DAVENPORT, IOWA (September 4, 2025) Recent federal budget changes put Quad Cities nonprofits and the families they serve at serious risk. In response, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Quad Cities Chapter and Wastyn and Associates are launching OneTable QC, a regional, nonpartisan campaign to raise awareness, strengthen alliances, and drive action.
The campaign will host its first public event, the OneTable QC Launch Event, on Wednesday, September 18, 9–10:30AM, at the Moline Public Library. Pre-registration is requested. At this free kick-off gathering, non-profits, residents, and community leaders will:
- Discuss the real impact of federal budget cuts on Quad Cities families and services.
- Begin shaping a shared, data-backed message we can bring to policymakers.
- Lay the groundwork for upcoming Table Talks with legislators later this fall, where we’ll work side-by-side to find solutions.
Built on three pillars, OneTable QC aims to focus on:
- Awareness: Sharing data and stories about the impact of funding cuts on families and organizations.
- Alliance: Bringing leaders and neighbors to the same table for nonpartisan dialogue and collaboration across Iowa and Illinois.
- Action: Equipping nonprofits with tools and skills for advocacy, sustainability, and long-term resilience.
The initiative was sparked at a June 30 legislative roundtable, where more than 100 non-profit leaders, funders, and community advocates gathered with state and local officials to examine how federal funding sustains essential services in areas such as health-care, housing, education, and workforce development.
The need for a shared, data-driven narrative became clear.
“Our community relies on federal funding to sustain families, keep people employed, and create opportunities in every corner of our region,” said M Linda Wastyn PhD CFRE GPC, President of Wastyn and Associates and co-founder of the campaign. “OneTable QC is about making sure we are telling one powerful, unified story that legislators can hear and act on.”
The stakes are high. A recent survey shows:
- 89% of local non-profits foresee a negative impact on their budget.
- Half expect to cut programs.
- One third will likely reduce staff and one third face rising client demand.
- One in ten may close altogether.
Non-profits contribute an estimated $1.8 billion to the Quad Cities economy each year. Cuts to their programs and services threaten not only vulnerable families, but the region’s overall economic stability.
“We believe everyone who cares about QC families, whether you work in a non-profit or not, should have a seat at this table,” said Jenny Colvin, President, AFP Quad Cities and co-founder of OneTable QC. “Our strength will come from collective action and shared stories that highlight what’s at stake.”
To RSVP or for more information, visit afpquadcities.com/onetable.
About OneTable QC
OneTable QC is a regional, non-partisan 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 non-profits 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 afpquadcities.com/onetable.
About Wastyn and Associates
Wastyn and Associates helps nonprofit 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 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.
