Quad Cities Community Foundation launches two new cohort programs to support nonprofit sector and regional community
The Quad Cities Community Foundation has announced the launch of two cohort-based programs that will support the growth and development of local nonprofits. Beginning in January 2025, nearly 100 nonprofit professionals and volunteers—made up of teams from dozens of nonprofits—will participate in the programs, gaining valuable knowledge and creating networks that will support the development of nonprofits across the region. Applications to participate in the first cohort are now open and are due December 4, 2024.
The launch of the programs is part of the Community Foundation’s efforts to double down on their support of the nonprofit sector through the Center for Nonprofit Excellence, which was founded one year ago to strengthen the systems, structures, cultures, skills, and resources that nonprofits need to serve the community with excellence.
“This is a crucial moment for the nonprofit sector and its workers and volunteers in the Quad Cities,” said Sue Hafkemeyer, the Community Foundation’s president and CEO. “The two cohort programs we are launching were developed by an advisory committee and with the direct input of the nonprofit sector. We listened to what local organizations need to grow their mission, and this is the result. Nonprofits touch all of our lives. Our donors are supporting initiatives like this to ensure the stability and continued growth of our amazing nonprofit sector.”
The two inaugural cohorts will focus on nonprofit management and board governance. The first cohort, “Putting Principles into Practice: Effective Nonprofit Management,” will emphasize sound financial management and human resources, smart strategic planning, impactful fundraising, high-visibility communications, and other tools needed to achieve a nonprofit’s mission. Sessions will also be designed to reflect participant interests and needs. In the second cohort, “Putting Principles into Practice: Strong Board Governance,” board members and nonprofit professionals will come together to learn and implement proven ways to build powerful partnerships for impact.
The cohort structure is foundational to these programs. Participants will move through the curriculum in groups over a five-month period, encouraging them to create networks of support that will extend beyond the conclusion of the course. To ensure equitable access to this opportunity, the registration fee will follow a sliding scale. Future programs will be tailored to the needs and interests of local organizations.
“The new cohort program expands our existing resources for organizations, giving nonprofits access to an extended curriculum, one-on-one coaching, and rich networking opportunities. said Daisy Moran, director of the Community Foundation’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence. Teams from organizations will attend together, connect with other nonprofits, and take away learnings that will strengthen the sector as a whole. By learning together, participants will benefit not only their organization but the Quad Cities nonprofit and philanthropic sector as a whole. We can’t wait to see the transformation that comes from this experience.”
Nonprofit workers and volunteers interested in participating in this year’s cohorts can find more information at www.qccommunityfoundation.org/centerfornonprofitexcellence.
Registration for “Putting Principles into Practice: Effective Nonprofit Management” formally opens on November 13, 2024, and the deadline to apply is December 11, 2024. Registration for “Putting Principles into Practice: Strong Board Governance” will open on January 7, 2025.