Core Grant Overview
The DRA Core Grant program supports projects that align with People Attraction - focusing on population growth, retention, and tourism.
Key details include:
- Maximum request: up to $50,000
- Preference given to projects that strengthen organizations through capacity building
- Funds are provided upfront upon acceptance of the grant award
- Follow-up reports are required within 12 months of receiving funds
- Multi-year funding requests will be considered
Key Dates
- Application Available: Monday, May 4, 2026
- Application Deadline: Friday, May 15, 2026
- Grant Award Announcement: Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Grant Focus
Applications must align with the mission of People Attraction. This supports the DRA's mission of fostering social, economic, and community betterment while reducing the burden on the City of Dubuque and surrounding governments. It also reflects our vision of serving as a dynamic community resource and a catalyst for enhancing the quality of life and financial well-being of the tri-state community.
Capacity Building
Historically, the DRA primarily funded material items. Beginning in 2022, the program evolved to emphasize capacity building in addition to tangible purchases, helping organizations strengthen their operations, expand impact, and build long-term sustainability.
What is Capacity Building?
Capacity building is the process of developing and strengthening the skills, systems, and strategies organizations and communities need to adapt, grow, and thrive in a changing environment.
Examples of capacity building activities:
- Planning & Strategy - Conducting organizational assessments, strategic planning, or developing growth and sustainability plans.
- Organizational Systems & Operations - Upgrading databases, financial systems, volunteer management tools, or internal processes that improve efficiency.
- Marketing & Fund Development - Creating or improving websites, branding, communication materials, or donor engagement tools that strengthen visibility and fundraising,
- Partnerships & Collaboration - Building stronger relationships with community partners, professional advisors, and other nonprofits to increase impact.
- Professional & Leadership Development - Providing training, attending conferences, or other learning opportunities for staff and volunteers.
- Financial Accountability & Readiness - Completing first-time or expanded financial audits or reviews that position the organization for future funding opportunities.
Coverage Area
The DRA’s geographic focus is the tri-state area, with an emphasis on Dubuque and its contiguous counties:
- Iowa - Clayton, Delaware, Jackson, and Jones
- Wisconsin - Grant, Lafayette, and Iowa
- Illinois - Jo Daviess
Eligible Organizations
Eligible nonprofit organizations and units of government are encouraged to apply. Each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis for its alignment with People Attraction.
Applications are welcome from organizations across all sectors, including:
- Animal Welfare
- Arts, Culture & Recreation
- Civic & Community
- Education
- Emergency Services
- Governmental
- Health & Human Services
- Religious Affiliation
- Veterans
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the 2026 Core Grant cycle:
- Any prior DRA Mission or Core Grant must be fully closed, the project completed and the Grant Summary Report submitted, prior to applying.
- Applicants must be a non-profit, tax-exempt organization with one of the following designations: 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); or a unit of political subdivision (e.g., city, town, or conservation district).
- Each 501(c) organization may submit one application.
- The name on the application must match the name on the IRS determination letter.
- Individual schools, churches, and volunteer fire departments will not need to provide a 501(c) letter if they are exempt by law or covered under a municipal exemption.
- Cities, towns, villages, and counties are limited to one application per jurisdiction and must include a statement of support from the respective administrator or governing body.
School Eligibility
- Applications must be submitted through the district office (or approved by the school principal/administrator if no district office exists).
- Each district should submit one application encompassing all schools within the district.
- If an affiliated nonprofit applies on behalf of a school, the organization must hold its own 501(c) status and include a letter from school administration confirming that the school district will not apply independently.
Eligibility Limitations
DRA Core Grants will NOT fund:
- Capital campaigns
- Political causes, candidates and lobbying
- Individuals, including scholarships and personal benefits
- Debt repayment or purchases made prior to the 2026 calendar year
Scoring Criteria
Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria:
- DRA Mission Alignment: How well does the project advance People Attraction goals?
- Organizational Alignment: Fit with the applicant's mission and long-term strategy.
- Project Description: Clarity, purpose, and execution plan.
- Nature of Need: Evidence-based justification and community demand.
- Collaboration & Partnerships: Demonstrated cooperation and shared goals.
- Agency Overview: Capacity and readiness to deliver results.
- Budget & Financial Feasibility: Realistic costs, transparency, and sustainability.
- Measurement of Success: Defined outcomes and metrics for impact.
Recognition of Funding
All funded organizations must properly acknowledge DRA support. Recognition may include:
- Press Release announcing the grant award and project impact
- Social media post highlighting the partnership
- Use of the DRA logo lock-up on materials
- Signage or on-site acknowledgement at project locations or events.
