For the past seven years, Sherry Ristau has focused on transforming the Quad Cities Community Foundation. After Friday, when she leaves as president/CEO, the 60-year-old will focus on transforming herself. “When I arrived in the Quad-Cities, I was welcomed as the new leader of this organization with overwhelming warmth and openness. That’s a testament to the good will of this community, but it speaks to something else equally important for our future: our willingness to embrace change and the chance to improve—to transform ourselves for the better,” Ristau said in a blog post Tuesday. “This... Read More

After seven years leading the Quad Cities Community Foundation, President and CEO Sherry Ristau will step down from her position at the end of August to make way for further organizational—and regional—transformation. “I am deeply grateful for all the relationships and opportunities this community has provided me since arriving in the Quad-Cities,” Ristau said in a Thursday announcement. “With the board of directors, we have spent the last seven years in pursuit of a new mission to transform the region through the generosity of donors, and I believe wholeheartedly that we have moved the... Read More

The Quad Cities Community Foundation Monday announced the recipients of nearly half a million dollars in new scholarship awards. With scholarships ranging from $500 to $11,000 going to 49 students, including nine receiving more than one award, the funding — and the opportunities it can unlock — are significant. “Throughout the pandemic, these students have remained focused and resilient, keeping their eyes on the future,” said Sherry Ristau, president/CEO of the Community Foundation. “As they go out into the world and continue to learn, grow, and go after their dreams, I can’t wait... Read More

Improving equity is a major priority on the national and local level, and the Quad Cities Community Foundation continues to make big strides in the effort. It recently awarded two $100,000 transformation grants to help bring equitable solutions to the bi-state region, and the nonprofit’s new board chair is focusing on aiding minorities and disenfranchised populations in the Q-C. The East Moline and United Township School Districts, and Humility Homes and Services, will each receive $100,000 transformation grants from the Quad Cities Community Impact Fund at the Community Foundation. “The past... Read More

The Quad Cities Community Foundation is targeting the persistent racial disparities that impact the social and economic well-being of Quad Citizens of color with a $50,000 Transformation Grant to United Way. The grant will bolster efforts to reduce inequities across education, income and health systems in the Quad Cities. “We know that strong communities are ones that embrace increased diversity and the powerful assets that diversity brings,” said Sherry Ristau, president and CEO of the Quad Cities Community Foundation. “The Quad Cities is a wonderful place to live, and like other cities,... Read More

The Quad-Cities Disaster Recovery Fund has now surpassed $1 million in contributions to support the community’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund was activated by the Quad Cities Community Foundation six weeks ago with lead contributions from the Community Foundation, United Way of the Quad Cities, and Regional Development Authority. In the first week of the fund’s activation, United Way of the Quad-Cities Board Chairperson Linda Bowers stepped up with a $50,000 challenge gift to spur local, individual, and business giving to the fund. Now, she is gifting another $50,000 challenge... Read More

QUAD CITIES, IOWA / ILLINOIS—Quad Citizens raised $102,376 on Monday, April 6, during the 24-hour “Unite Quad Cities for COVID-19 Recovery” giving event spearheaded by KWQC TV6, United Way of the Quad Cities, and the Quad Cities Community Foundation. All contributions supported the Quad Cities Disaster Recovery Fund at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. Every single dollar donated during the event was matched dollar-for-dollar thanks to a challenge from First Midwest Bank, Sears Seating, Modern Woodmen of America, MidAmerican Energy, and Mike and Monique Gorsline. The group has committed... Read More

“Unite Quad Cities for COVID-19 Recovery,” a 24-hour giving event on Monday, April 6, will include a six-hour telethon hosted by KWQC-TV6’s Paula Sands at Davenport’s River Music Experience and Quad-Cities businesses, and a local family, have stepped up to offer a challenge match for it. The first $150,000 donated this Monday will be matched dollar-for-dollar. All contributions will support the Quad Cities Disaster Recovery Fund at the Quad Cities Community Foundation. The challenge match is made possible thanks to a $50,000 gift from First Midwest Bank, a $30,000 gift from Sears... Read More