The Women’s Giving Circle (WGC) is a philanthropic organization dedicated to fostering generosity and supporting initiatives that enhance the well-being of women and children in the community. The mission of WGC is to share the joy of giving, encourage future generations to live generously, and collectively address pressing community needs. The WGC provides funding to nonprofit organizations that develop programs promoting self-sufficiency for women and children or that address significant barriers to opportunity for these groups.
For the 2025 funding cycle, applications will be available beginning March 1, 2025, and must be submitted by April 1, 2025. The grant supports one-year projects with awards of up to $5,000. A maximum of 15% of the project budget may be allocated toward operational expenses such as staff salaries and business costs. Each organization may submit only one proposal per cycle. The funding prioritizes programs that improve the quality of life for women and children, eliminate gaps in services, build on community strengths through partnerships, lead to sustainable solutions, develop measurable outcomes, and promote diversity, equity, and social justice.
Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that have been actively serving the public for at least one year prior to application submission. The funding opportunity excludes organizations promoting religious or political ideologies, capital campaigns, fundraising events, programs outside the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (CFGD) service area, and programs previously funded in the immediate past year unless applying for a different initiative.
All applications will be reviewed by the Women’s Giving Circle Grantmaking Committee. The grant awards will be announced during the Gifts and Grants Celebration on June 4, 2025, and at least one representative from the awarded organization is required to attend. Recipients must sign an agreement before receiving funds and are required to submit a final report or host a site visit at the conclusion of their project.
Applications must be submitted online via the GOapply grant management system by April 1, 2025. Any questions about the grant process may be directed to Kaley Rigdon Burgmeier, Philanthropy Specialist, at 563-588-2700 or via email at kaley@dbqfoundation.org, or Gretchen Corcoran, Grants Manager, at 563-588-2700 or gretchen@dbqfoundation.org. More information and the application portal can be accessed at https://goapply2.akoyago.com/dubuque/application/wgc2025.
