The DRA of Dubuque, Iowa, this week announced it has awarded more than $1.2 million in grants to 57 organizations in the region. The gaming and entertainment organization distributed the monies through its Core Grant program.

The DRA is the non-profit entity that owns and operates Q Casino + Resort and is the co-licensee for Diamond Jo Casino in Dubuque.

“For more than 30 years, the DRA has provided valuable grant funding to a wide variety of worthy programs and initiatives,” DRA Board of Directors Chair Mike Donohue in a statement. “As an organization committed to fostering growth and other quality of life related efforts, we are proud to continue our work by investing in organizations that are doing good things for communities and people throughout the tri-state area.”

The DRA received 120 requests for Core Grant funds. The 57 recipients include 53 from Iowa. A total of 15 recipients received 100 percent of their requested funds, and 24 were granted at least 50 percent of their requests.

“Our aim is to be impactful with these grants and really assist communities. We take a close look at the applications received and then determine how our support can help applicants move the needle through much-needed funding,” said DRA Manager of Strategic Philanthropy Mandy Miller. “The programs, initiatives and services we invest in are those that align with our overall goal of helping communities grow and prosper, so we are pleased to be able to provide financial support to these important efforts.”

The DRA stated it used a focused, strategic approach to determine which organizations were awarded grants to ensure that financial assistance to the organizations will have a positive and permanent impact in the area.

“From the beginning, the DRA has supported organizations addressing a wide variety of different causes and initiatives that also align with its own goals and objectives related to community support and growth,” said Diamond Jo Casino Vice President and General Manager Wendy Runde. “This approach has worked well and benefited countless organizations, which is why we will continue to focus on actively supporting efforts that aim to make positive changes in communities throughout the region.”

Since 1985 the DRA has awarded more than 5,000 grants – totaling nearly $60 million – to over 1,500 organizations in the tri-state area of Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois.

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