FAQs

  • Transformational fundraising campaigns with a goal of $1 million or more supporting capital projects, endowment, significant program expansions, or other strategic initiatives that strengthen the Quad Cities region. If your strategic campaign’s goal is lower but you would like to go through the process, contact us to discuss.

  • Not at all. The pre-application is intentionally simple. Please start where you’re at.

  • Yes! The Quad Cities Community Foundation staff serve as our “front door” to the process and will walk you through it. Once you’ve begun the process, optional mentor conversations are available.

  • You’ll receive a public endorsement letter, a private letter with valuable feedback on your campaign, and a list of Contributors Council members who are open to further conversation on supporting your project.

  • No—our process is a resource to support successful campaigns for the Quad Cities.

  • The Contributors Council is most effective when it can engage early, before a project enters construction or active fundraising. Early review allows the Council to provide thoughtful, meaningful input that can strengthen the project and increase its likelihood of success for both the organization and the community.

    If your project is already in progress, we still encourage you to reach out. Please contact the Contributors Council to discuss whether your project may be eligible for review.

  • Projects must be submitted by the established deadlines in order to be considered at an upcoming Council meeting. At that meeting, the Council may approve the project, decline approval, or table a decision pending additional information.

    Organizations will be notified of the Council’s decision as promptly as possible following the meeting.

  • Nonprofit boards are entrusted with advancing their organization’s mission while safeguarding its long-term health. A key part of that responsibility is carefully evaluating the viability, sustainability, and community impact of major initiatives.

    As major donors, Contributors Council members share this commitment. They want to support projects that are well-conceived, financially sound, mission-aligned, and responsive to genuine community needs.

    To support both nonprofits and funders in making informed decisions, the Contributors Council has developed a comprehensive application and review process. While organizations new to the process may find it rigorous, the Council views these questions as a practical framework for boards and leadership teams to evaluate projects thoroughly and confidently.

    Whether or not an organization ultimately pursues Council review, we believe boards should be able to clearly answer the following questions before approving a major initiative: 

    • What is the proposed project, and why is it needed in the community?

    • Do staff and board members have the experience and skills required for success?

    • How does the project align with the organization’s mission?

    • What is the organization’s current financial position?

    • Does the project duplicate existing efforts in the region?

    • Are there opportunities to collaborate with other organizations?

    • How will the project affect the organization’s long-term financial health, including ongoing operating costs?

    • What is the fundraising plan, and how realistic is it? Who are the anticipated donors and at what levels?

    • What contingency plans are in place if fundraising goals are not met?

    Thoughtful funders expect clear answers to these questions before making significant investments. While approval by the Contributors Council does not obligate its members to fund a project, it can provide valuable third-party validation and help strengthen an organization’s case for support. Council discussions also often increase a project’s visibility within the broader philanthropic and business community.

    Experience has shown that input from the Council’s business and community leaders frequently helps organizations refine their plans and identify opportunities they may not have otherwise considered.

    For these reasons, we strongly encourage any Quad Cities organization considering a significant capital or endowment campaign to engage with the Contributors Council early in the process. This collaborative approach benefits not only individual organizations, but the strength and sustainability of our entire community.