Summer Learning Guide
Summer Learning in Dubuque Is IMAGINATIVE.
From sports leagues to nature clubs, arts programs to STEM activities, there's no shortage of summer enrichment opportunities for Dubuque kids.
Grant Opportunities
Strong nonprofits. Strong communities.
All Grants
Find the right grant for your nonprofit.
With our affiliate foundations and community partners, we offer grants to nonprofits across our region, helping address critical needs.
Filter Grants by Community
Region
Allamakee County
Cycle Dates
Due in June, August and October
Grant Information
The Allamakee County Community Foundation accepts emerging needs applications for up to $500 for grants for community development, community promotions, community education and similar matters.
The grant shall be for the benefit of persons residing in Allamakee County, Iowa. Entities that have a 501(c)3 designation by the Internal Revenue Service or schools or municipalities are eligible to apply for these funds.
The deadlines for mini-grant cycles are June 30, August 31 and October 31 .
Requirements / Guidelines
Submit a letter of interest to steebo@acegroup.cc by the deadline. Please make the subject of your email “ACCF Mini Grants,” followed by the name of your organization. Call Betty Steege at 563-586-2046 prior to submitting your application to share your email address and ensure your application is received.
Fiscal sponsorship agreements
If your organization is not a nonprofit, please download, complete and return this agreement:
Designate a 501(c)3 organization as your fiscal sponsor
Region
Allamakee County
Cycle Dates
Available January 15, Due February 26
Grant Information
Each year we accept applications for grants for community development, community promotions, community education and similar matters. The grant shall be for the benefit of persons residing in Allamakee County, Iowa. Entities that have a 501(c)3 designation by the Internal Revenue Service or schools or municipalities are eligible to apply for these funds. Nonprofit groups may apply for up to $20,000 for their projects.
Requirements / Guidelines
Please review the grant guidelines to see if your project is eligible. For more information, contact Betty Steege at steebo@acegroup.cc or 563-586-2046.
Fiscal sponsorship agreements
If your organization is not a nonprofit, please download, complete and return this agreement:
Designate a 501(c)3 organization as your fiscal sponsor
Region
Anamosa
Cycle Dates
Available August 1, due August 31
Grant Information
The Anamosa Community Foundation was established in 2004 by a group of Anamosa citizens. It is an endowment fund dedicated solely for the benefit of Anamosa. The mission of the fund is to provide a source of financial aid for special needs in the Anamosa community, as identified by nonprofit organizations in Anamosa. The Anamosa Community Foundation is a fund within the Jones County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque.
Requirements / Guidelines
Organizations applying for grant funding must be applying for a project which is specifically for Anamosa. View the guidelines below to see if your organization is eligible for this grant. Then fill out the application online.
Fiscal sponsorship agreements
If your organization is not a nonprofit, please download, complete and return this agreement:
Designate a 501(c)3 organization as your fiscal sponsor
Region
Dubuque
Cycle Dates
Available Quarterly
Grant Information
This organization is an initiative spearheaded by the employees of Cottingham & Butler to support community needs that are in alignment with our company’s mission and core values. Our team members have always embodied the spirit of giving back to the community, which has fostered a culture of philanthropy within our organization. We intend to honor our mantra of “better every day” by partnering with nonprofit initiatives to build better communities through this grant donation.
Organization Applications
Each quarter of the year, C&B team members will review, vote, and select an organization to receive a one-time donation. Applications will be due quarterly, opening on the first day and closing on the last day of February, May, and August. The C&B Better initiative grant is only available to non-profits who are located in and/or serve Dubuque residents. Organizations who are named runner ups between Q1 – Q3 will be up for funding again in Q4 without competition from newly submitted applicants.
Requirements / Guidelines
Preference is given to organizations that prioritize one or more of the following criteria:
- Committed to bettering lives through promoting health, education, and financial wellness.
- Examples: Access to healthcare, job training and tax filing assistance
- Eliminating barriers and ensuring access to various resources.
- Examples: access to food, technology, shelter, clothing, mentorship, career pathways
- Building awareness, eliminating stigmas, and changing mindsets.
- Examples: Brain health, racial inequity, diversity, homelessness, and addiction
- Neighborhood safety and revitalization.
- Examples: Low-income neighborhood improvements, safe spaces/shelters/housing, recreation areas
- Fostering positive relationships between individuals, neighborhoods, and communities.
- Examples: youth mentorship, athletic programming, tutoring, counseling, and therapy services
For questions about grant applications, please contact Gretchen Corcoran at gretchen@dbqfoundation.org or call 563-588-2700.
Fiscal sponsorship agreements
If your organization is not a nonprofit, please download, complete and return this agreement:
Designate a 501(c)3 organization as your fiscal sponsor
Region
Clayton County
Cycle Dates
Available February 12, due March 22
Grant Information
Starting in 2023, the CCFF board has taken a particular interest in education and the needs of youth. Projects and programs with the goal of youth enrichment will be prioritized in this year’s grantmaking cycle. The Foundation also welcomes proposals for projects that benefit a broad spectrum of the community or a chronically underserved segment of the population. We award grants in the areas of health and human services, education, neighborhoods and community development, the environment, children, youth, and families, and arts and culture, including historic preservation.
The grant shall be for the benefit of persons residing in Clayton County, Iowa. Entities that have a 501(c)3 designation by the Internal Revenue Service or schools or municipalities are eligible to apply for these funds. If your organization is not one of the above, you are encouraged to find a qualifying agency to act as your fiscal sponsor. A 25% cash match is required. The maximum grant request amount is $1,000.
Requirements / Guidelines
For more information, please refer to the guidelines below. Contact Emily Sadewasser at ccff@dbqfoundation.org or 563.880.6044 with questions.
Fiscal sponsorship agreements
If your organization is not a nonprofit, please download, complete and return this agreement:
Designate a 501(c)3 organization as your fiscal sponsor
- Clayton County Foundation for the Future Grant Guidelines Read More
- Clayton County Budget Template Read More
- Clayton County Foundation for the Future Grant Scoring Rubric Read More
- Clayton County nonprofits awarded nearly $24,000 Read More
- Clayton County Foundation for the Future awards $20,000 to local nonprofits Read More
Region
Jackson County
Cycle Dates
Available Sept. 2, due Sept. 30
Grant Information
The Community Foundation of Jackson County is committed to supporting the needs of the communities throughout Jackson County. In order to do so, we rely on local nonprofit organizations and service groups to inform our board of the ongoing needs in their communities through our grant program.
Requirements / Guidelines
For more information, please refer to the guidelines below. To learn more, please contact Lori Loch at lori@dbqfoundation.org or 563-588-2700.
Fiscal sponsorship agreements
If your organization is not a nonprofit, please download, complete and return this agreement:
Designate a 501(c)3 organization as your fiscal sponsor
Region
Jackson County
Cycle Dates
Available Jan. 5, due March 5
Grant Information
The Community Foundation of Jackson County administers many scholarship funds with various criteria.
All scholarship applications are available online through the Community Foundation's online scholarship system. You may qualify and apply for more than one scholarship.
Requirements / Guidelines
Follow the steps below to determine your eligibility and apply.
- Review the scholarship eligibility document below.
- Review the frequently asked questions sheet below.
Be sure you include information that demonstrates how you match the criteria each scholarship seeks, and include all materials requested. For questions on our scholarship opportunities please contact Lori Loch at lori@dbqfoundation.org or 563.588.2700.
Fiscal sponsorship agreements
If your organization is not a nonprofit, please download, complete and return the appropriate agreement:
Designate the Community Foundation as your fiscal sponsor
Designate a 501(c)3 organization as your fiscal sponsor
- Community Foundation of Jackson County Scholarship Eligibility Read More
- Jackson County Scholarship FAQs Read More
- Grant Project Budget Template Read More
- GoApply Instructions Read More
- James Hughes Bio Read More
- Leo and Madeline Hughes Bio Read More
- Linda Hughes Bio Read More
- Don Hughes Bio Read More
- Bill Fleming and Dennis Streets Bios Read More
Region
Dubuque, Clayton and Clinton Counties
Cycle Dates
Available May 13, due June 14
Grant Information
Community Impact Grants are awarded from the unrestricted funds of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque to improve policies and practices affecting the Greater Dubuque community and have the greatest possible impact.
Beginning May 13, interested organizations can click the “Apply Now” link at the bottom of this section and submit an application. Please apply by June 14. Then, by July 1, finalist organizations will be invited to pitch a proposal to the Community Foundation in September. Recipients will be chosen following these presentations.
Requirements / Guidelines
Organizations must be located in and serve Clayton, Clinton, or Dubuque counties. Download the full guidelines
Contact Gretchen Corcoran at gretchen@dbqfoundation.org or 563-588-2700 with questions.
Fiscal sponsorship agreements
If your organization is not a nonprofit, please download, complete and return this agreement:
Designate a 501(c)3 organization as your fiscal sponsor
Past recipients
Region
Dyersville area
Cycle Dates
Available July 15, due August 31
Grant Information
The Dyersville Area Community Foundation makes grants to nonprofits located in the communities of Dyersville, Earlville, Farley, Luxemburg, New Vienna, Petersburg, and Worthington. Entities that have a 501(c)3 designation by the Internal Revenue Service or schools or municipalities are eligible to apply for these funds.
Requirements / Guidelines
For more information, please refer to the guidelines below. To learn more, please contact Michelle Grover at dacf@dbqfoundation.org or 319.269.6432.
Fiscal sponsorship agreements
If your organization is not a nonprofit, please download, complete and return this agreement:
Designate a 501(c)3 organization as your fiscal sponsor
Region
Delaware County
Cycle Dates
Available February 1, Due March 15
Grant Information
Each year the Foundation for the Future of Delaware County accepts applications for grants for community development, community promotions, community education and similar matters. The grant shall be for the benefit of persons residing in Delaware County, Iowa. Entities that have a 501(c)3 designation by the Internal Revenue Service or schools or municipalities are eligible to apply for these funds.
Requirements / Guidelines
For more information, please refer to the guidelines below. To learn more, email ffdc@dbqfoundation.org or call Amanda Diers at 563-880-3816.
Fiscal sponsorship agreements
If your organization is not a nonprofit, please download, complete and return this agreement:
Designate a 501(c)3 organization as your fiscal sponsor
Region
Dubuque Area
Cycle Dates
Available August 25, due September 16
Grant Information
Through a partnership with the University of Dubuque, small nonprofit organizations (that do not employ IT staff) win the Dubuque area can apply to receive technology assessments through the Grants for Tech program. The grant program will pay for technology improvements for nonprofits to help make their organizations more effective and grow stronger.
Requirements / Guidelines
Eligibility Eligible organizations are within the Dubuque area including 501(c)3 nonprofits, church, school or government organizations that do not employ IT staff. Organizations must operate in a manner that no applicable anti-discrimination laws are violated. Only one proposal may be submitted per organization each year.
Matching Fund Requirements All applicants for Implementation Grants will be required to contribute matching funds. Organizations with annual operating budgets above $500,000 will need to match dollar for dollar (100% of the funding). Organizations with annual operating budgets below $500,000 will need to match 50 cents on the dollar (50% of the funding). Grants awarded will be a minimum of $2,000, with a maximum grant award of $10,000.
Please review the documents below to familiarize yourself with the assessment and implementation phases of this grant opportunity, then apply for an assessment using the link.
Fiscal sponsorship agreements
If your organization is not a nonprofit, please download, complete and return this agreement:
Designate a 501(c)3 organization as your fiscal sponsor
Region
Jones County
Cycle Dates
Available Sept. 2, due Oct. 15
Grant Information
Jones County Community Foundation grants to projects benefitting persons residing in Jones County, Iowa. Our priorities are to improve economic well-being or quality of life, improve educational opportunities, address community capital improvements, maintain and improve the health of Jones County residents, promote Jones County tourism and recreation, maintain Jones County heritage, and/or support conservation efforts.
Requirements / Guidelines
Each entity is allowed to request funding once per calendar year and cannot receive funding in consecutive years. Organizations need to have 501(c)3 status or partner with a fiscal sponsor in order to apply. Organizations who are awarded a grant will be required to attend an award reception in early December. To learn more, contact Doug Edel at jccf@dbqfoundation.org or 319-481-9182.
Fiscal sponsorship agreements
If your organization is not a nonprofit, please download, complete and return this agreement:
Designate a 501(c)3 organization as your fiscal sponsor
Region
Dubuque Community School District
Cycle Dates
Available April 29, due June 10
Grant Information
The family of Judi Chandlee, a longtime Dubuque Community School District teacher, has established an endowed (permanent) fund in her memory, with the Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools. This fund supports annual classroom grants to teachers across the district. A minimum of $5,000 will be distributed each year to fund equipment, supplies, or innovative educational experiences in Dubuque’s public schools.
Who is giving this money away?
The Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools oversees the Judi Chandlee Tribute to Teachers grant program. Current grant funding is provided by the Chandlee family, with additional donations from DCSD staff, friends, and local businesses. As the Judi Chandlee Tribute to Teachers Endowment’s principal grows, the investment earnings will support DCSD classroom grants FOREVER.
Gifts to the Judi Chandlee Tribute to Teachers Endowment are permanently invested with our partner, the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, where they are eligible for Endow Iowa 25% Tax Credits. Current donors include anyone who wishes to support Dubuque’s public school teachers.
Requirements / Guidelines
All Dubuque Community School District certified staff are eligible to apply through our partner, the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque's online grant management system. School principals must approve each application before they are submitted.
For questions about grant applications, please contact Gretchen Corcoran at gretchen@dbqfoundation.org or call 563-588-2700.
Fiscal sponsorship agreements
If your organization is not a nonprofit, please download, complete and return the appropriate agreement:
Designate the Community Foundation as your fiscal sponsor
Designate a 501(c)3 organization as your fiscal sponsor
Region
Rural Clinton County
Cycle Dates
Available Jan. 25, due March 1
Grant Information
The LincolnWay Community Foundation annually distributes funds from its earnings to numerous area nonprofit organizations to fulfill its mission: inspiring communities by connecting people with causes and resources for all generations. The Community Foundation has a broad, flexible purpose providing support to a wide variety of nonprofit organizations.
Requirements / Guidelines
Nonprofits that provide services within rural Clinton County (including Andover, Calamus, Charlotte, Delmar, DeWitt, Goose Lake, Grand Mound, Lost Nation, Low Moor, Toronto, Welton and Wheatland) may apply. For more information on grant eligibility, read the grant guidelines below or contact Amanda Willimack at lwcf@dbqfoundation.org or 563-212-2812.
Fiscal sponsorship agreements
If your organization is not a nonprofit, please download, complete and return this agreement:
Designate a 501(c)3 organization as your fiscal sponsor
Cycle Dates
Available December 1, due April 12
Grant Information
The Meyer family has dedicated decades of service to the children of Dubuque through their work at the Boys & Girls Club (BGC). To honor their contribution and legacy, the board of the BGC is allocating funds to support students in the Dubuque area who are past or present BCG members, staff or volunteers.
Awards
Futures in Technical Trade
Including but not limited to:
- Job training programs and certifications
- Essential materials and tools required for your chosen trade
- Tuition or course fees related to trade-specific education
- Workshops, seminars, or conferences relevant to your trade specialization
Diplomas 2 Degrees
Including but not limited to:
- Tuition and fees toward your chosen undergraduate program
- Textbooks, study materials and educational resource
- Technology and equipment essentail for academic success
Awards will be up to $5,000 annually.
Awards are paid directly to the education or professional institution. Payments cannot be made directly to students.
Awards may be awarded to that same recipient in consecutive years based on an application submitted annually.
Selection of Recipients
Recipients will be selected based on consideration of the applicants' personal statement, future plans and previous engagement with the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dubuque. A committee of Boys & Girls Club staff and board members will review all applications.
All applicants will be notified in mid-May. Not all applicants to the program will be selected a recipients. Students may reapply to the program each year they meet eligibility requirements.
Payment of Awards
Payments will be processed by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque on behalf of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dubuque. Payments will be made in one lump sum directly to the institutions of study — no payments will be made to individuals. Payments can only be made when all necessary information and paperwork has been submitted to the Community Foundation.
Obligations
If a student decides to leave or transfer from an institution, it is his or her obligation to notify the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dubuque and the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque.
To Apply
Click the link below and register in our grant management system as an “individual.”
Requirements / Guidelines
Applicants must:
- Be preparing to or have graduated high school.
- Be enrolled or plan to enroll in full-time or part-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, vocational-technical school or program.
- Have a GPA that admits you to the school or program you wish to attend.
Applicants must also submit:
- School transcripts.
- At least one letter of recommendation from a teacher, school staff person, coach or work manager.
- A short personal statement describing who you are and the impact the Boys & Girls Club had on your life.
For more information, please email grants@dbqfoundation.org or call 563-588-2700.
Region
Jackson County
Cycle Dates
Available January 15, due Feb. 28
Grant Information
The PBnJ Youth Philanthropy Board strives to engage and empower young people throughout the community. PBnJ grants provide youth-serving organizations the opportunity to strengthen and grow their programs.
Requirements / Guidelines
For more information, please refer to the guidelines below. To learn more, please contact Lori Loch at lori@dbqfoundation.org or call 563-588-2700.
Fiscal sponsorship agreements
If your organization is not a nonprofit, please download, complete and return this agreement:
Designate a 501(c)3 organization as your fiscal sponsor
Region
Clinton and Camanche
Cycle Dates
Available Aug. 15, due Sept. 30
Grant Information
Nonprofits working hard to enhance and improve quality of life in Clinton and Camanche are invited to apply for grants from the River Bluff Community Foundation. The Community Foundation offers grants as a way of building strong nonprofits to support strong communities. Awards range from $500 to $5,000.
The Foundation is especially interested in seeding new ideas or growing existing programs that will benefit residents of Clinton and Camanche in the areas of health and human services, education, community and neighborhood development, the environment, children, youth and families, and arts and culture.
Requirements / Guidelines
Review the guidelines below before applying. To learn more, call 563-588-2700 or email rbcf@dbqfoundation.org.
Fiscal sponsorship agreements
If your organization is not a nonprofit, please download, complete and return this agreement:
Designate a 501(c)3 organization as your fiscal sponsor
Region
Communities within 60 miles of any Theisen's store
Cycle Dates
Available June 17, due July 31
Grant Information
The Theisen’s More for Your Community corporate grant program annually makes grants to all Theisen’s store communities. The program grants to agencies that most effectively, directly serve the basic needs of families and children, which includes food, shelter, education, safety and health.
New for 2023: If your nonprofit is applying for Theisen's MFYC grants in multiple store communities, please apply for a multiple-location grant that would then be administered to different localities. Please scroll to the bottom of this section to view sample applications for single-and multiple-location applicants. Contact Gretchen Corcoran for details.
Fund Priorities and Typical Awards
Eligible Categories: Program
Priorities:
- Basic Health and Human Needs
- Children's Needs
- Educational Programming
- Food Security
- Programs and Services for Youth
Ineligible:
- Events , Fundraisers and Sponsorships
- Conferences
- Travel Expenses
- Religious Organizations for Religious Purposes
- Capital Campaigns
Average Award: $1,600
Award Range: $100 - $5,000
Requirements / Guidelines
Fiscal sponsorship agreements
If your organization is not a nonprofit, please download, complete and return this agreement:
Designate a 501(c)3 organization as your fiscal sponsor
- Theisen’s MFYC Sample Application — Single Location Read More
- Theisen’s MFYC Sample Application — Multiple Locations Read More
- Theisen’s MFYC Grant Recipients 2023 Read More
- Theisen’s MFYC Grant Recipients 2022 Read More
- Grant Project Budget Template Read More
- Theisen’s Grant Report Template Read More
Region
Allamakee, Clayton, Clinton, Delaware, Dubuque, Jackson and Jones counties
Cycle Dates
Available March 1, due April 1
Grant Information
Each year, the Women’s Giving Circle makes grants to nonprofits to support projects or programs that help women/children your organization serves gain self-sufficiency and/or significantly addresses barriers to opportunity for women/children.
In keeping with its tradition of serving the nonprofit community with many types of gifts, nonprofits are also encouraged to share their needs for volunteers and goods or supplies on the application.
For more information about the Women's Giving Circle, please contact Emily Rollins at emily@dbqfoundation.org or call 563-588-2700.
Requirements / Guidelines
Please review the guidelines below before applying. For questions about grant applications, contact Gretchen Corcoran at gretchen@dbqfoundation.org or call 563-588-2700.
Fiscal sponsorship agreements
If your organization is not a nonprofit, please download, complete and return this agreement:
Designate a 501(c)3 organization as your fiscal sponsor
Region
Dubuque County
Cycle Dates
Available February 1, due March 1
Grant Information
The YAPPERS’ annual grants program aims to provide Dubuque County youth-serving agencies with the opportunity to strengthen and grow their programs.
Learn more about YAPPERS or contact Emily Rollins, director of philanthropy, with questions at emily@dbqfoundation.org or 563-588-2700.
Requirements / Guidelines
For questions about grant applications, please contact Gretchen Corcoran at gretchen@dbqfoundation.org or call 563-588-2700.
Fiscal sponsorship agreements
If your organization is not a nonprofit, please download, complete and return this agreement:
Designate a 501(c)3 organization as your fiscal sponsor
Together, we’re making a difference.