Community Foundation Of Greater Dubuque

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $7,782,013 (2023)
• Success Rate: ~26% (11 of 42 applications funded in recent Community Impact Grant cycle)
• Decision Time: Varies by program (typically 2-4 months)
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $25,000 (varies by program)
• Geographic Focus: Seven-county region in Northeast Iowa (Dubuque, Clayton, Clinton, Allamakee, Delaware, Jackson, Jones counties)

Contact Details

Address: 700 Locust Street, Suite 150, Dubuque, IA 52001

Phone: (563) 588-2700

Email: grants@dbqfoundation.org

Website: https://dbqfoundation.org

Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Friday 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Grant-Specific Contacts:

• Gretchen Corcoran, Grants Manager: gretchen@dbqfoundation.org
• Peter Supple, Director of Nonprofit Relations: peter@dbqfoundation.org

Overview

Founded in 2003, the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque strengthens communities and inspires giving across Northeast Iowa. The Foundation went public in October 2002 and has since grown to manage over $7.7 million in annual grants through its main office and eight affiliate foundations. With a vision for "a vibrant and inclusive Dubuque region with resources and opportunities for all," the Foundation takes a collaborative, knowledge-driven approach to grantmaking. In 2025, the Foundation announced record endowment payouts totaling $5.3 million, representing a 10% increase over the previous year and a 66% increase since 2021. The Foundation has earned Charity Navigator's highest Four-Star rating (100%) and focuses on systems-change work addressing complex issues including brain health, racial equity, college access, and early childhood development.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Community Impact Grants

• Amount: Typically $5,000 - $50,000
• Timing: Applications available May 1, due June 1
• Process: Competitive with finalist presentations
• Regions: Dubuque, Clayton, and Clinton counties
• Recent Funding: $135,000 to 11 organizations in 2024
• Application Method: Online via GOapply system

C&B Better Initiative

• Amount: One $25,000 award, plus $15,000 and $10,000 awards
• Timing: Applications available May 5, due June 2; finalist presentations in August
• Focus: Health, education, economic empowerment, social awareness, community development
• Region: Dubuque County

Allamakee County Community Foundation Grants

• Mini Grants: Up to $1,000 (April, July, October cycles)
• Main Grants: Up to $20,000 (January-February cycle)
• Region: Allamakee County

Clayton County Foundation for the Future Grants

• Amount: Maximum $2,000
• Timing: Applications available February 9, due March 20
• Requirements: 50% cash match required
• Focus: Health, education, community development

Jones County Community Foundation Grants

• Timing: Applications available September 1, due October 15
• Focus: Economic well-being, education, community improvements

Dyersville Area Community Foundation Grants

• Timing: Applications available July 15, due August 31
• Regions: Dyersville, Earlville, Farley, Luxemburg, New Vienna, Petersburg, Worthington

Dubuque County Child Care Solutions Fund Grant

• Timing: Applications available November 1, due December 1
• Focus: Childcare provider wage support

Grants for Tech

• Timing: Applications available August 24
• Focus: Technology needs for Dubuque area nonprofits

Priority Areas

The Foundation awards grants across six key areas:

• Health and Human Services: Including domestic violence services, substance abuse prevention, vision care for children, pregnancy support
• Education: Early childhood education, college access, literacy programs
• Neighborhoods and Community Development: Housing stability, food insecurity, community building
• Environment: Environmental sustainability projects
• Children, Youth, and Families: Youth enrichment, family support services
• Arts and Culture: Cultural programming and access

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly detailed, but grants typically require applicants to be 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, or municipalities serving the designated geographic regions.

Governance and Leadership

Key Personnel

Nancy Van Milligen, President and CEO Nancy has led the Foundation with a focus on systems-change work and community collaboration. She emphasizes: "We don't need stronger organizations. We need stronger communities." She is particularly focused on ensuring the Foundation uses its power "in a way that builds community instead of building our organization." On immigration and workforce needs, she states: "Our biggest need is people. We need skilled workers, we need immigrants. If we aren't welcoming to immigrants, we will not thrive."

Mary Jo Jean-Francois, Vice President of Impact

Jason Adams, Chief Financial Officer

Board Officers:

• Terry Friedman, Chair
• Chris Corken, Vice Chair (retired Dubuque County attorney)
• Jane Mueller, Treasurer
• Robert Hoefer, Secretary

Staff Team

• Grants Management: Gretchen Corcoran (Grants Manager), Josie Manternach (Program Officer)
• Nonprofit Relations: Peter Supple (Director), Alex Baum (Director of Advocacy, Data and Learning)
• Development: Kaley Rigdon Burgmeier and Natalie Ludovissy (Development Officers)
• Strategic Programs: Waqar Abbas (Director)

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Foundation uses GOapply, an online grant management system, for all grant applications. The process varies by grant program:

1. Review Guidelines: Visit dbqfoundation.org/grants to view available grant opportunities and eligibility requirements
2. Complete Online Application: Submit through the GOapply portal
3. One Proposal Per Organization: Only one proposal may be submitted per organization each year for most programs
4. Match Requirements: Some grants require demonstration of matching funds

Decision Timeline

Timelines vary by program but generally follow this pattern:

• Community Impact Grants: Applications open May 1, close June 1, with decisions following finalist presentations
• C&B Better Initiative: Applications open May 5, close June 2; finalists invited to present in August
• Various County Programs: 2-4 month cycles depending on program

Applicants are notified of decisions after committee review processes are completed. Finalist programs may include presentation requirements before final decisions.

Success Rates

The Community Impact Grants program received 42 applications totaling more than $569,000 in a recent cycle, with 11 organizations receiving funding totaling $135,000. This represents approximately a 26% success rate for this competitive program.

In 2023, the Foundation made 199 grants totaling $7,782,013. Historical award numbers: 177 awards (2022), 197 awards (2021), 218 awards (2020).

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies for unsuccessful applicants are not publicly detailed. Organizations should contact the grants team at (563) 588-2700 or grants@dbqfoundation.org for guidance on reapplying after an unsuccessful application.

Application Success Factors

Foundation's Advice to Applicants

Gretchen Corcoran, Grants Manager, emphasizes the value of presentation opportunities: "Pitching a proposal enriches the grant application process for everyone involved" and "helps applicants become comfortable sharing the story of their organization and the impact they make."

Recent Successful Projects

The Foundation funded these types of initiatives in 2024:

• Leadership Development: Moms Connect Dubuque launching initiatives to build leadership and stability among moms facing poverty and isolation
• Direct Service: Vision To Learn providing free vision screenings and glasses via mobile clinics
• Organizational Capacity: Clinton Substance Abuse Council growing capacity and leadership development
• Housing Stability: Iowa Legal Aid supporting low-income residents across Dubuque, Clayton, and Clinton counties
• Food Security: River Bend Food Bank coordinating fundraising for 10 area pantries through the Core Collective
• Vulnerable Populations: Waypoint Services providing domestic violence services to approximately 25 victims and their children
• Preventive Health: Crescent Community Health Center implementing screening and support for vulnerable pregnant women
• Community Infrastructure: St. Mark Youth Enrichment opening a new early childhood center

Strategic Alignment

The Foundation values:

• Collaboration and Partnership: "How can I be a better partner?" is a key question leadership asks
• Systems Change: Focus on addressing root causes rather than symptoms
• Equity and Opportunity: Ensuring everyone can thrive
• Evidence-Based Approaches: Knowledge-driven, data-informed decision-making
• Community Impact: Measurable outcomes that strengthen communities

Application Best Practices

• Tell Your Story: Be prepared to articulate your organization's impact clearly and compellingly
• Show Collaboration: Demonstrate how you work with other organizations
• Address Root Causes: Focus on systems-level change where possible
• Provide Evidence: Use data to support your proposed approach
• Match Foundation Priorities: Align proposals with the Foundation's six focus areas
• Be Specific: Clearly define outcomes and how success will be measured

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Know Your Geographic Fit: Ensure your work serves one of the Foundation's seven counties (Dubuque, Clayton, Clinton, Allamakee, Delaware, Jackson, Jones) before applying
• Choose the Right Program: With eight affiliate foundations and multiple grant programs, research which opportunity best fits your project size and location
• Competition is Real: With only a 26% success rate for Community Impact Grants (42 applications, 11 funded), applications must be exceptionally strong and well-aligned
• Presentation Matters: Many programs include finalist presentations—be prepared to pitch your proposal in person
• Partnership is Valued: The Foundation prioritizes collaboration; demonstrate how you work with other organizations and contribute to systems-level change
• Contact Staff Early: With office hours Monday-Friday and dedicated grants staff, reach out with questions before applying—they encourage applicants to use their expertise
• One Shot Per Year: Most programs allow only one application per organization annually, so make it count

References

1. Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque Official Website - https://dbqfoundation.org/ (Accessed January 2026)
2. Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque Grants Homepage - https://dbqfoundation.org/grants (Accessed January 2026)
3. Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque "Who We Are" - https://dbqfoundation.org/who-we-are (Accessed January 2026)
4. Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque Team Page - https://dbqfoundation.org/our-team (Accessed January 2026)
5. GuideStar Profile for Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (EIN 42-1526614) - https://www.guidestar.org/profile/42-1526614 (Accessed January 2026)
6. "11 nonprofits, $135,000 in grants" - Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque News - https://dbqfoundation.org/news/11-nonprofits-135000-in-grants (Accessed January 2026)
7. "Record Endowment Payouts for 2025!" - Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque News - https://dbqfoundation.org/news/record-endowment-payouts-for-2025 (Accessed January 2026)
8. "A Mother's Justice - Rural leadership profile: Nancy Van Milligen" - New Profit - https://newprofit.org/impact-story/a-mothers-justice-rural-leadership-profile-nancy-van-milligen/ (Accessed January 2026)
9. "Van Milligen: Dubuque embodies the spirit of community philanthropy" - Telegraph Herald - https://www.telegraphherald.com/news/opinion/article_90fd4dc6-9e0f-11ef-a748-132da5e66591.html (Accessed January 2026)
10. University of Iowa Nonprofit Resource Center - Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque - https://inrc.law.uiowa.edu/grants/community-foundation-greater-dubuque (Accessed January 2026)
11. Charity Navigator Rating for Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque - https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/421526614 (Accessed January 2026)