Matters Here

Culture

If you want change, start with one thing.
Start with culture.

We are The Cultural Trust—a regional endowment created to ensure the Quad Cities’ most vital cultural institutions are sustained and thriving for generations to come.

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.

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Our Mission

We aspire to be THE regional leader enriching arts and culture for all.

How We Achieve It

We support a thriving arts and culture ecosystem by:

  • Allocating 5% to 20% of unrestricted annual support to our Legacy Partner

  • Growing a permanent endowment to ensure long-term sustainability

  • Fostering innovation, collaboration, and public access through strategic grantmaking

  • Investing in cultural initiatives that elevate the Quad Cities as a national destination

Our Legacy Partners

We exist to make sure these six organizations remain strong:

Common Chord – The hub of inclusive music-making and community sound

Figge Art Museum – A world-class institution curating bold and timeless visual art

Putnam Museum and Science Center – Immersive exploration of history, science, and imagination

Quad City Arts – A dynamic launchpad for public art, artist residencies, and youth expression

Quad City Botanical Center – A living museum of plant-based learning and seasonal magic

Quad City Symphony Orchestra – A musical legacy spanning generations, from classical to cinematic

Be Part of the Legacy

Arts and culture in the Quad Cities make life extraordinary.