The QC River Connections grant supports projects and organizations that address environmental issues facing the Mississippi River in the Quad Cities area.
Donor Name: Quad Cities Community Foundation
State: Illinois, Iowa
County: Rock Island County (IL), Scott County (IA)
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 09/15/2025
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The foundation seeks to support efforts that prioritize both inclusive and equitable community engagement practices and nature-based solutions to build and strengthen relationships among people, organizations, communities, and the river.
Funding Information
- Total available: $315,000.
- Maximum awarded per application: up to $50,000.
Project Examples
Projects might include – but are not limited to:
- Nature-based solutions like rain gardens or urban tree planting
- Clean up, restoration, and conservation projects – these could be located on the Mississippi or other rivers that flow into it, adjacent wetlands, or other places from which water flows into the river
- Education programs on environmental issues, green careers, or the community’s varied cultural experiences of the river
- Youth-driven, volunteer, or community engagement projects that relate to the river
- Projects that encourage and support people to safely and inclusively access the Mississippi River for recreation, healing, tourism, and more
- Strengthening the ability of environmental organizations to do their work equitably –
- Strengthening the ability to do environmental work of organizations or groups who represent underrepresented groups in the environmental sector, including communities of color and low-income communities, as well as people, neighborhoods, and communities most affected by environmental issues facing the Mississippi River but have less access to resources and opportunities to influence solutions
- Strengthening the ability of environmental and community groups to build relationships and meaningfully work together.
Eligibility Criteria
- Organizations or community groups that are providing a charitable community benefit in Scott County, IA or Rock Island County, IL.
- This includes any and all of the following: organizations with 501(c)3 public charity status (typical nonprofit organizations), governments, public schools, universities, and organized community groups.
- Individuals and for-profit businesses are not eligible for this grant.
- Organization or project must have an environmental benefit to the Mississippi River or the waters that flow into it. Environmental benefit could mean a direct physical improvement and/or people having greater access, awareness, and care for the river.
- Organization or project must align with at least one of the priority areas included in the Mississippi River Equity Vision.
- Project can be new or existing – you don’t need to create something specifically for this grant!
- Organization or project must prioritize inclusive and equitable community engagement practices guided by communities of color and others disproportionately impacted by environmental issues facing the Mississippi River but underrepresented in the environmental sector.
- Organizations must follow the QCCF Diversity and Non-Discrimination Policy.
- This grant program is designed to support local and regional organizations, particularly those that are newer to receiving funding—either directly or indirectly—from the Walton Family Foundation. While the program is not primarily intended for larger or nationally focused organizations, they welcome you to reach out if you have questions about whether your organization might be a good fit.
For more information, visit QCCF.
