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