The latest from the Center for Nonprofit Excellence
Years ago, visionary community members and leading organizations, like the late-Hunt and Diane Harris and the Regional Development Authority, imagined a program that would strengthen the nonprofit sector as a connector, capacity builder, and champion for regional nonprofits and philanthropy.
Now, thanks to the foresight and generosity of these and a growing list of donors, the Quad Cities Community Foundation’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence has become a reality. Just one year after the Center’s launch, the local nonprofit sector is already benefiting from the programming and resources made possible by the program.
In 2024, more than 800 program attendees came together to share perspectives and unlock transformative ways of thinking. Participants were surveyed and reported an overall satisfaction rate of over 93 percent, surpassing expectations.
“Our donors and supporters ask us to be leaders, to see opportunities where others see challenges,” said Sue Hafkemeyer, president and CEO. “We’re seeing this early success and positive feedback because we’ve listened to nonprofits and kept them as the focus of everything we do at the Center.”
Each month, workshops connect nonprofit workers and volunteers with industry experts, including nonprofit leaders, consultants, and researchers. Last year, award-winning author Lois Buntz led a full room through a conversation on the unique motivations and patterns of women’s philanthropy and provided invaluable guidance to effectively engage and inspire women donors. Participants left with insights into emerging trends in women’s philanthropy, practical tools for engaging more women donors, and a guide for helping women donors find their passion.
“The programs at the Center are intentionally developed to connect nonprofits with national experts and the tools and strategies they need to tackle organizational challenges,” said Daisy Moran, Center for Nonprofit Excellence director. “We are committed to making these essential resources accessible to every organization.”
Earlier this month, more than 60 development officers and fundraisers gathered for a peer-led conversation on fundraising during challenging times. Sue Rector from the Center for Active Seniors, Inc. and the Community Foundation’s own Anne Calder led a heartening conversation that emphasized the power of unity and the importance of networking, building connections, and collaborating. It’s an example of the spirit that guides the Center, a program by nonprofits, for nonprofits.
And finally, right now, the Center’s first cohort program is underway. Several leading local nonprofits have sent teams of representatives to learn together through a multi-month curriculum focused on topics like effective nonprofit management. Development opportunities like this—designed and led by industry experts—would be difficult for many nonprofits to orchestrate individually. But, by working together, the Center has made invaluable tools like this available to the entire sector.
“I am grateful for the trust that donors and nonprofits have shown in this program,” said Hafkemeyer. “The Center for Nonprofit Excellence is growing, and we’re working to ensure it remains a resource for our community for years to come.”
To learn more about what’s happening at the Center and to find ways to get involved in supporting this transformative work, visit www.QCCommunityFoundation.org/centerfornonprofitexcellence
The Center for Nonprofit Excellence is possible thanks to the generosity of donors
Regional Development Authority / The Late Hunt Harris and Diane Harris
Ascentra Credit Union / Jeff and Reggie Goldstein
Quad Cities Community Impact Fund / The Morency Family
Cal Werner Jr. / Rick Bowers, Jr. / Curtis Lundy / The Arc of the Quad Cities Area
Mark Kleine through the Kleine Family Foundation Endowment
Devendra and Malavika Shrikhande through the Snehalata and Late Capt. Suryakant Shrikhande (I.N. Retd.) Giving Fund