Why I believe in the Contributors Council

Matt Mendenhall
President, Regional Development Authority 

As president of the Regional Development Authority, I spend a lot of time thinking about long-term impact—what truly strengthens our communities, what helps organizations succeed, and how we align resources to make the greatest difference. That’s why I believe so strongly in the role the Quad Cities Contributors Council plays in our region’s philanthropic ecosystem.

The Contributors Council is built around a shared vision of collective impact. When funders come together—not just to review projects, but to learn, ask questions, and think strategically—we create better outcomes for the Quad Cities. This collaborative approach helps ensure that philanthropy is not just generous, but thoughtful, coordinated, and focused on real community needs.

What I especially value about the Council is its expanded perspective. While capital projects and buildings will always be important, the Council has evolved to look more broadly at community initiatives with transformational potential. By focusing on overall project potential—whether that’s a facility, a program, or a collaborative effort—the Council helps funders better understand how organizations are working to move the community forward.

Membership in the Contributors Council also brings funding leaders into meaningful conversations that don’t happen in many other spaces. Around the Council table, funders with different backgrounds and perspectives come together to learn about community challenges and opportunities. That diversity of thought leads to more balanced decisions and stronger support for nonprofits as they take on ambitious, community-changing work.

Finally, the Council’s structure matters. Membership dues support the operations that make this work possible—from proposal review to funder engagement—and help fulfill one of the Council’s core charter purposes: expanding philanthropy. By bringing new funders into the conversation and sharing costs across a growing membership, the Council becomes stronger, more inclusive, and more effective. From my perspective, being part of the Contributors Council isn’t just about funding projects—it’s about investing in a smarter, more collaborative future for the Quad Cities.