Many cities nationwide are grappling with systemic issues of racial equity, justice and inclusion — and the Quad-Cities made a major step Thursday in its own multi-pronged effort. Led by United Way Quad Cities, over 300 people participated in the Zoom event, Courageous Conversations: Equity in Action. It included a community report from United Way’s Oct. 15 Equity Summit, addressing key issues, strategies and priorities identified during last month’s small-group conversations. Thursday also  introduced United Way’s Equity Investment Panel, which will oversee distribution of up to $200,000... 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

Last year, spoken-word artist Aubrey Barnes and singer-songwriter Delores Westbrook-Tingle partnered to make a new song that summarizes what United Way of the Quad Cities is all about – “Together.” That inspiring song – which kicked off the July 2019 unveiling of United Way’s African-American Leadership Society (AALS) and was part of the September 2019 launch of “Amplify Quad Cities: The Soundtrack” – has now been made into a five-minute video to support the nonprofit’s racial equity effort. “We need to stand strong – walking together in this community,” sings Westbrook-Tingle.... Read More

Thirteen banks and credit unions serving the Quad-Cities have pooled their resources to give more than $130,000 to the United Way’s United for Equity Fund, created to address and solve inequities in education, income and health. Among the financial institutions are Ascentra Credit Union, Bank of America, BankORION, Blackhawk Bank & Trust, Blue Grass Savings Bank, Deere Employees Credit Union, IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union, Northwest Bank and Trust, Quad City Bank & Trust, R.I.A. Federal Credit Union, SENB Bank, TBK Bank and The Family Credit Union. “We are so grateful to the Quad-Cities... Read More

The Iowa Women’s Foundation (IWF) has announced 2021 Core Grant awards to United Way of the Quad Cities and Lead(h)er, for programs that help young girls and women. The grants are among $100,000 to 13 organizations across the state – raising the total granted to over $1.1 million since the program began in 1997. IWF works to improve the lives of Iowa’s women and girls. Grants are awarded to projects that focus primarily on serving the needs and aspirations of women and girls. Six specific areas have been identified as the most critical barriers for Iowa women and girls: employment, child... Read More

Most every American civil rights struggle throughout history has sought a simple solution – equality. For one segment of the population to earn and enjoy the same rights and opportunities as everyone else. It’s not been easy, to say the least. In addition to this year’s devastating coronavirus epidemic, catastrophic unemployment, social isolation and extreme weather events, the nation has been convulsed for months over the Black Lives Matter movement and related protests. United Way Quad Cities has capitalized on this unique time to offer a 21-Day Equity Challenge. In one of two remaining... Read More

During this time of covid uncertainty, children and families don’t need any more turmoil and stress in their lives. That’s what makes The First Day Project so important. And this week, you can help make a child’s first day at school a lot more special by helping The First Day Project. Over 25,000 kids receive free or reduced lunches, and therefore they qualify for free school supplies through the project, which relies on the generosity of locals in the community to help out. The First Day Project used to partner with the Postal Service to collect the school supplies but three... Read More

You can help make a child’s first day at school a lot more special by helping The First Day Project. Over 25,000 kids receive free or reduced lunches, and therefore they qualify for free school supplies through the project, which relies on the generosity of locals in the community to help out. The First Day Project used to partner with the Postal Service to collect the school supplies but three years ago they Postal Service stopped the program and United Way stepped in to help. “In the past, we worked mainly with our business community to collect the items but the need is too great... 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

The Quad City Storm announced today that Storm President, Gwen Tombergs, will be stepping down and joining the United Way staff as their Vice President of Development. “The Storm is on solid ground and everything is in place to keep the team going strong,” said Tombergs. “Our front office is trained, processes are in place and we have a great coach and team.  I feel comfortable handing over the reins.” Team owner, John Dawson, said the position at United Way is a good fit for Tombergs. “Her passion has always been to help the community and she built the Storm’s reputation on that.... Read More