The Dubuque Racing Association Tuesday announced grants totaling nearly $1.1 million through the organization’s Core Grant program to 52 organizations in the Dubuque area.
The DRA is funded by proceeds from two nonprofit gaming operations, Q Casino and Diamond Jo Casino Dubuque. The DRA is the nonprofit entity that owns and operates Q Casino and is the co-licensee for Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque.
The Core Grant program rewards grant requests of up to $50,000 from communities or nonprofit organizations with programs or initiatives focusing on such initiatives as population growth and retention and tourism. Preferences are given to building opportunities, alongside material purchases.
“The DRA has been providing much-needed funding to communities and organizations throughout the tri-state area for more than three decades,” said DRA Board of Directors Chair Mike Donohue in a statement. “It is important that we continue our efforts in investing in people, places, and programs, as we want these awards to help be a catalyst for even bigger and better things throughout the region.”
The 150 requests submitted for 2023’s Core Grants were reviewed by DRA staff and a grants committee. Of the 52 recipients, 47 were from Iowa, four from Wisconsin, and one from Illinois. Twelve recipients received 100% of the requested amount, while 36 of the 52 organizations received 50% or more of their requests.
“Our intent with these grants is pretty straightforward – we want to be impactful with organizations in communities throughout the tri-state area,” said DRA Director of Strategic Philanthropy & Schmitt Island Development Kathy Buhr. “We accomplish this by providing funding for programs, initiatives, or services that align with our overall goal of supporting efforts that help communities grow and prosper.”
The DRA has awarded more than 5,000 grants since 1985, totaling more than $57 million to over 1,500 organizations in the tri-state area of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois. The organization has pledged over $1.3 million in 2023 for community organizations for both Core and Mission grant opportunities.
“Identifying and aligning with key organizations and then supporting a variety of different causes and initiatives play a big part in what DRA has been all about since its beginning,” said Diamond Jo Casino Vice President and General Manager Wendy Runde. “Looking ahead, we will continue to focus on supporting forward-thinking efforts designed to address some clear needs, while also working to foster positive growth and change in communities throughout the region.”
