Building Bridges

Funder: United Way Quad Cities - African American Leadership Society (AALS)

Geographic Scope: Quad Cities (Scott and Rock Island counties)

Type: Competitive capacity-building program for Black-led nonprofits

Overview:
Building Bridges is a new initiative under the African American Leadership Society designed to address philanthropic neglect and underinvestment in Black-led organizations. The program recognizes the unique strengths and challenges within the Black-led nonprofit community and provides resources to close accessibility and opportunity gaps.

Problem Addressed:
Black-led nonprofits often miss out on opportunities, funding, and professional networking and development due to:

• Lack of visibility and access
• Difficulty scaling organizations at rates of white counterparts
• Significant pattern of philanthropic neglect and underinvestment

Three-Month Accelerator Program

During the program, organizations will:

• Meet local leaders and subject experts
• Receive training on:
  • Nonprofit operations
  • Community dynamics
  • Funding opportunities
• Build professional networks
• Gain access to resources traditionally not readily accessible to African American populations

Goals:

• Equip local Black organizations with resources, networking, and professional development
• Reduce racial disparities
• Create a more inclusive community
• Help African Americans create pathways to success

Contact Information:

• Follow AALS on Facebook for updates
• Phone: (563) 355-4310
• Address: 852 Middle Road, Suite 401, Bettendorf, IA 52722
• Website: unitedwayqc.org