Connections that count

Want to explore all the ways you can work with the Community Foundation? Read our new guide.

Faced with responding to a rapidly escalating global healthcare crisis in the spring of 2020, Russell Medley knew one organization he had to have in the room.

“The Community Foundation knows how to make connections happen,” said Medley, chair of Disaster Ready Quad Cities. “If I go to a meeting in the Quad Cities, I know someone from the Community Foundation is going to be there because they’re so integrated into the community.”

Just as it had during the historic flooding of the Mississippi in 2019, the Community Foundation’s ability to combine leadership and collaboration proved essential in shaping an effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the joint efforts and collective knowledge of regional funders, donors of all stripes, nonprofits across the community, and other members of the Disaster Ready Quad Cities network, the Community Foundation’s Disaster Recovery Fund was able to raise and grant back out just over $1.8 million where it was most needed. “Raising that money simply wouldn’t have been possible if the Community Foundation weren’t recognized as such a trusted source for information and collaboration,” said Medley.

But disaster is only one example of the kinds of challenges and opportunities that no one person or organization can address on their own. Whether it’s championing the Q2030 Regional Action Plan to bolster the Quad Cities’ collective vision, joining coalitions like the Quad Cities Housing Council to advance affordable housing throughout our community, or bringing together nonprofit leaders to learn from their peers, the Community Foundation is committed to connection and knowledge-sharing as guiding principles for a more vibrant, inclusive community.

“We listen, lead, and act to amplify goodness in our community,” said Kelly Thompson, vice president of grantmaking and community initiatives. “Many nonprofits think of us primarily as a grantmaker. That’s a major part of our work—but there are so many other great ways to partner with us, too.” To explore all the ways you can work with the Community Foundation, download our new guide here.

“What I would tell any organization that hasn’t connected with the Community Foundation outside of a grant is that you need to pay attention to everything else they do,” said Medley. “They follow what’s going on, and when you follow them, you’re going to learn something. If you see someone from the Community Foundation at an event, go up and introduce yourself to them because they’re going to be an invaluable resource. You don’t know it yet, but they will be.”  

Did you know?

Throughout the year, we host a variety of convenings to help our community’s nonprofits learn from each other. At CEOLink and DevelopmentLink sessions, executive directors and fundraising professionals take turns leading discussions on topics chosen by the group. We also host Funders Forum and Quad City Planned Giving Council meetings to bring together philanthropic leaders in the region. Learn more and get involved here.