MOLINE, ILLINOIS (December 29, 2020) — The Moline Foundation allocated more than $1.2 Million to area non-profits in 2020. This remarkable amount was more than any other year in The Moline Foundation’s 67-year history.
“Besides grant-making to non-profits, the role of a Community Foundation is to identify and help address community needs. The effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic challenged philanthropic organizations to increase their giving and focus on the expanding and emerging needs of local residents,” comments Paul Plagenz, President and CEO of The Moline Foundation.
Along with the traditional funding areas of capital and program expenditures, The Moline Foundation also temporarily changed grant criteria to allow for essential operating support. Funding focused on the vital needs of the community including food insecurity, childcare, brain-health, workforce-development, remote-learning, and homelessness.
“The Foodbank is very thankful to The Moline Foundation,” said Mike Miller, President and CEO of River Bend Foodbank. “This Spring, when COVID increased food insecurity by over 50%, they supported increased food distribution in Rock Island and the surrounding counties. Now this Fall, they invested in expanding our capacity so we can continue to grow toward our ultimate goal of ending hunger in our community. They have made both an immediate and lasting impact.”
“My grandfather Bob Ontiveros, the founder of Mercado on Fifth, always says, "Everyone wins when someone gets an opportunity," declares Maria Ontiveros, President of Mercado on Fifth. “We believe the Mercado building will enhance our support of aspiring entrepreneurs in the Floreciente neighborhood and the greater Quad Cities. It affirms The Moline Foundation shares our vision for creating an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem and cultural destination in the region."
“Over and over again we heard from families that they didn't know what they would have done without the Y's summer camp program. Because of The Moline Foundation, kids were happy, safe, healthy, and nourished at the Y. Thank you for helping kids thrive and parents return to work,” remarks Denise McAuley, Development Director, Two Rivers YMCA.
Moline Foundation Chair Stephen Kruse relays “Our community has often experienced periods of adversity and economic instability. The foresight of our generous donors who created endowments through legacy giving allowed The Moline Foundation to not only respond significantly in 2020, but remain prepared for future years as well.”
About The Moline Foundation
The Moline Foundation, founded in 1953, is a community foundation which provides grants to health, human services, education, community development, the arts, and other charitable organizations which benefit the citizens of Moline and the surrounding area. The Moline Foundation receives and administers charitable gifts for all citizens in a seven-county region including Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, Warren, Henderson, and McDonough Counties in Illinois, and Scott County in Iowa.
