BETTENDORF, IOWA (June 17, 2026) — A collection of major local funders of non-profit organizations, the Quad Cities Contributors Council, is reintroducing itself to the region with new ways to support transformational non-profit campaigns and strengthen philanthropy across the Quad Cities.
The updated approach is designed to engage non-profit organizations earlier in their planning process to provide feedback and endorsement of capital, endowment, and strategic campaigns exceeding $1 million, while creating stronger opportunities for collaboration and learning among regional funders.
“We’ve taken the feedback of nonprofits and engaged with funders to develop this approach,” said Tom Thoms, a Contributors Council member.
“Over time, we’ve continued to refine the process to better support both nonprofits and donors. The result is a more collaborative approach that reduces barriers, strengthens partnerships, and helps ensure the campaigns and organizations our region depends on have the resources they need to succeed.”
Since 1991, the Contributors Council has brought together experienced funders, corporate leaders, foundations, financial institutions, and philanthropists to provide thoughtful review and shared due diligence around major high-impact non-profit campaigns. Today, the Contributors Council is made up of fourteen funders, including corporations, community foundations, and family foundations.
“Well-planned campaigns make the best use of dollars and have the biggest impact,” said Matt Mendenhall, president of Regional Development Authority and current Chair of the Contributors Council.
“Our updated approach is designed to create stronger conversations earlier in the process so organizations can build more successful campaigns and funders can make more informed philanthropic investments.”
The organization’s redesigned process reflects a growing need for stronger coordination between non-profits and funders as organizations respond to increasingly complex community challenges.
Early non-profit participants say the updated process has already provided valuable guidance that is shaping the way they approach fundraising.
“This process really helped us see how we can better highlight our impact in the community through both data and storytelling,” said Erika Gunn, executive director of the Humane Society of Scott County.
“The feedback was incredibly helpful, not just for this application, but for grants and conversations with donors moving forward as well.”
New elements of the process include:
- A simple pre-application stage with no polished campaign pitch required;
- Readiness tools and mentorship opportunities for non-profits;
- Organizations create applications; Contributors Council provides guidance and review throughout the process;
- Streamlined online applications and transparent evaluation criteria; and
- Constructive feedback designed to strengthen campaigns regardless of outcome.
Leaders say the updated structure is intended to improve campaign readiness for non-profits and create greater clarity and confidence for philanthropic leaders evaluating major community investments.
“The Contributors Council creates space for funders to learn together, share perspectives, and better understand emerging community needs,” said Mendenhall.
“It strengthens the entire philanthropic ecosystem by encouraging more strategic collaboration and stronger long-term community impact.”
The Contributors Council is also seeking additional philanthropic leaders and funders interested in participating in the collaborative review process.
Organizations and funders interested in learning more can visit QCContributorsCouncil.org to learn more.
The Quad Cities Community Foundation champions generosity. It is the place where generous people in the bi-state region make both lifetime and estate gifts of all sizes to support the long-term needs and opportunities of their community, and the specific organizations and causes most meaningful to them.
