John Deere is known the world over for its signature green – in its iconic deer logo; its gleaming ag equipment, and literal link to the land. But another kind of green is playing a larger role in the Moline-based institution as it continues a long tradition to devoting time and treasure to communities it serves, through corporate citizenship and charitable contributions. This week, the John Deere Foundation announced it will invest $200 million over the next 10 years in initiatives that will bring to life John Deere’s higher purpose: “We run so life can leap forward.” That recalls the... Read More

A year into the pandemic, United Way Quad Cities has awarded $109,528 to 11 local nonprofits helping to meet residents’ emerging and evolving needs related to their education, income and health. The third distribution of United Way’s Covid-19 Rebuilding Fund grants provides resources for families to receive mental health support, women to find stable employment after a Covid-related layoff, and students and at-risk youth to receive remote learning support or mentoring. “In one way or another, this pandemic has impacted everyone — and even a year in, many Quad Citizens are struggling to... Read More

On Friday, United Way Quad Cities announced it has awarded $275,000 in grants to local organizations to help reduce and prevent racial inequities in education, income and health. The new “United for Equity” grants will help 25 nonprofits, grassroots organizations and social entrepreneurs provide access and opportunity to people of color in the Quad Cities by focusing on three primary goals — empowering the next generation, strengthening families, and educating and equipping the community. “In these turbulent times, issues of racial equity and social justice have been magnified. And, our... Read More

As the nation celebrates Black History Month in February, United Way Quad Cities and its African American Leadership Society (AALS) are working with community partners to make it easy to learn about local racial disparities and to lift up contributions and successes of Black Quad Citizens. United Way’s African American Leadership Society is launching multiple initiatives throughout this month — such as recruiting blood donors, publishing a Black experience video series, and partnering with Black authors to support youth literacy in the Quad-Cities. “Black History Month is a time of celebration... Read More

United Way Quad Cities is accepting applications for its Strategic Impact Grants from nonprofits, grassroots organizations and others serving the residents in Scott and Rock Island counties. Grants will be awarded to organizations working to improve education, income and health outcomes in the Quad-Cities. “We know there is still uncertainty given the pandemic heading into this year, but the long-term future of our region is bright,” said Rene Gellerman, president and CEO of United Way Quad Cities. “For 50 years, our United Way has been proud to be the stewards of our community’s collective... Read More

Galesburg – While the building at 1215 Monmouth Blvd. isn’t trash, it’s definitely another man’s treasure. IHMVCU was approached by United Way of Knox County to consider donating the building and property. The goal is to consolidate all their operations, including administrative offices, the After School Supper meal program and Teen Court, under one roof. “We’ve been looking for options and the Monmouth Blvd property fits the bill,” said Laun Dunn, United Way of Knox County Executive Director. “It’s a good location on a bus route, there’s plenty of parking and it’s close to... Read More

Two local nonprofit institutions – the Figge Art Museum and United Way Quad Cities – are holding unique online auctions. The Figge (225 W. 2nd St., Davenport) is having its first “Art Off the Wall” auction, aiming to raise $15,000 for the museum and its mission “to bring art and people together through the healing power of art.” It first provided member-only access (Dec. 7-10) to bid on the 86 donated pieces of painting, sculpture, jewelry and other beautiful objects, and the public auction online will go through Sunday, said Tessa Pozzi, membership and database manager. All bidding... Read More

This has undoubtedly been a bear of a year. No joke, 2020 has been brutal. And it’s still hanging in there being surly. BUT… there IS good news in the Quad-Cities! And every month, we at QuadCities.com, in partnership with our friends at KWQC-TV6 and “Paula Sands Live,” present you with What’s The Good News? a column on some of the positive things happening in and around the area. So, what’s the good news for December? Glad you asked… Local Author Jason Platt Honored For Young Adult Series Jason Platt, an author/illustrator from Davenport, has once again... Read More

United Way Quad Cities is accepting applications for its new United for Equity Fund grants, with up to $200,000 to distribute — supported by local business and industry leaders as well as individual gifts. Applications will be accepted through United Way’s website until noon Jan. 8. The ideas of 450 Quad Citizens, brought up during 29 small-group conversations at the Quad-Cities Equity Summit in October, have informed and inspired the framework for United Way’s United for Equity initiative, aimed to reduce and prevent racial disparities affecting the education, income and health in the... Read More

In the wake of the Covid pandemic, Quad-Cities students need more help than ever before to succeed in school – and life, and United Way Quad Cities has teamed with local colleges to fill the need. They are providing the new QC Tutor Connection to area K-12 students. “Parents are struggling with keeping their kids are on track and need some assistance with home-based learning,” said Rene Gellerman, president/CEO of United Way Quad Cities. “We’re being proactive in reimaging how we ensure all our kids succeed in school. Education has been and will continue to be the best investment in the... Read More