DAVENPORT, IOWA (August 1, 2025) — The Freight House Farmers Market is encouraging supporters to cast their vote in the 17th annual America’s Farmers Market Celebration™ by American Farmland Trust. This annual contest seeks to recognize the nation’s favorite farmers markets, awarding $15,000 in prizes each year. The Freight House Farmers Market has held the title of the #1 Farmers Market in Iowa for four years, and is hoping to receive that honor for the fifth consecutive year.

BETTENDORF, IOWA (August 1, 2025) — The Quad Cities Community Foundation has announced the opening of the 2025 QC River Connections Grant Program on August 1. Made possible by the Walton Family Foundation and guided by the Clean River Advisory Council (C-RAC), the grant program supports local organizations leading efforts to address environmental and community challenges along the Mississippi River.

GALESBURG, ILLINOIS (July 30, 2025) — The Knox College-run organization “Blessings in a Backpack” has received a substantial $15,000 grant from the Galesburg Community Foundation's annual grant cycle, known as The Turnout. This initiative, which operates under the Kleine Center for Community Service, aims to support Galesburg School District 205 students who face food scarcity. Remarkably, this marks the second consecutive year that Blessings in a Backpack has been granted this amount.

ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (July 30, 2025) — Hundreds of current and future Augustana students will benefit from a $500,000 gift from The Austin E Knowlton Foundation, designated specifically for scholarships and financial aid. The Knowlton Foundation’s primary mission is to promote and advance higher education in the United States through direct grants and contributions to qualified colleges and universities.