DAVENPORT, IOWA (June 10, 2026) — One year after non-profit leaders, funders, policy-makers, and community members gathered to discuss the potential impact of federal budget cuts on the Quad Cities, OneTable QC is inviting the community back to the table for an important follow-up conversation.
Community Conversation: The State of Non-Profits after the Federal Budget Cuts will take place virtually on Thursday, June 25, 2026, 12-1PM. The free event will provide updated data, frontline perspectives, and opportunities for community dialogue around the current state of the non-profit sector and the challenges facing local organizations.
Register for free here: https://events.humanitix.com/community-conversation-the-state-of-nonprofits-after-the-federal-budget-cuts
Since last year's legislative roundtable, non-profits across the region have faced increasing pressure from federal budget reductions, rising demand for services, workforce shortages, and growing community needs.
The impacts are being felt across health-care, food access, housing, homelessness, and other critical services that support individuals and families throughout the Quad Cities.
The event will feature updates from four community leaders working directly in sectors affected by these changes:
- Tom Bowman, Community Health Care — Medicaid and healthcare access
- Chris Ford, River Bend Food Bank — SNAP and food insecurity
- Ashley Velez Hagler, Humility Homes and Services — Homelessness
- RevJackie Celske Dwight Ford, Project NOW — Poverty and housing
In addition to sector updates, attendees will hear results from an updated community survey, participate in facilitated break-out discussions, and help identify key themes and next steps for collaboration, advocacy, and community action.
"This conversation is about more than nonprofit organizations," said Linda Wastyn, Co-Director of OneTable QC.
"The challenges non-profits face directly impact the health, stability, and well-being of our entire community. We hope this conversation helps people better understand what's happening, what local organizations are experiencing, and how we can work together to move forward."
The event is open to non-profit leaders, development professionals, board members, funders, businesses, community advocates, and residents. OneTable QC is also specifically encouraging policy-makers, elected officials, government staff, and members of the media to participate.
Attendees will leave with:
- Updated local data and nonprofit sector insights;
- Information to support fundraising, advocacy, and strategic planning efforts;
- Context for conversations with donors, funders, boards, and elected officials; and
- Opportunities to connect with community leaders and identify areas for collaboration.
"As policy decisions continue to shape local services and community outcomes, it is important that decision-makers and those who tell our community's stories hear directly from the organizations on the front lines," said Jenny Colvin, Co-Director of OneTable QC.
"This event provides an opportunity to better understand local impacts, ask questions, and engage in meaningful dialogue about what comes next."
To learn more about this event or 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 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 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 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.
