Sustainable Dubuque Community Grants
$2,500 community project grants are available to organizations, businesses, and passionate residents.
Approved projects will incorporate Sustainable Dubuque principles and include an element of community engagement and/or education.
Grant applications are reviewed bi-annually, based on funding availability. Deadlines are as follows: March 15th and September 15th.
Important Requirement: only applications received via the online form will be accepted.
Reporting Sustainable Dubuque Community Grant
Examples of Past Funded Projects
Spring 2024
Sustainable Garden
The organization The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dubuque worked on the Sustainable Dubuque principles of clean water, healthy local foods, and community health and safety through the creation of community gardens. The goals of the project along with the creation of the gardens, were to educate members on the environment and sustainability, while fostering an appreciation for food they grow and consume themselves. The members of The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Dubuque worked to provide access to healthy foods for people in underserved areas and those with varying socioeconomic backgrounds. With the help of the grant, they were able to create and grow several gardens including salsa, salad, and pumpkin gardens, utilizing rainwater collection for watering, all while building youth members knowledge and skills.
Weed Management and Prairie Enhancement
ReEvolution Farms worked with the native plants and animals Sustainable Dubuque principle for their project involving the use of goats in weed management. With the goal of eliminating the use of chemicals and herbicides to combat weeds, they were able to utilize goats grazing in outlined areas as an alternative. The cleared-out space created by the goats, allowed for native plant species to be seeded and grow in place of weeds. Through the development of the prairies and the method of using goats, ReEvolution Farms has been able to create educational opportunities for the community, offering small tours and learning opportunities
Pocket Prairies Around Campus
The University of Dubuque’s Dubuque Colleges Sustainability Coalition project worked on clean water, native plants and animals, resource management, and healthy air. Establishment of pocket prairies on four college campuses allows for campus facilities and maintenance staff to enact land use change experimentally on a small scale, fostering "low-stakes" tweaks to current land use utilizing native vegetation. Benefits to integrating native herbaceous vegetation into urban landscapes includes creation of pollinator and beneficial insect habitat, increased carbon capture, and increased soil porosity/infiltration to reduce storm water drainage.
Exploration Labs Launch
Centrally Rooted, an interactive growth space in Dubuque that supports the development of positive brain health in creative ways, worked on the Sustainable Dubuque principle of increasing community knowledge, health, and safety. They used the grant to provide free resources in a positive environment to promote brain health. Their labs provide opportunities for individuals to identify and explore their own gifts and interests in musical and artistic ways- allowing play and improvisation to lead the way. The grant allowed them to provide the materials, space, and technology for their labs.
Apples For Students
The organization St. Marks Youth Enrichment utilized the Sustainable Dubuque grant to help with their project Apples for Students, working on the community knowledge Sustainable Dubuque principle. Apples for Students focuses on providing school supplies to students and families in need. With having reached 3,600 students, Apples for Students has provided school supplies to students at Audubon, Lincoln, Prescott, and Marshall. With the security of having school supplies, students are able to go to school prepared and ready to learn, allowing both the students and schools to perform at their best.
Air Quality Indicators Project
The Dubuque Community School District worked on the Sustainable Dubuque principle of healthy air with their project. They used the grant to investigate the air quality in school buildings. Students were able to run scientific investigations to monitor the levels of carbon dioxide, particulate matter, and formaldehyde within different classrooms. Through research and data collection students were able to present their findings to Gina Bell from Sustainable Dubuque, Building and District Leadership, and Buildings and Grounds departments.
Fall 2023
Dubuque Rescue Mission Garden
The Dubuque Rescue Mission is an organization that works to offer individuals in need hospitality, spiritual hope, food, shelter, clothing, and job development opportunities. For this project, their focus was on providing equitable access to nutritious food and fostering inclusivity among a diverse range of community members. The initiative worked to improve access to fresh produce and provide safe outdoor activities, particularly to underserved populations within our community.
It Takes a Village
The organization, It Takes a Village had focused on supporting low- and middle-income women and mothers. This initiative facilitated the training of economically disadvantaged women for alternative career paths as postpartum doulas. It raised awareness regarding postpartum mental and physical support and the role of community doulas. The funds enabled the establishment of Dubuque’s first postpartum doula service, doula training, and meeting the needs of low-and middle-income mothers. The program reached over 500 individuals in the community, educating them on the significance of the community-based doula program.
Exploring Clean Water Through Art
The Dubuque Museum of Art put together an exhibition that focused on the importance of clean water provision, utilizing visual arts as a form of expression. Artwork was used to enhance community understanding and educational outreach regarding the significance of the Mississippi River basin in Dubuque. Both the museum and artists communicated conservation issues through art.