Give to Grow grants funds to Parks and Rec

     In October, Monticello Give to Grow announced they had reached their goal of raising $112,500 toward a $75,000 endowment.

   Hitting that benchmark allowed them to give out a $10,000 “Vibrant Monticello” grant.

   Applicants had until Nov. 4 to submit applications.

   Sheila Tjaden, Give to Grow committee member and Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (CFGD) director of affiliate foundations, shared that they received five applications. Monticello Parks and Recreation (P&R) was awarded the grant to “help provide for a vibrant Monticello throughout the entire winter season.”

   The funds will assist with the purchase of 20 LED snowflakes for the downtown light poles, filling First Street from McDonough Real Estate to Main Street; an 8-foot tree topper for the top of the city tree at the corner of First Street and Main Street; and 288 light stands and 40 meteor shower lights for the city parks (Fountain Park and Riverside Gardens).

   P&R had been fundraising toward this specific for several years now. The lighting project has also been supported by Monticello Main Street.

   “Having a vision and a plan resonated with the group as a whole,” Tjaden said of the project. “Plans were ready to go.”

   The goals in awarding the $10,000 grant included a project that added vibrancy to Monticello and something that could be initiated before the end of the year.

   P&R Director Jacob Oswald serves on the Give to Grow committee; he abstained from voting and discussing the grant applications, as an applicant himself.

   Give to Grow chose to award just one applicant rather than multiple projects “to make the most impact.” Tjaden said they wanted to see how much of an impact the grant would do rather than divide the funds into pieces.

   “We hope to support initiatives throughout the entire community that support a ‘vibrant Monticello,’” said Tjaden.

   The last phase toward the $75,000 endowment is to raise another $112,500. In October, Give to Grow was at $1,710. They have $100,000 remaining, with the hopes of hitting the ultimate goal by the end of 2024.

   “Your donations are tax deductible and will help to support Monticello forever,” offered Tjaden.

   They are also eligible for the 25 percent Endow Iowa state tax credit.

   “The tax credit is a big thing with this foundation (CFGD),” added Tjaden. “There is $1.2 million left yet this year (in the tax credit).”

   Once Give to Grow is able to establish the $75,000 endowment, they look to make another gift (grant) in the spring of 2025.

   “Now is the time to start thinking about a project you can start immediately,” urged Tjaden. “We want to give that financial support to the good work being done throughout the community to support a ‘vibrant Monticello.’”

   You can learn more about Give to Grow and those involved by viewing the donor wall inside the lobby of the Renaissance Center.

   To make a charitable give toward Give to Grow, visit https://dbqfoundation.org/giving-center/monticello-give-to-grow or contact any committee member.