Quad Cities Community Foundation launches training program to strengthen nonprofit boards

The Quad Cities Community Foundation’s Center for Nonprofit Excellence has announced the launch of its new Board Governance Series, a dynamic and flexible training opportunity designed to empower current, new, and aspiring nonprofit board members and leaders.

The innovative six-part series begins in May 2025. Led and designed by industry experts, the series is built around both in-person mini-courses and a comprehensive digital resource library, which will equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to contribute to strong, effective boards.

Participants will get practical guidance and support around topics like board recruitment and orientation, running effective meetings, leadership through change, and much more.

“The success of a nonprofit depends on informed and engaged leadership,” said Kelly Thompson, vice president of grantmaking and community initiatives at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. “This series is designed to be accessible and adaptable, ensuring that aspiring and current board members, corporate philanthropy partners, and nonprofit CEOs and executive directors have the resources they need to lead through every challenge and opportunity.”

The Board Governance Series is designed to maximize flexibility, allowing participants to register for any or all six sessions based on their individual or organizational needs. Each session will feature expert-led discussions on key governance topics, such as board recruitment and orientation, staff and board relations, and managing healthy tension.

To further support learning, attendees will complete pre-work through a user-friendly on-demand learning platform, including short video modules and supplemental materials, all of which will remain available for a full year.

With each session priced at just $50, participants gain not only access to top-tier training but also a robust digital library containing 12 on-demand learning modules and an extensive suite of templates and guides.

To kick off the series, the Community Foundation will host a virtual information session on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m., providing an overview of the program and answering questions from prospective participants.

Full series schedule:

  • Mini-Course 1: Orientation and Recruitment

    • Tuesday, May 13 | Registration by May 2

  • Mini-Course 2: Board Member Roles and Responsibilities

    • Tuesday, June 10 | Registration by May 30

  • Mini-Course 3: Engaging Board Members

    • Tuesday, July 15 | Registration by July 4

  • Mini-Course 4: Board Member Role in Development

    • Tuesday, August 12 | Registration by August 1

  • Mini-Course 5: Managing Change with Your Board

    • Tuesday, September 9 | Registration by August 29

  • Mini-Course 6: Effective Board Chairs

    • Tuesday, October 14 | Registration by October 3

Will Van CampCenter for Nonprofit Excellence