films
- Friendly House
- GiGi’s Playhouse
- Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa/Western Illinois
- Hand in Hand
- Handicapped Development Center
- Heart of Hope Ministries
- HELP Regional Office of Iowa Legal Aid
- Humility Homes & Services, Inc.
- Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG), Inc.
- Junior Achievement of the Heartland
- Marriage & Family Counseling Service
- NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley
- Narratives Quad Cities, Inc. NFP
- One Eighty
- Prairie State Legal Aid
- Project NOW, Inc.
- Project Renewal
- Putnam Museum & Science Center
- Quad City Symphony Orchestra
- Safer Foundation
- SAL Family & Community Services
- Scott County Family YMCA
- Scott County Housing Council
- Spring Forward Learning
- Steam on Wheels
- The Arc of the Quad Cities Area
- The Moline Foundation
- The Salvation Army
- Three Daughters Strong Hearts
- Transitions Mental Health Services
- Two Rivers YMCA
- United Township School District
- WQPT
- Youth Service Bureau of Rock Island County
- YouthHope
- YWCA of the Quad Cities
Learn more about United Way Quad Cities here or call (563) 355-4310.
