Needs of Dyersville area residents on the rise, Foundation calls for action

The Dyersville Area Community Foundation’s COVID-19 Relief Fund has raised $7,350, and the Community Foundation has granted a total of $5,800 to four nonprofits. 

“We are truly grateful to our generous donors for helping us meet these urgent needs,” said Michelle Grover, executive director of the Community Foundation. “But this is only part of the story.”

The Foundation has received over $16,000 in unmet requests from local nonprofits, illustrating that even as the community reopens, needs are increasing. 

“We have businesses that need help keeping their doors open, community members who don’t have access to basic necessities and people in vulnerable positions who need advocacy,” Grover explained. “We are asking our generous community to please share the information about the COVID-19 Relief Fund with those in your circle of influence, and consider making a gift to the fund so we can continue to make sure our neighbors are cared for.”

The relief fund helps those who are most in need as a result of the pandemic by directing grant dollars to organizations on the front lines serving vulnerable families. It provides an opportunity for the public to give with the reassurance their donations will be used to quickly move resources to where they are most urgently needed in their own community, particularly toward needs not being met by existing nonprofit, local, state and federal programs. 

St. Joseph’s Childcare Center received a grant for $2,000 to help keep the doors open and continue to care for the children of essential workers. The grant also helped with the purchase of additional cleaning supplies to sanitize the center. St. Francis Xavier Parish received $500 to help individuals with utilities or rent. The Rural Food Pantry received $1,500 to purchase meat, dairy products, produce, bread and other items to feed over 100 households in the community.  Most recently, Oak Crest Senior Center received $1,800 to purchase iPads, which allow residents to visit with family, and activities like puzzles, games, and books for residents to use during isolation.

To give online to the fund, visit dbqfoundation.org/dacfcovidrelief. Checks made out to DACF COVID-19 Relief Fund may be dropped off at Fidelity, MidWestOne or Community Savings Bank drive-ups or mailed to the Community Foundation at 1100 16th Ave. Ct. SE, Dyersville, IA 52040.

To apply for a grant for your nonprofit, email dacf@dbqfoundation.org.