Community Foundation welcomes new Grantmaking Specialist

Ann Berger joined the Quad Cities Community Foundation in March 2025 as the new grantmaking specialist. She immediately jumped into action with a role that will involve working with local nonprofits, students, and regional partners to advance the mission of the Community Foundation. Between the busyness, Ann sat down to share her early impressions of the role and discuss what motivates her to do this community-oriented work.

Ann, welcome to the Community Foundation! What experiences brought you here?

Ann: I was a high school English teacher for 30 years and had served as president of the Davenport Central Band and Orchestra Parents Association, a nonprofit booster organization. I love working with young people, and I have seen firsthand the impact that nonprofits can make in our community.

When it was time to step away from teaching, I still wanted to be helping the community. In this position, I can do that. Also, because I’ll be assisting with the Teens for Tomorrow Program, I get to continue working with students.

What has you excited about your role as grantmaking specialist?

Ann: I’ll be managing a range of grant programs like our Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants and Operations and Programs Grants. I’ll also be working closely with local nonprofits. I believe our community is only as strong as our nonprofits, and in this role, I get to support those organizations directly.  

Working at the Community Foundation, you have the opportunity to tell people that their hopes and ideas are possible. That is such a powerful conversation, especially with young people. At the Community Foundation, we get to lift up great organizations and support the community we all love. That keeps me excited for the future.

How have the first few weeks at the Community Foundation been?

Ann: I’m pinching myself, to be honest! Throughout the whole interview process, the team here created a wonderful, supportive atmosphere, and that has only continued—the culture here is wonderful because everyone is focused on supporting each other and doing what is best for the community.

The Community Foundation has an expansive mission, and there is much to learn in this new role. Fortunately, I’m learning from a team of experts and an organization that has been doing this work for more than 60 years. Our community has an incredible spirit of generosity, and I am proud to be doing my part to connect donors to the nonprofits that make the Quad Cities region a great place to live.