Celebrating a decade of Transformation Grants

In the past 10 years, the Quad Cities Community Foundation’s Transformation Grants have reshaped the region. In that time, thanks to donations to the Quad Cities Community Impact Fund, $1.77 million has been awarded to 14 local nonprofits pursuing transformative change.

“Transformation Grants encapsulate all the reasons that I support the Community Foundation,” said Mark Schwiebert, former mayor of Rock Island and Community Foundation board member. “The grants set a regional tone. They say that we believe in and trust our nonprofits to think creatively and lead us forward. Donors who put their dollars behind these grants, you are changing the world for the better. 

Dwayne Hodges, community member; Nicole Cisne Durbin, president and CEO of Family Resources; and Davenport Police Department Chief Jeffery Bladel speak at a news conference about Group Violence Intervention.

Transformation Grants have addressed local topics such as housing and homelessness, education, mental health resources, cultural opportunities, economic development, neighborhood revitalization, and much more. The grants support organizations as they develop ambitious programs that send ripples throughout the region and beyond.

The grants have proven to have an extensive afterlife. Funded organizations have created sustainable and replicable models that can be shared in the region and around the country. Grants to Family Resources and Davenport’s Group Violence Intervention strategy have contributed to a 27 percent decrease in shots fired and a 76 percent decrease in group-related non-fatal incidents, according to the police department. The organization plans to expand the strategy to neighboring communities.

Big, transformative change like this does not happen overnight. Transformation Grants give organizations the time and unrestricted funding they need to work collaboratively and stay together as they seek solutions.

“Our nonprofits are focused on a wide range of interconnected challenges and opportunities,” said Sue Hafkemeyer, president and CEO. “Transformation Grants provide the funds and flexibility they need to share innovative possibilities with our community—creating opportunities for everyone.”

The next Transformation Grant will be announced in January 2025. To find out how you can make a gift to the Community Impact Fund to support programs like our Transformation Grants, contact Anne Calder at 563-326-2840 or annecalder@QCCommunityFoundation.org.