Young leaders in the Quad Cities are driving change through the Teens for Tomorrow Program, an initiative by the Community Foundation empowering high schoolers to support local nonprofits. This year’s group awarded $37,500 across 12 organizations, raising $27,500 themselves through engaged work with donors. Their priorities—affordable education and childcare, food security, immigration support, and housing—reflect issues they see as vital. Alongside distributing grants, students participated in leadership training and donor outreach. Since its inception, the program has provided over $295,000 in local nonprofit funding. Applications are now open for next year’s program; details are at qccommunityfoundation.org/t4t.
“The Teens for Tomorrow Program gives young people the tools and support to create meaningful, lasting change in their own communities,” said Sue Hafkemeyer, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “This year’s members showed remarkable dedication. They did the research, asked the tough questions, and made strategic choices that reflect both their values and our region’s most pressing needs.”
“The focus areas the students chose are also an important indicator for all of us on what matters most to our community’s young people,” Hafkemeyer added.
“This group was focused, driven, and unafraid to lead,” said Kaleigh Trammell, director of grantmaking and community initiatives. “They didn’t just meet expectations—they redefined what youth philanthropy can look like when young people are trusted with real responsibility and supported every step of the way.”
The following 12 nonprofits received Teens for Tomorrow funding this year:
- Black Hawk College—Teens for Tomorrow program support for “Hawk 4 Hygiene”— $500
- Christian Care—General Operating Support for Community Meal Site— $2,500
- Hope at the BRICK House, Inc.—Hope at the BRICK House 2025 Summer Program for At-Risk Children— $7,500
- One Eighty—Supportive Housing for Women in Recovery— $2,000
- Project NOW, Inc.—Project NOW Seniors Home Delivered Meals program support— $2,000
- Project Renewal Inc.—Summer Youth Program 2025— $3,000
- Spring Forward Learning Center—Spring Forward general operating support— $2,500
- St. Anthony Church—McAnthony Window program support— $3,000
- Tapestry Farms—Tapestry Farms Operational Support— $5,000
- Testimonies of Hope—Healing Home for Women and Children Domestic Violence Survivors general operating support— $2,500
- World Relief Quad Cities—Refugee Family Literacy— $5,000
- YWCA of the Quad Cities—Food and Survival Kit Distribution Program— $2,000