DAVENPORT, IOWA (June 28, 2026) — One year after nonprofit leaders, funders, and policymakers first gathered through OneTable QC to discuss the potential impact of federal budget changes, organizations across the Quad Cities are demonstrating the power of collaboration, education, and advocacy.
More than 50 participants joined OneTable QC's recent virtual Community Conversation: The State of Nonprofits After the Federal Budget Cuts to hear updates from leaders in health-care, food access, housing, and homelessness, review new community data, and discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping the region.
"The challenges are real, but so is the response," said Linda Wastyn, President of Wastyn and Associates and Co-Founder of OneTable QC.
"Organizations across our region are coming together to educate, collaborate, and advocate for the people they serve. That's exactly what OneTable QC was created to do."
While organizations continue to face growing demand and funding uncertainty, the discussion highlighted encouraging progress and reinforced an important message: Advocacy matters. Legislative wins, strengthened partnerships, and coordinated community planning demonstrate that when non-profit organizations work together and engage policymakers, meaningful change is possible.
"We know there is still work to do," said Jenny Colvin, Vice President of Philanthropy at River Bend Food Bank and Co-Founder of OneTable QC.
"But today's conversation reminded us that when nonprofit leaders continue to show up, educate decision-makers, and work together, we can influence policy and create meaningful change. We encourage organizations to keep using their voices because it is making a difference."
OneTable QC released a community summary report following the event, outlining key trends, data, discussion themes, advocacy opportunities, and practical next steps for non-profit leaders, funders, businesses, policy-makers, media, and community members.
Download the Community Summary Report: afpquadcities.com/s/June-2026-Conversation-Summary.pdf
Upcoming OneTable QC Events: Turning Awareness into Action
OneTable QC, the Quad Cities Community Foundation, and The Project will host three public comment-writing workshops to help non-profit professionals respond to proposed federal-grant regulation changes before the July 13 public comment deadline.
Workshops will be held:
- Tuesday, July 7 | Noon–1:30PM — Quad Cities Community Foundation Community Room
- Tuesday, July 7 | 4:30–6PM — Virtual
- Thursday, July 9 | Noon–1:30PM — Virtual
Participants will receive background information, talking points, and guided support to submit comments as individuals or on behalf of their organizations.
Additionally, the next community conversation, From Burnout to Fortitude: Sustaining Non-Profit Leaders, will be held on Tuesday, August 4, bringing together nationally-recognized researchers Laurence Weinzimmer PhD and Stephen E Hippler MD FACP to explore evidence-based strategies for avoiding burn-out, building-resilient organizations, and sustaining the people who serve our communities.
To register for these events or to learn more about OneTable QC, visit afpquadcities.com/onetable.
About OneTable QC
OneTable QC is a regional, nonpartisan campaign created by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Quad Cities Chapter and Wastyn & Associates. Its mission is to build a shared, data-backed narrative that cements nonprofits as critical to the Quad Cities’ economy and social fabric. Through Awareness, Alliance, and Action, the campaign equips nonprofits and residents alike to advocate for policies and resources that protect essential services and strengthen families across Iowa and Illinois. Learn more at afpquadcities.com/onetable.About Wastyn and Associates
Wastyn & Associates helps non-profit organizations turn their ideas into reality by providing high-quality, personalized consulting and services in grant-research and -writing, strategic planning, fundraising, board development, and leadership education. To learn more, visit https://www.wastynassoc.com/.
About Association of Fundraising Professionals Quad Cities
At AFP Quad Cities, you’ll find a supportive network of professionals who understand the challenges and celebrate the wins that come with working in development. Whether you’re a one-person shop, part of a large team, or somewhere in between, our chapter offers a space to share ideas, explore best practices, and grow together. We are a community of fundraisers who believe in collaboration over competition and in lifting each other up.
