Dupaco awards grants to boost nonprofits' innovation and impact

DUBUQUE, Iowa – Twelve nonprofit organizations now have the opportunity to expand and enhance the impact of their mission, thanks to Dupaco’s Gift of Innovation grant program, in partnership with The Innovation Lab.

The Gift of Innovation Grant recipients are:

• Catherine McAuley Center, Cedar Rapids, IA
• Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity, Cedar Rapids
• Centrally Rooted Mission, Inc, Dubuque, IA
• Community Support Network, Madison, WI
• Dubuque & Jackson County Habitat for Humanity, Dubuque
• Dubuque Rescue Mission, Dubuque
• Fields of Sinsinawa, Sinsinawa, WI
• Iowa Nonprofit Alliance, Cedar Falls, IA
• Iowa Safe Schools, Des Moines, IA
• Project Iowa, Inc., Des Moines
• Stonehill Franciscan Services d/b/a Stonehill Communities, Dubuque
• Waypoint Services for Women, Children and Families, Cedar Rapids

Through innovation sessions, the grant program addresses resource constraints that may limit a nonprofit organization from realizing its full potential. Nonprofits awarded this grant can receive support such as creating product or process solutions, strategic planning support or implementation, and business model or financial sustainability improvements. One-day, two-day, and 1-year sessions were awarded, and sessions are tailored to the needs of the nonprofit. The monetary value of the innovation sessions awarded is $53,000.

“It’s going to be exciting to help build the capacity of these amazing nonprofit organizations,” said Eric Dregne, Innovation Lab director. “We’ve seen the impact our InnovationWorks® process has made for companies like Dupaco, and this partnership is the perfect opportunity to spread innovation into the nonprofit sector.”

“As a not-for-profit, mission-driven organization, Dupaco is proud to offer these grants to help nonprofits grow, succeed, and impact the people they serve,” said Joe Hearn, President and CEO of Dupaco Credit Union. “Nonprofits are essential in our communities and helping them achieve their success helps create a brighter community for all.”
The next Gift of Innovation Grant cycle will open in fall 2025. Those who are interested in applying can check www.dupaco.com/ways-we-give for updates.

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ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION
Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 169,000 with assets exceeding $3.3 billion. It has over 600 employees and 23 branch office locations. Dupaco is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI). It is a Forbes Best-in-State Credit Union, Forbes America’s Best Small Employer, and a Des Moines Register Top Workplace. Learn more at www.dupaco.com.