DAVENPORT, IOWA (July 21, 2026) — As non-profit organizations continue to navigate funding uncertainty, workforce challenges, and growing community needs, OneTable QC is bringing nationally-recognized leadership and burn-out researchers to the Quad Cities for a timely conversation on sustaining the people behind the mission.
On Tuesday, August 4, OneTable QC will host From Burnout to Fortitude: Sustaining Non-Profit Leaders, a free community conversation featuring Dr Laurence Weinzimmer (above), Caterpillar Inc, Research Professor of Leadership at Bradley University; and Dr Stephen Hippler (below), retired physician, former Chief Clinical Officer at OSF HealthCare, and Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine at the University of Illinois College of Medicine.
Event Details
From Burnout to Fortitude: Sustaining Nonprofit Leaders
- Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
- Time: 10AM–12PM
- Venue: Junior Achievement Conference Room
- Registration is free, but seating is limited.
The event comes as nonprofit leaders report unprecedented levels of burn-out. According to the Center for Effective Philanthropy's 2026 State of Nonprofits Report, 89% of non-profit leaders report concerns about their own burn-out, while nearly every organization surveyed said burn-out is affecting staff. The percentage of leaders who are very concerned about burn-out increased from 29% to 46% in just one year.
Unlike many conversations centered on self-care, this event will introduce attendees to emerging research on fortitude — a research-backed framework that examines how organizations can reduce burn-out while strengthening engagement, resilience, and long-term retention.
"Non-profit leaders have spent the past year responding to funding uncertainty and increasing community needs," said Linda Wastyn, President of Wastyn and Associates and Co-Founder of OneTable QC.
"Now it's time to focus on sustaining the people carrying that responsibility. This conversation is about equipping leaders with practical, evidence-based strategies that strengthen both individuals and organizations."
Dr Weinzimmer and Dr Hippler have co-authored multiple groundbreaking studies exploring the relationship between fortitude, burn-out, employee engagement, and turn-over. Together, they bring decades of experience in leadership research, health-care, executive leadership, and organizational performance.
The event is free and open to non-profit professionals, board members, funders, and community leaders. To learn more or reserve a seat, visit afpquadcities.com/upcoming-events/2026/8/4/onetableqc-from-burnout-to-fortitude-sustaining-nonprofit-leaders.
About OneTable QC
OneTable QC is a regional, nonpartisan campaign created by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Quad Cities Chapter and Wastyn and 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 non-profits and residents alike to advocate for policies and resources that protect essential services and strengthen families across Iowa and Illinois. Learn more at https://www.afpquadcities.com/onetable.About Wastyn and Associates
Wastyn and 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.
