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Community Support and Empowerment Grant RecommendationCity of Dubuque City Council CONSENT ITEMS # 15. Copyrighted March 2, 2026 ITEM TITLE: Community Support and Empowerment Grant Recommendation SUMMARY: City Manager recommending City Council approve the recommendations of the Office of Human Rights regarding the funding of the Community Support and Empowerment Grant. RESOLUTION Awarding Community Support And Empowerment Grant To Opening Doors RESOLUTION Awarding Community Support And Empowerment Grant To Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens RESOLUTION Awarding Community Support And Empowerment Grant To Centrally Rooted RESOLUTION Awarding Community Support And Empowerment Grant To Oh Happy Play SUGGUESTED Receive and File; Adopt Resolution(s) DISPOSITION: ATTACHMENTS: 1. MVM Memo Community Support and Empowerment Grant Recommendation 2. Staff Memo 3. Resolution Opening Doors 2026 4. Resolution DABG 2026 5. Resolution Centrally Rooted 2026 6. Resolution Oh Happy Play 2026 7. Dubuque Community Support and Empowerment Grant Guidelines and Evaluation Rubric 2026 Page 411 of 939 THE CITY OF DUBE Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Community Support and Empowerment Grant Recommendation DATE: February 24, 2026 Dubuque AI WIN av 2007-2012.2013 2017*2019 Interim Human Rights Director and Assistant City Attorney Jason Lehman is recommending City Council approve the recommendations of the Office of Human Rights regarding the funding of the Community Support and Empowerment Grant. The following applicants are recommended for funding: • Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens in the amount of $5,000 to fund new directional maps and educational signage throughout the grounds in more than 55 languages to improve accessibility for community members. • Oh Happy Play in the amount of $1,500 to expand their "Learn & Play" events which provide free play -based educational enrichment for children in the community with a focus on children from under-resourced homes. • Opening Doors in the amount of $1,750 to assist in funding a stabilization program designed to support women transitioning into permanent housing after battling homelessness. • Centrally Rooted in the amount of $1,750 to support a community centered block party designed to foster neighborhood engagement and connection. $10,000 was allocated for grant disbursement in the FY26 budget. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. S4.zn'- Mic ael C. Van Milligen ►VA[yVA►VAWA Attachment cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager Jason Lehman, Interim Human Rights Director and Assistant City Attorney Page 412 of 939 THE COF DtUB E EQUITY & HUMAN RIGHTS TO: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Jason Lehman, Interim Human Rights Director and Assistant City Attorney SUBJECT: Community Support and Empowerment Grant Recommendation DATE: February 23, 2026 INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memo is to present the recommendations of the Office of Human Rights Community Support and Empowerment Grant Award applications. Dubuque All•Anerice Ci7 2007-2012-2013 2017*2019 BACKGROUND In 2022, the City Council approved the Equitable Community Grant program to provide funding to assist non -profits, businesses, clubs, organizations, and groups of passionate residents in implementing their ideas to make Dubuque a more equitable place and to support community leadership in alignment with the City of Dubuque's Five -Year Goals. In 2025, the grant was renamed the Community Support and Empowerment Grant. The first grant was awarded in 2023 to Tri Phoenix Group in support of the Black Business Event and Expo. The grant helped the organization provide a platform for Black -owned businesses to showcase their products and services, network with other entrepreneurs and potential customers, and gain visibility and exposure within the community. Other recipients since then have included the Red Basket Project to aid in their mission to end period poverty, the Hills and Dales Childcare Center to aid in their establishment of a medical childcare program, Afriwell Hub to host an event celebrating African culture, and the Visiting Nurse Association to provide education, materials, and supplies for Marshallese and Hispanic families. $10,000 was allocated for grant disbursement in FY26 for multiple applicants to receive up to $5,000 each. Eighteen (18) applications were received. A panel comprised of three (3) Human Rights Commissioners, and one (1) staff member submitted their individual scores and comments. DISCUSSION The following applications were received: • Centrally Rooted Page 413 of 939 • Children's Cancer Connection • Crescent Community Health Center • Dubuque and Jackson County Habitat for Humanity • Dubuque Arboretum Botanical Gardens • Dubuque Forward • Dubuque Rescue Mission • Hills & Dales • Multicultural Family Center • Oh Happy Play • Opening Doors • Recovery Reach Inc. • Red Basket Project • Self -Empowered Community and Training • SheUnites • The Authentic Connection • Turnt Kidz • Waypoint The following applicants are recommended for funding: • Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens in the amount of $5,000 to fund new directional maps and educational signage throughout the grounds in more than 55 languages to improve accessibility for community members. • Oh Happy Play in the amount of $1,500 to expand their "Learn & Play" events which provide free play -based educational enrichment for children in the community with a focus on children from under-resourced homes. • Opening Doors in the amount of $1,750 to assist in funding a stabilization program designed to support women transitioning into permanent housing after battling homelessness. • Centrally Rooted in the amount of $1,750 to support a community centered block party designed to foster neighborhood engagement and connection. BUDGET IMPACT $10,000 was allocated for grant disbursement in the FY26 budget under account number 64130. REQUESTED ACTION I respectfully recommend the City Council approve the recommendations of the Office of Human Rights regarding the funding of the Community Support and Empowerment Grant. Attachment Page 414 of 939 Dubuque Community Support and Empowerment Grant Guidelines and Evaluation Rubric 2026 Page 415 of 939 Prepared by Ann Marie Jannette, Human Rights, 1157 Central Ave. Dubuque, IA 52001, (563) 589-4190 Return to Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk, 50 W. 131' St., Dubuque, IA 52001, (563) 589-4100 RESOLUTION NO. 60-26 AWARDING COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND EMPOWERMENT GRANT TO OPENING DOORS WHEREAS, the City Council adopts goals on an annual basis; and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted a City of Dubuque Goal 2030 of "Diverse Arts, Culture, Parks, and Recreation Experiences and Activities," which includes community cultural experiences and programming; and WHEREAS, the City Council stated in its vision statement that "Dubuque 2040 is a sustainable and resilient city, an inclusive and equitable community where ALL are welcome;" and WHEREAS, the Dubuque city government's mission is to "deliver excellent municipal services that support urban living; contribute to an equitable, sustainable city; plan for the community's future; and facilitate access to critical human services;" and WHEREAS, the Community Support and Empowerment Grant meets the needs of Dubuque's vision for an equitable community; and WHEREAS, efforts which offer community engagement activity or community education activity benefit the entirety of the community and the goals adopted by the City Council; and WHEREAS, the grant recipient shall use grant funds to assist in funding a stabilization program designed to support women transitioning into permanent housing after battling homelessness; and WHEREAS, the grant recipient shall focus on neighborhood integration, housing stability, and community belonging, ensuring women don't just remain housed, but feel connected, supported, and empowered in the neighborhoods they now call home; and WHEREAS, the City Council believes it is in the best interest of the City of Dubuque to strive for a welcoming and supportive community for all residents. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. The city Council hereby awards a Community Support and Empowerment Grant to Opening Doors. Section 2. The City Manager or his designee shall enter into a grant agreement with Opening Doors and shall ensure compliance with the grant agreement pursuant to Iowa Code and the grant award requirements. Passed, approved, and adopted this 21d day of March 2026. ad Cavanagh, Mayor Attest �L(�"n.e &WV4:z Adrienne Breitfelder, City Clerk Prepared by Ann Marie Jannette, Human Rights, 1157 Central Ave. Dubuque IA 52001, (563) 589-4190 Return to Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk, 50 W. 13"' St., Dubuque, IA 52001, (563) 589-4100 RESOLUTION NO. 61-26 AWARDING COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND EMPOWERMENT GRANT TO DUBUQUE ARBORETUM & BOTANICAL GARDENS WHEREAS, the City Council adopts goals on an annual basis; and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted a City of Dubuque Goal 2030 of "Diverse Arts, Culture, Parks, and Recreation Experiences and Activities," which includes community cultural experiences and programming; and WHEREAS, the City Council stated in its vision statement that "Dubuque 2040 is a sustainable and resilient city, an inclusive and equitable community where ALL are welcome;" and WHEREAS, the Dubuque city government's mission is to "deliver excellent municipal services that support urban living; contribute to an equitable, sustainable city; plan for the community's future; and facilitate access to critical human services;" and WHEREAS, the Community Support and Empowerment Grant meets the needs of Dubuque's vision for an equitable community; and WHEREAS, efforts which offer community engagement activity or community education activity benefit the entirety of the community and the goals adopted by the City Council; and WHEREAS, the grant recipient shall use grant funds for new directional maps and educational signage throughout the grounds in more than 55 languages; and WHEREAS, the grant recipient shall improve accessibility, navigation, and educational engagement for all visitors— particularly non-English speakers, international visitors, and individuals with visual or learning differences to create an inclusive, accessible wayfinding and educational experience across the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens; and WHEREAS, the City Council believes it is in the best interest of the City of Dubuque to strive for a welcoming and supportive community for all residents. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. The city Council hereby awards a Community Support and Empowerment Grant to Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens. Section 2. The City Manager or his designee shall enter into a grant agreement with Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens and shall ensure compliance with the grant agreement pursuant to Iowa Code and the grant award requirements. Passed, approved, and adopted this 2nd day of March 2026. ;_.���Cavanagh, Mayor Attest: jv""�"" Ai, 9'�' 6, Adrienne Breitfelder, City Clerk Prepared by Ann Marie Jannette, Human Rights, 1157 Central Ave. Dubuque IA 52001 (563) 589-4190 Return to Adrienne N. Breiffelder, City Clerk, 50 W. 131' St., Dubuque, IA 52001, (563) 589-4100 RESOLUTION NO. 62-26 AWARDING COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND EMPOWERMENT GRANT TO CENTRALLY ROOTED WHEREAS, the City Council adopts goals on an annual basis; and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted a City of Dubuque Goal 2030 of "Diverse Arts, Culture, Parks, and Recreation Experiences and Activities," which includes community cultural experiences and programming; and WHEREAS, the City Council stated in its vision statement that "Dubuque 2040 is a sustainable and resilient city, an inclusive and equitable community where ALL are welcome;" and WHEREAS, the Dubuque city government's mission is to "deliver excellent municipal services that support urban living; contribute to an equitable, sustainable city; plan for the community's future; and facilitate access to critical human services;" and WHEREAS, the Community Support and Empowerment Grant meets the needs of Dubuque's vision for an equitable community; and WHEREAS, efforts which offer community engagement activity or community education activity benefit the entirety of the community and the goals adopted by the City Council; and WHEREAS, the grant recipient shall use grant funds to support a community centered block party which will feature live music, food, youth and family activities, special Mindful Musicians classes, and opportunities to try instruments; and WHEREAS, the grant recipient shall create a lasting impact in a neighborhood with limited access to arts, culture and wellness resources; and WHEREAS, the City Council believes it is in the best interest of the City of Dubuque to strive for a welcoming and supportive community for all residents. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. The city Council hereby awards a Community Support and Empowerment Grant to Centrally Rooted. Section 2. The City Manager or his designee shall enter into a grant agreement with Centrally Rooted and shall ensure compliance with the grant agreement pursuant to Iowa Code and the grant award requirements. Passed, approved, and adopted this 2nd day of March 2026. rad Cavanagh, Mayor Attest: 1 a-1 1U4 Adrienne Breitfelder, City Clerk Prepared by Ann Marie Jannette, Human Rights, 1157 Central Ave. Dubuque IA 52001 (563) 589-4190 Return to Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk, 50 W. 13t" St., Dubuque, IA 52001, (563) 589-4100 RESOLUTION NO. 63-26 AWARDING COMMUNITY SUPPORT AND EMPOWERMENT GRANT TO OH HAPPY PLAY WHEREAS, the City Council adopts goals on an annual basis; and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted a City of Dubuque Goal 2030 of "Diverse Arts, Culture, Parks, and Recreation Experiences and Activities," which includes community cultural experiences and programming; and WHEREAS, the City Council stated in its vision statement that "Dubuque 2040 is a sustainable and resilient city, an inclusive and equitable community where ALL are welcome;" and WHEREAS, the Dubuque city government's mission is to "deliver excellent municipal services that support urban living; contribute to an equitable, sustainable city; plan for the community's future; and facilitate access to critical human services;" and WHEREAS, the Community Support and Empowerment Grant meets the needs of Dubuque's vision for an equitable community; and WHEREAS, efforts which offer community engagement activity or community education activity benefit the entirety of the community and the goals adopted by the City Council, and WHEREAS, the grant recipient shall use grant funds to host an International Day of Play event, which provide free play -based educational enrichment for children in the community with a focus on children from under-resourced homes; and WHEREAS, the grant recipient shall offer high -impact learning opportunities that support early childhood development, raise awareness about the importance of play and its role in the development of children, and provide under-resourced families with an additional community resource; and WHEREAS, the City Council believes it is in the best interest of the City of Dubuque to strive for a welcoming and supportive community for all residents. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. The city Council hereby awards a Community Support and Empowerment Grant to Oh Happy Play. Section 2. The City Manager or his designee shall enter into a grant agreement with Oh Happy Play and shall ensure compliance with the grant agreement pursuant to Iowa Code and the grant award requirements. Passed, approved, and adopted this 21d day of March 2026. Brad Cavanagh, Mayor Attest• ad, " 4 a-,lj �'' Adrienne Breitfelder, City Clerk Dubuque Community Support and Empowerment Grant How would you use up to $5K to create a greater sense of belonging by supporting and empowering Dubuque's community members? The City of Dubuque's Office of Human Rights works to build a Dubuque community where everyone feels a sense of belonging, support, and empowerment by ensuring fair access to government and City services. Our work supports City staff, elected officials, community organizations, and members of the public in advancing policies and solutions to reduce, and ultimately eliminate, opportunity gaps experienced by underserved residents, allowing them to prosper. About the Grant: The goal of the Dubuque Community Support and Empowerment Grant is to provide funding to assist non -profits, businesses, clubs, organizations, and groups of passionate residents in implementing their ideas to make Dubuque a community where everyone feels they belong and to support community leadership in alignment with at least one of the City of Dubuque's Five -Year Goals: • Robust Local Economy • Livable Neighborhoods and Housing • Financially Responsible, High -Performance City Organization • Sustainable Environment • Healthy and Safe Community • Diverse Arts, Culture, Parks, and Recreation Experiences and Activities • Connected Community Amount of Award A total of $10,000 is available to be awarded through two or more grants of up to $5,000 each. The grants will be awarded to an individual or group of individuals to implement a project that helps to achieve one or more of the goals listed above and includes a component of community education and/or engagement. We encourage new groups or individuals to apply for this funding! Grant Availability & Application Timeline Applications will be reviewed by the Office of Human Rights and the Human Rights Commission, which then will forward their recommendation to City Council for approval and funding. Action Date Grant application open January 1, 2026 Grant application deadline January 31, 2026 Grant award notification deadline February 20, 2026 Grant Guidelines 1. Grants must align with at least one City Council Priority and address at least one of the City of Dubuque's Five -Year Goals. 2. Grants must include an education and/or engagement component. 3. Any marketing, advertising, or educational materials produced should acknowledge support from the City of Dubuque's Office of Human Rights. 4. Grant applications are due January 31, 2026, time -stamped 12:00 AM or earlier. Applications received after Page 424 of 939 that will not be considered. 5. Project must be completed by June 1, 2026. Eligibility Applicants Any person or group of individuals located within Dubuque city limits is eligible to apply. "Group" can refer to a 501(c)(3) non- profit or other Dubuque -based business, club, organization, neighborhood association, individual, or group of individuals with a specific mission, governing structure, and budget, operating under the incorporated status of a Dubuque -based fiscal agent. Prior applications: Applicants who have received funding are not eligible for funding in consecutive years. For example, an organization that received funding in FY2025 is not eligible for funding in FY2026 but would be eligible to apply for funding in FY2027. Additionally, prior grantees' ability to fulfill grant requirements (reporting/ reimbursements/ acknowledgement) will be considered during the scoring process. Applicants who were unsuccessful in previous applications may apply for funding using either the project originally proposed or a new project Ineligible Applicants • For -profit organizations or businesses. • Any applicant based outside of Dubuque city limits. • Any applicant with an outstanding final report associated with a prior grant award from the Office of Human Rights. Target Audience Proposals must target, at a minimum, residents or businesses located in the City of Dubuque. It is acceptable for the target audience to reach beyond the City of Dubuque ( e . g . , Dubuque County or tristate area residents). Proposed projects that target underserved populations are encouraged. Grant Budget Grant applications should clearly indicate how the funds will be used. A partial match is required and can be cash or in - kind. Reimbursement Method The preference of the City is to reimburse grant recipients for approved expenses following the completion of the project. All receipts and a copy of the required performance report must be submitted in order to receive the final payment. If this financial arrangement is a challenge, contact the City's Human Rights Director to discuss other options. Inability to pay for reimbursable grant expenses should not be a barrier to applying, and we are able to work with recipients to identify alternatives within reason. Required Measurement of Impact/Success + Reporting We want to share your successes and lessons learned with others! One requirement of this program is to measure the impact of your project. Recipients will be required to complete a final report and may be asked to present the information to the Office of Human Rights and its Commission. In addition to the required reporting metrics, applicants are encouraged to define their own measures of success in the application. This can be telling your story through numbers, stories, photos, or video. This could mean asking attendees at an event to complete a pre- and post -survey to identify increased knowledge of a topic. We can help guide you to determine what information to collect, and final reimbursement will not be made until this information has been received. Let us know if you would like assistance in measuring your impact. Page 425 of 939 Additional Grant Information For more information or questions, please contact the Office of Human Rights at humanrgt@citvofdubuque.org or 563- 589-4190. Apply at www.cityofdubugue.org/eguitygrant Page 426 of 939 Dubuque Community Support and Empowerment Grant Proposal Evaluation Rubric Project Title: Scoring Criteria 5 = Very Good, 4 = Good, 3= Acceptable, 2= Poor, 1= Very Poor, 0 = Not Answered "X" replaces "0" for essential criteria. Selecting "X" disqualifies an application. Grant Narrative Project description and goals are clear and achievable 5 4 3 2 1 0 Project addresses and supports a need in the community 5 4 3 2 1 0 Applicant demonstrates experience and/or clearly explains 5 4 3 2 1 0 capacity to complete the project Budget Timeline and workplan demonstrate planning to produce 5 4 3 2 1 0 proposed deliverables Budget is clear, reasonable, and detailed 5 4 3 2 1 0 Project match (in -kind or financial) is planned and 5 4 3 2 1 0 explained City Priorities Proposed project aligns with a city plan 5 4 3 2 1 X Proposal's impact on underrepresented persons 5 3 X Positive Impact=5, No impact=3; Negative impact = X Community Education/Engagement Proposed project incorporates community education 5 4 3 2 1 X and/or community engagement Impact Plans to measure impact are planned and explained 5 4 3 2 1 X Performance measures are meaningful and relevant 5 4 3 2 1 0 Notes: Page 427 of 939