Dubuque Racing Association Core Grants

Overview

Our Mission

The DRA, through its gaming and entertainment facilities provides for social, economic and community betterment and lessens the burden of Dubuque city and area government, while contributing to the growth and viability of Dubuque area tourism.

Core Grant

• Focus on People Attraction: Population growth, retention, and tourism
• Coaching opportunities provided by the DRA and community partners throughout the grant cycle

Focus for Grant Applications

Applications should align with the mission of People Attraction: Population Growth, Retention and Tourism. This supports the DRA’s mission of fostering social, economic and community betterment while reducing the burden of the City of Dubuque and area government. It also reflects our vision of being a dynamic community resource, acting as a catalyst to enhance the quality of life and financial well-being of the tri-state community.

Capacity Building vs Material Purchases

Historically, the DRA primarily funded material items. However, in 2022, we shifted our approach to prioritize applications that include capacity building alongside material purchases.

What is Capacity Building?

Capacity building is the process of developing and strengthening the skills, processes, resources, and strategies that organizations and communities need to adapt, grow and thrive in a rapidly changing world. 

Examples of capacity building activities and potential projects:

• Planning Activities: Organizational assessments, strategic planning, and creating development plans/strategies.
• Donor Development: Marketing and communications, online donor portals, and enhancements to the donor experience.
• Strategic Relationships: Strengthening relationships with professional advisors and nonprofit partners.
• Internal Operations: Improvements to donor database, financial management systems, volunteer management, and organizational websites.
• Professional Development: Staff, contractor, or affiliate volunteer attendance at regional or national conferences, or participation in local or online training.
• Financial Audits: First-time audits that open additional funding opportunities for the organization.
• Organization Marketing: Website creation/design, marketing materials, and tools to help promote the organization externally.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website.

• Applicants must be a non-profit, tax-exempt organization with a 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), 501(c)5, 501(c)6, 501(c)(7), 501(c)(8), 501(c)(10), or 501(c)(19) designation from the Internal Revenue Service or a unit of political subdivision (e.g., Conservation Districts).
• Organizations cannot share or borrow a 501(c) status with another entity. The name on the application must match the name on the IRS-issued letter.
• Each 501(c) or equivalent tax-exempt organization is limited to one application.
• Individual schools, churches, and volunteer fire departments will not need a 501(c) letter, as they are either exempt by law or fall under a blanket exemption due to municipal affiliation.
• Cities, villages, towns and counties are limited to one application. A statement of support from the city or county administrator endorsing the project must be included with the application.
• Schools
  
  • School applications must be submitted through the district office. If no district office exists, the application must be approved by the school principal or administrator.
  • Each school district should be submit one application encompassing all schools within the district.
  • For school districts such as Dubuque Community Schools, Western Dubuque Community Schools, Holy Family Schools, Maquoketa Community School District and Monticello Community School District, a single application should be submitted on behalf of the entire district. While individual school projects will be considered, applications that benefit the district as a whole are encouraged.
  • If an affiliated organization is applying on behalf of the school, the organization must hold its own 501(c) status. Additionally, a letter from the principal or administration must be included, stating that the school or district does not intend to apply and confirming that the organization is applying on their behalf.
• The DRA’s geographic focus is the tri-state area. The primary focus being Dubuque and contiguous counties, including Grant, Lafayette and Iowa counites in Wisconsin and Jo Daviess county in Illinois. 

Preferences

• Preference given to capacity building opportunities alongside material purchases

Ineligibility

• Organizations are not allowed to share or borrow a 501(c) status with another organization. 
• The DRA will not fund the following through the core grants:
• Capital campaigns
• Political causes, candidates and lobbying efforts
• Individuals, including scholarships and personal benefits
• Debt repayment or purchases made prior to the 2025 calendar year