Best Dubuque County Grants for Nonprofits in Iowa

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.

Get Out the Vote Mini-Grant

The Get Out the Vote (GOTV) initiative aims to provide grant funds to area high schools to purchase supplies (i.e. snacks, posters, stickers, decorations, t-shirts, etc.) to promote and execute a non-partisan voter registration drive among students 17 years (see voter qualifications below) and older. Requests for funding through the GOTV grant process should clearly demonstrate that they:

• Host a non-partisan voter registration drive for students 17 years and older prior to October 19, 2026
• Apply for a mini-grant by Thursday, October 1, 2026. 

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.