Regional Development Authority

The 2024 Annual Report for the Regional Development Authority is live on our website! This year’s report highlights the incredible impact of our grant funding, including investments in local nonprofits, community initiatives, and partnerships. Learn more about the grants awarded, our dedicated board of volunteers, and how RDA continues to support the Quad Cities through strategic funding and collaboration. To read the full report and see the impact of this year’s grants, visit our website https://lnkd.in/gERRpwyj

The Donahue Volunteer Fire Department received a grant from the Regional Development Authority to replace outdated turnout gear that no longer met National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards. The grant funded new protective equipment, including boots, gloves, coats, pants, and helmets, ensuring firefighters could respond safely and effectively to emergencies. This investment benefits 1,200 to 2,500 residents in the district as well as the North Scott Community School District, which serves over 3,300 students across multiple towns. The project was completed, equipping eight firefighters with NFPA-compliant gear that enhances safety and effectiveness. This upgrade reduces health risks from exposure to carcinogens and hazardous materials while improving the ability to handle emergencies, such as fires and medical incidents. With modern gear, firefighters are better prepared to serve their district, ensuring public safety and enhancing emergency response capabilities. This investment strengthens the department’s ability to protect lives and property and ensures they are ready for any situation.

Board Member Spotlight: Amy Jones, APR, Sr. Director of Social Impact - Royal Neighbors of America. What inspired you to join the RDA Board? "Local philanthropy can be a powerful investment in a vibrant community. When we focus our efforts on our own community, we can see firsthand the needs and the positive changes in the lives of our friends and neighbors." What has been your proudest moment as an RDA Board Member? "I appreciate our focus on creating a vibrant community. I think of our support of the Landing Ice Rink that opened this winter. My family has skated at least 10 times this season, and I love seeing all the families from around the region in attendance." What’s your favorite hidden gem in the Quad Cities area that you think everyone should visit? "One of my favorite things to do in the Quad Cities is to walk the bridges. I start at the bottom of the Centennial Bridge, walk through downtown Davenport, cross the Arsenal Bridge, head toward Schwiebert Riverfront Park, and then across the Centennial Bridge. There are some fun stops along the way!"

Grantee Spotlight: Friends of Bettendorf Parks Foundation The Friends of Bettendorf Parks Foundation received a grant from the Regional Development Authority to install a permanent restroom at Lincoln Park, replacing a porta-potty. As a popular gathering space with a splash pad, pavilion, and frequent family events, the park lacked proper facilities for its estimated 2,000 seasonal visitors. The new restroom features flush toilets, a sink, a diaper-changing station, and a drinking fountain, making the park more accessible, hygienic, and family-friendly. Completed in December 2024, the project significantly improved the park’s usability and comfort. Families can now enjoy longer visits with access to clean, modern amenities. The Friends of Bettendorf Parks Foundation expressed appreciation to RDA for its support, recognizing the project’s lasting impact on the community and enhancing Lincoln Park as a welcoming public space.

Grantee Spotlight: Freight House Farmer's Market The Freight House Farmers Market used a grant from the Regional Development Authority (RDA) to enhance accessibility and inclusion for individuals with limited mobility. The funding supported the purchase of golf carts, battery replacements, and a storage shed, improving transportation from distant parking areas and mobility within the market. The shuttle helps provide a more inclusive environment for the over 500,000 annual visitors while supporting local farmers and small businesses. Improved accessibility encourages longer visits, increased social engagement, and greater participation from lower-income areas. Shuttle usage, attendance, and vendor feedback will help measure the impact on customer engagement and sales trends. These upgrades align with the market's mission to create a healthy, connected, and diverse community, ensuring it remains a vital resource for fresh food access, social connection, and economic support in the Quad Cities.

Grantee Spotlight: Quad City Sailing School The Quad City Sailing School (QCSS) received a grant from the Regional Development Authority (RDA) to purchase four new American Sail 14.6 boats, trailers, and necessary safety equipment to support their summer sailing classes and introductory sailing experiences. These boats replace older vessels damaged by the 2020 derecho and those nearing the end of their service life. The grant helps ensure the continuation of QCSS programs, which annually introduce over 50 Quad Citians to sailing and are anticipated to reach over 1,000 individuals during the boats’ 20-year lifespan. The new boats also support specialized events, such as women's sailing sessions and youth scouting programs, fostering a broader appreciation for sailing in the Quad Cities. Through this grant, QCSS enhances its collaboration with organizations like the Lake Davenport Sailing Club and River Action while maintaining certification with the US Sailing Association. The program aligns with RDA’s mission by providing safe, hands-on learning opportunities for diverse groups, including women and youth, and promoting community engagement with the Mississippi River.

Grantee Spotlight: Fresh Films DT The RDA grant supported Fresh Films' program, which engages teens in media production and career development. Through a three-part learning model, participants in Level 1 worked on five media projects, including scripted films with Sony Pictures Television and unscripted shows with producers from America’s Got Talent. The program also offered workshops on resume writing, career exploration, and financial literacy with industry professionals. In Level 2, selected students gained hands-on experience through apprenticeships on real film and TV sets, building critical skills in media production. As a result of the grant, Fresh Films provided learning opportunities to teens from Scott County, many from underserved areas. Participants worked on projects like creating music videos and documentaries, developing technical and soft skills such as collaboration and time management. Four teens earned paid internships, working on the documentary series #JobGPS. Overall, 91% of participants improved workplace skills, and 86% explored new career options, with many connecting with industry mentors and expanding their professional networks.

Board Member Spotlight: Suteesh Tandon How has serving on this board impacted you personally or professionally? “I have made great friends since coming on this Board 3 years back. It has been a wonderful journey to date. I am very proud to serve on this Board with such a talented group of community members who serve on this Board with me and work in a very collaborative way to make decisions relating to the disbursement of RDA funds. Having a voice in such a noble cause of helping this great community is an honor that I will always treasure.” What do you think sets our organization apart from others in the region? “RDA is probably the biggest contributor to the nonprofit entities in Quad Cities. Twice a year, we get a chance to look at more than 150 applications from nonprofit entities. Reading these detailed applications, we get to know so much about the various needs that exist in our community. It is very satisfying to know that RDA makes such a great contribution in the lives of so many nonprofit entities and thereby improves the lives of many quad city citizens. A lot of credit goes to our CEO, Matt Mendenhall, who works so hard to keep all the Board members informed on how our contribution to many nonprofit entities is making a significant difference in the lives of many.”

River Action Quad Cities received a grant from the Regional Development Authority (RDA) to host the Upper Mississippi River Conference and the Next Gen Summit at Western Illinois University. The event, titled "Learning From Each Other," brought together 210 students and attendees for discussions with diverse speakers, including sustainability analysts, engineers, professors, and conservationists. Students participated in hands-on water testing on the river, followed by networking with conference attendees and hearing a keynote on Environmental Justice from Dr. Sylvia Succhi, a University of Iowa professor. The event exceeded its initial goal of 100 students, with 126 attendees. Feedback from the students was positive, particularly about the approachable panelists, the water taxi experience, and the networking luncheon. River Action plans to host the next summit alongside the 2025 Upper Mississippi River Conference. The event successfully met its goals of increasing participation, enhancing networking, and developing actionable strategies for environmental challenges, with outcomes to be shared in comprehensive reports.

In November 2024, the Regional Development Authority (RDA) proudly awarded $1,943,820 in grants to 69 recipients through our Fall Grant Cycle! Supported by our proud partner Rhythm City Casino Resort, these grants are making a meaningful impact across Scott County and the greater Quad Cities region. Our funding strengthens non-profits, local governments, and public schools in advancing Human Services, Arts/Culture/Education, and Economic Development initiatives. From capital projects and grassroots efforts to innovative solutions tackling community challenges, these grants reflect the RDA’s commitment to fostering a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving Quad Cities region. Check out the full list of grant recipients here: https://lnkd.in/gtm9JHZQ