Transformational Thinking

This story is part of our Transforming Together series, which highlights 20 key moments in our Foundation’s first 20 years. Read more stories in the series.

A children’s well-being initiative, an anti-poverty program and an ice area might not seem like they have much in common, but in Dubuque, they are connected: Each came about through the successful ENVIS10N 2010 effort.

In the early 2000s, Dubuque was emerging from an economically challenging period, and community members were looking to build on positive developments that were taking place and the energy of new businesses and residents.

The way forward was through ENVIS10N 2010, a community visioning process facilitated by the Community Foundation and the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce in 2005. Funded by the Dubuque Racing Association, this grassroots effort encouraged community members to gather and brainstorm ideas for the next 10 great projects that would move Dubuque forward. ENVIS10N 2010 was an opportunity for all citizens to get involved and contribute to the future of their community.

Community members submitted more than 2,300 ideas, and a selection committee narrowed this list down to 100, from which citizens chose the top 30. After professional research and negotiations among selection committee members, the top10 ideas were announced in January 2006. They included Every Child/Every Promise, Project HOPE and the Mystique Community Ice Center.

“ENVIS10N 2010 succeeded in giving our community much more than just 10 great ideas,” says Nancy Van Milligen, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “The inclusive process engaged citizens and sparked excitement about what might be possible for our community.”

Funding from Dick and Carrie Schmid was instrumental in establishing Crescent Community Health Center, one of the 10 ideas that came out of the process. They credit the Community Foundation and ENVIS10N 2010 as catalysts for philanthropic endeavors like Crescent.

“The extended Schmid family was looking for a way that we could make a difference,” says Dick. “We saw the 10 ideas that came out of ENVIS10N 2010 and a health center was listed. The entire family participated and now the center serves more than 6,000 people every year.”

“We wouldn’t have been able to do this without the Foundation,” says Carrie. “They offer the guidance, processes and resources to help us give with focus and intelligence.”

Thanks to the generosity of people like the Schmid family, the partnership of organizations like the Chamber and DRA, and the passion of the entire community, all 10 projects on the list have come to fruition.