DUBUQUE, Iowa – Fifteen nonprofits across Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois will amplify their missions through Dupaco Community CU’s Gift of Innovation grant program, in partnership with The Innovation Lab. The program is designed to spark creative solutions and lasting impact.
The Gift of Innovation Grant recipients are:
Catherine McAuley Center, Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Valley Habitat for Humanity, Cedar Rapids
Central Iowa Shelter and Services, Des Moines, IA
CommUnity Crisis Services, Iowa City, IA
Dubuque Area Labor Management Council, Dubuque, IA
DVIP & RVAP (Domestic Violence Intervention Program), Iowa City
Embolden WI, Madison, WI
Families Forward, Des Moines
Galena Art & Recreation Center, Galena, IL
Moms Connect Dubuque, Dubuque
New Hope Village, Inc., Carroll, IA
Opening Doors, Dubuque
Red Basket Project, Dubuque
Waypoint Services for Women, Children and Families, Cedar Rapids
Willkie House, Des Moines
Dpaco said this is the second year of this transformative program that fuels nonprofit growth through innovation support. Rather than a traditional monetary award, the grant provides innovation sessions to help nonprofits overcome resource constraints that may limit their potential. Sessions can help organizations work through challenges such as strategic planning, process development, financial sustainability, business model improvements and more.
This year’s program represents $67,000 in innovation support, delivered through tailored sessions that span one day, two days or 1 year. Sessions are conducted by Eric Dregne, director of The Innovation Lab.
“It’s been exciting to work with the 2025 recipients of the Gift of Innovation program, to work through challenges that were holding them back,” said Dregne. “We cannot wait to get to work with the 2026 recipients to further impact the nonprofit sector and the people and communities they serve.”
“At Dupaco, we believe innovation is a catalyst for positive change. By equipping nonprofits with tools and strategies to think differently, we’re helping them unlock new ways to serve their communities,” said Joe Hearn, President and CEO of Dupaco Credit Union. “And when nonprofits thrive, the ripple effect strengthens families, neighborhoods and entire regions.”
