Best Dubuque County Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

Since 2003, we have inspired people to give back to their community. We turn this generosity into lasting change across our region, increasing access to resources and opportunities that help all people succeed.

Gary Dolphin Journalism Grant

The Dolphin Journalism Grant program’s goal is to help fund journalism initiatives in the tri-state area. The grant provides funds to entities and institutions seeking to provide local news and information to the area.

Grant Structure

• The Grant Fund may provide funds to assist in the recruitment and retention of local journalists working in a locally owned and operated journalism entity.
• The Grant Fund may provide funds to assist locally owned and operated journalism entities with resources to help create, manage and distribute local news and information.

About Gary Dolphin

Gary recognizes that local journalism, reporting, communications and broadcasting are important to every local community. In order to help organizations who want to provide local news and information in the tri-state area, this fund will provide operating grants to help them reach their goals and serve the community in this way.

Growing up in the small town of Cascade, Iowa - just down the road from Dubuque - Gary has been involved in reporting and broadcasting almost all his life. From broadcasting high school games on local radio, to television anchor, to syndicated college and professional sports, Gary was selected as the "Voice of the Hawkeyes" and is the play-by-play announcer for both Iowa Football and Basketball games. In addition, he has volunteered or been asked to MC numerous fundraising events for others over the decades.

Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque

Since 2003, we have inspired people to give back to their community. We turn this generosity into lasting change across our region, increasing access to resources and opportunities that help all people succeed.

We envision a vibrant and inclusive Dubuque region where everyone can thrive. We believe communities that come together in service of a shared vision achieve great things.

Thomas Determan Classroom Grant

The Thomas Determan Classroom Grant supports classroom activities across any discipline and grade level that prepare students in eastern Iowa to thrive in our rapidly changing world. Teaching global perspectives helps students understand the world beyond their own community. It builds empathy, critical thinking, and helps them become thoughtful citizens. Students learn to appreciate different cultures, adapt to new ideas, and tackle big challenges that affect everyone.

You can incorporate global learning into any subject—reading, science, math, agriculture, economics, art, music, computer science, or shop class. It’s all about helping students see how we’re connected and why that matters. This grant focuses on funding classroom projects, curriculum, professional development, or training for teachers that focus on:

• Building a kind and respectful classroom
  • Help students practice empathy, listen actively, work together, and treat others with kindness.
• Connecting with the local community
  • Involve students in service projects and learning from local leaders.
• Exploring the wider world
  • Teach students about different cultures and global challenges.
• Encouraging active citizenship
  • Help students understand how government works and how they can make a difference.
• Teaching conflict resolution
  • Guide students in solving problems and disagreements peacefully.
• Celebrating diversity
  • Help all students feel seen and valued by including diverse voices and backgrounds in the curriculum.

Judi Chandlee Tribute to Teachers Classroom Grants

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.  

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.