Mary Iva Gittins Knouse Tr Uw
This organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable causes primarily through general operating grants. Its mission focuses on enhancing community welfare by providing financial assistance to nonprofits involved in human services, food security, education, and cultural preservation. The foundation supports a diverse range of organizations, including food banks, youth development programs, and historical societies, reflecting a commitment to improving the quality of life in the community. While it primarily serves organizations in Iowa and Illinois, its overarching goal is to foster community engagement and support essential services that benefit individuals and families in need.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A small, local 501(c)(3) providing general operating support to community-focused services in the Quad Cities region (Iowa/Illinois), seeking modest unrestricted grants.
Good Fit
- • Based in or serving Davenport/Quad Cities (Iowa/Illinois) or nearby communities
- • Requesting small general operating support (roughly $500–$2,000)
- • Work focused on community services, food security, youth development, local arts, or historical preservation
- • Established local reputation or existing relationship with community trustees or bank-affiliated philanthropic contacts
- • Ability to be nominated or otherwise brought to the funder's attention by a local intermediary
Geography
Observed giving is concentrated in two neighboring states (Iowa and Illinois) with 76% of 2023 dollars directed to Iowa, indicating a tight regional footprint rather than statewide or national reach.
Recipient Variety
The latest year lists 25 distinct grantees (and prior years show 20 distinct grantees), with low dollar concentration (top recipient ~4%, top five ~20%), so the foundation funds a broad set of independent local organizations.
New Applicants
Direct evidence of many new grantees exists, but the foundation's stated process limits awards to preselected applicants and filings provide no submission contact, so an unfamiliar organization would have a low likelihood of entering the portfolio without nomination or an existing relationship.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
