The Quad Cities Community Foundation offers Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants to strengthen the operational effectiveness and sustainability of nonprofit organizations serving Rock Island and Scott Counties. These grants focus on activities that bolster organizational capacity in areas such as fundraising, governance, leadership development, strategic planning, program delivery, technology, communications, data management, financial management, equity, and evaluation.
The program provides up to $20,000 per project with a total pool of $300,000 available annually. Two grant cycles are available each year. For the spring cycle, pre-applications are due by April 1, invitations to apply are sent by April 15, full applications are due by June 1, and award notifications are made by June 30. For the fall cycle, pre-applications are due by September 1, invitations to apply by September 15, full applications by November 1, and award notifications by November 30. Information sessions are also offered ahead of each cycle to help applicants understand the program.
Eligible applicants must either be a 501(c)(3) public charity or a nonprofit with a fiscal sponsor, must serve residents of Rock Island or Scott Counties, and must comply with the Foundation’s Diversity and Non-Discrimination Policy. Individuals and for-profit businesses are not eligible. Each organization can only receive a Nonprofit Capacity Building Grant once every three calendar years. Grant funds cannot be used for capital projects, ongoing program or operational costs, consumable supplies, or food/beverages, among other restrictions. Only future expenses are eligible for funding.
The application process begins with a pre-application where basic information and project proposals are reviewed by staff and the grant committee chair. Selected organizations are then invited to submit full applications, which are scored based on mission impact, commitment to equity, project significance, timing, feasibility, and community leverage. The Foundation offers support throughout the application process, including the opportunity to discuss projects with staff and receive feedback on draft applications.
For questions or assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact Kaleigh Trammell at the Quad Cities Community Foundation by phone at 563.326.2840 or by email (link provided but not detailed in the text). The Foundation’s offices are located at 852 Middle Road, Suite 100, Bettendorf, Iowa 52722, with office hours from Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM.
