During its regularly scheduled board meeting on May 27th, the DRA announced the recipients of the 2025 Mission Grant awards. Two local organizations have been selected to receive a combined total of $100,000 in funding to support large-scale, capacity building initiatives that align with DRA’s mission of driving population growth, retention, and tourism in the Dubuque region.
Dubuque and Jackson County Habitat for Humanity
- Award: $50,000
- Project: Wood Street Project
- Overview: This planned unit development in Dubuque’s Mount Pleasant neighborhood will include up to fourteen single-family homes. The project aims to provide safe, affordable housing for low income and underserved households, directly addressing workforce housing needs. By supporting equitable homeownership, the project will promote economic mobility, neighborhood revitalization, and long-term community stability.
The Butler Children’s Garden Foundation Inc.
- Award: $50,000 per year, renewable up to two years
- Project: Wanderwood Gardens
- Overview: Funding will support essential equipment purchases for garden and forest maintenance, completion of phase two of the organization’s website, and the launch of a seasonal internship program. The 2.5-acre children’s garden and adjacent 15-acre forest offer immersive nature play experiences designed to foster healthy development, curiosity, and connection to the environment.
Mission Grants are awarded to projects that demonstrate long-term sustainability, measurable community impact, and alignment with the DRA’s goals of enhancing the Dubuque area through population growth, retention, or tourism. Grant amounts typically range from $50,000 to $100,000.
“It’s incredibly rewarding to support projects that not only reflect the values of our organization but also directly benefit the future of our region,” said Mandy Miller, Manager of Strategic Philanthropy at DRA. “These grants are designed to spark lasting change, and we’re proud to invest in visionary organizations working to create a stronger, more vibrant community.”
DRA is the nonprofit entity that owns and operates Q Casino + Resort and is the co-licensee for Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque. Since its founding in 1985, the DRA has awarded more than 5,000 grants totaling over $67 million to 1,500+ organizations across Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. These contributions are made possible through proceeds generated by Q Casino + Resort and Diamond Jo Casino, which attract tens of thousands of visitors to the region each year.
To learn more about DRA’s 2025 Mission and Core Grants or upcoming development plans for Schmitt Island, visit https://dradubuque.com/.