Local nonprofits awarded more than $100,000 in grants from the Quad Cities Community Foundation

shutterstock_794028406.jpg

The Quad Cities Community Foundation has awarded more than $100,000 to nine Quad Cities organizations to strengthen their ability to do their work. The Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants provide funding to local organizations for staff training, board development, strategic planning, technology and more to help them carry out their missions.

For one of the organizations, it means better serving vulnerable populations of the community with legal services. Prairie State Legal Services was awarded nearly $13,000 to purchase a copier, scanners, computers and Chromebooks. The equipment will help them align with a new state law mandating e-filing for all court cases. 

“With the increase in reliance on electronic records, it’s important that our staff have the equipment in our offices, in court, and while working at the homes of our homebound clients,” said Gail Walsh, director of program development.

Prairie State works with clients to overcome barriers that would keep them from equal access to justice and legal representation. They work to end domestic violence, help survivors realize stability and prevent homelessness, and help the elderly and people with disabilities to obtain benefits. Their services are provided free of charge and rely on multiple funding sources, Walsh said. “We’re very grateful for this support from the Community Foundation,” she said. “This grant provides a foundation that will help us help our clients.” 

Kelly Thompson, vice president of grantmaking and community initiatives, said Prairie State is just one example of the way capacity building dollars can strengthen the core of an organization. “Thanks to generous donors to the Community Foundation, these organizations now have new or additional resources to directly impact the Quad Citizens they serve, and in turn, our entire community,” Thompson said.

The following organizations have been awarded Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants this summer:

  • Center for Active Seniors—technology upgrades: $11,340

  • Figge Art Museum—strategic planning: $15,000

  • Habitat for Humanity Quad Cities—technology upgrades: $15,000

  • Hand in Hand—strategic planning: $15,000

  • King’s Harvest—technology upgrades: $3,434

  • Prairie State Legal Services—technology upgrades: $12,399

  • Royal Family KIDS Camp Moline—technology: $8,500

  • Spring Forward Learning Center—strategic planning: $8,000

  • Transitions Mental Health Services—staff training: $14,540

The capacity building grants at the Community Foundation are designed to help organizations perform at their highest potential, Thompson added, and the funding is used in a variety of ways each year. Grants are made from the Community Impact Fund, a permanent fund started by donors in the community so that the Community Foundation can respond to high-priority needs and opportunities in the Quad Cities as they arise.

Another round of Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants will be awarded in the fall. Letters of interest are being accepted now through September 1, 2018.

Melanie JonesNonprofits, Grant, Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant