Sometimes when an opportunity arrives, it seems too good to be true. For Moline Regional Community Foundation (MRCF), it came on a Saturday morning in late June 2025 in the form of a phone call.

On the line was Illinois District 72 Representative Gregg Johnson. He had news: $500,000 was being included in the State of Illinois budget specifically to support District 72. He hoped the funds would reach individuals and families in need through the local nonprofits serving them.

There was one catch. Someone had to manage an impartial grant process and navigate the State’s strict guidelines.

Why We Said “Yes”

MRCF board and staff knew what these dollars could mean for our community, so we agreed to serve as the grants administrator. We took on the work free of charge, and added a 5% match ($25,000) to the state funds.

The reason was simple: local nonprofits had told us their budgets were getting tighter, and we had an opportunity to help.

From Risk To Results

After months of grant reviews and careful adherence to State regulations, the funds arrived. They are now at work in our community, changing lives for District 72 residents. See the grant recipients.

What Inspired Us

Looking back, our donors inspired the decision to take a risk. They saw a need and stepped up to meet it. They support nonprofits who reflect their values, and their instincts and trust are rewarded with the change they hoped to see in our community.

Let’s Talk

What change would you like to see? We’d love to hear about it. Let’s talk!