On December 11, local non-profit leaders and Spahn & Rose staff and partners from across eastern Iowa and western Illinois gathered for the annual Spahn & Rose Foundation Community Day, a day dedicated to strengthening local nonprofits and celebrating the mission work they do throughout the region. This year the Spahn & Rose Foundation awarded $150,000 in grants to support programs that focus on education, health and human services, youth enrichment, community development, and more.
This past year, 110 organizations awarded funds, and during Spahn & Rose Foundation Community Day, dozens of nonprofit representatives joined Foundation leadership and Spahn & Rose employees in person to receive their donation checks. The event reflects the Spahn & Rose Foundation’s ongoing commitment to meaningful, grassroots impact.
“We’ve seen the scale and depth of needs increase, and Community Day gives us the chance to directly uplift organizations that are problem-solving every day,” said Dave Davis, Spahn & Rose CEO. “These gifts are more than checks — they’re investments in neighbors, opportunity, and community wellbeing.”
This year’s recipients include a diverse mix of longtime collaborators and organizations rising to meet emerging community needs. Among the grants were support for United Way Dubuque Area Tri-States, Greater Dubuque Development Corp., Opening Doors, and other organizations with region-wide reach.
Health and wellness were represented by gifts to MercyOne Dubuque Foundation and Make-A-Wish, both of which play vital roles in medical support services and life-affirming experiences for patients and families.
Educational institutions also featured on the roster, including Iowa College Foundation with a grant to supporting student access to higher education, and Dubuque Symphony Orchestra, which received a donation to fuel arts education and community performances.
The 110 Spahn & Rose Foundation recipient organizations supported this year represent a wide range of community priorities — from youth sports and enrichment to emergency services, elder care, education, and creative arts.
“Every organization here has the drive to enhance lives right where people live, work, and grow,” said Jacque Arensdorf, Spahn & Rose Director of Marketing. “Whether the goal is building beds for kids, enhancing school programs, or supporting economic development, these nonprofits are fundamental to community momentum.”
Representatives from Sleep in Heavenly Peace, St. Mark Youth Enrichment, Dubuque and Jackson County Habitat for Humanity, and Hospice of Dubuque were among those present. Other nonprofits in attendance ranged from rural food programs to statewide advocacy groups to local cultural institutions.
The range of community work represented — and the variety of missions served — is a reflection of how interconnected local needs have become. By maintaining a broad grant portfolio, the Foundation aims to support both immediate impact and long-term systems change.
The 2025 Community Day spotlighted organizations that have built strong volunteer networks, engaged local donors, and sustained public awareness through active social media and community engagements. Just a few among the many attending included leaders from:
- Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization building beds for children in need
- Dubuque and Jackson County Habitat for Humanity, addressing affordable housing solutions
- Hospice of Dubuque, providing compassionate end-of-life care and support
- Mark Youth Enrichment, focused on youth development and mentoring
“The energy in the room reflected the year’s achievements and the proactive spirit that defines so many of the mission-driven organizations in the region,” Arensdorf said. “Community Day gives these groups the opportunity to connect with peers, celebrate successes, and exchange insights that strengthen collective impact.”
Since its inception, the Spahn & Rose Foundation’s Community Day has been more than a check-presentation event — it has become a day of collaboration. The Foundation’s efforts underscore the importance of flexible resources for local organizations working on the front lines of community needs.
As communities grow and shift, the demand for adaptable, responsive support continues. Through multi-year partnerships and sustained investment, the Foundation aims to reinforce organizational capacity and encourage innovative approaches to longstanding challenges.