Nonprofits make natural areas accessible and sustainable

A recent survey from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy found that only 5.4 percent of people said that “they or anyone in their family received services from a…nonprofit in the past year.”

Without a doubt, the true number is much, much higher. Many people simply don’t recognize that they engage with nonprofits every day. Natural spaces, cultural events, athletic leagues, summer camps, healthcare, and so much more are made available by the more than 4,000 nonprofits that call the Quad Cities region home.

To support those organizations, the Quad Cities Community Foundation and its generous donors are developing programs that give organizations the tools, resources, peer networks, and collaborative opportunities they need to do even more.

Nahant Marsh—the 382-acre wetland in southwest Davenport—is a natural local wonder. It is the largest urban wetland on the Upper Mississippi River. It’s also a nonprofit.

“The Marsh and on-site education center welcome more than 23,000 visitors each year,” said Brian Ritter, the executive director of Nahant Marsh. “In addition to providing public space, we create unforgettable learning and engagement opportunities for hundreds of local young people every summer. Campers meet new species (including the endangered Blanding’s turtle, my favorite), do art projects, canoe, hike, and even try their hand at natural science research.”

Ritter is also a member of the Community Foundation’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence Advisory Committee, where he guides programming that supports the whole nonprofit sector as organizations collaborate, innovate, and grow.

When asked why Nahant Marsh needs to be a nonprofit organization and why they prioritize collaborating with other organizations, Ritter said that “the EPA started the clean-up of the marsh, but it was the nonprofit that made it publicly accessible and formed the educational programs and camps that we run each summer. By partnering with other nonprofits—youth programs, community service organizations, and environmental projects—we can all amplify our work and reach a wider audience.” 

As the example of Nahant Marsh makes clear, this is all part of a bigger picture, and it’s why Community Foundation donors are driving projects like the Center for Nonprofit Excellence. The nonprofit sector in the Quad Cities region is exceptional. Dedicated professionals and volunteers are achieving great things and providing valuable amenities and opportunities to the community every day.

“Local nonprofit organizations are working together to provide valuable services that enrich the lives of everyone,” said Sue Hafkemeyer, the Community Foundation’s president and CEO. “As summer draws to a close, go for a walk, visit a park, or sign up for an educational program and take advantage of the magic that nonprofits are creating in the Quad Cities. You won’t regret it.”