If you want to make a change, start with one thing. Start with culture.
Founded in 2007 by visionary philanthropists from the Deere Foundation, the Bechtel Trusts, and the Hubbell-Waterman Foundation, we work behind the scenes to fuel the organizations that make our region vibrant, inclusive, and inspiring.
Our Legacy Partners
Common
Chord
Where music meets community — creating access to live music and music education for all ages across the Quad Cities.
Figge Art Museum
World-class art on the banks of the Mississippi, connecting the Quad Cities to inspiring works from across the globe.
Putnam Museum and Science Center
Where curiosity comes alive through hands-on exhibits that bring history, science, and culture together.
Quad City Arts
The creative engine behind Festival of Trees, Chalkfest, Riverssance, and more — making the Quad Cities more vibrant every day.
Quad City Botanical Center
A living sanctuary connecting people to the natural world through beauty, education, and wonder.
Quad City Symphony Orchestra
Bringing world-class music to stages, schools, and communities across the Quad Cities — live and in person.
From Seed Money to Cultural Movement
The Cultural Trust is committed to taking the lead in advancing these extraordinary experiences for all.
How We Fund Excellence
The Cultural Trust has dedicated nearly 20 years to the region’s deeply-rooted amenities. It didn’t happen overnight, and the work isn’t done yet! Each year The Cultural Trust Board of Trustees and Legacy Partners engage in a granting process, which embraces the building blocks of nonprofit excellence: authentic partnership and collaboration, financial stability, strong leadership, and programmatic impact. This ensures that each and every dollar invested by The Cultural Trust has the strongest return on investment because Culture Matters Here and it always will.
