BIG GROVE FOR GOOD
2023 Grant Recipients
Iowa City Free Lunch Program
The Free Lunch Program (FLP) began in January, 1983 with a simple mission to have an open door, a full plate, no questions asked. Over fourty years later, the program has grown to 900 volunteers serving a total of 30,177 meals in Johnson County. Over 90-percent of meals served included fruit and vegetables servings last year.
“We gratefully received and distributed leftovers from the Thanksgiving meal hosted by Big Grove in 2021. For FLP, success is being able to maintain services in the face of rising costs, particularly rising food costs. The consistency with which FLP serves meals has made lunches a necessary staple in many guests’ diets and is taken seriously by making sure we offer nutritious foods."
ICOR Boxing Club
Iowa City and Coralville's original boxing club (ICOR) continuously operated in the area since 2000. ICOR is a community boxing club where boxing is for everyone. ICOR has members as young as 5 up to people in their 90s. In addition to boxing training and competition, they are actively involved in the community hosting free workouts for non-profit organizations, like Big Brothers Big Sisters, UAY, and G!World.
“Just like Big Grove's business is food and entertainment for the whole family, our business is boxing for the whole family. A partnership with your organization is a great fit.” Emily Klinefelter, USA Boxing Coach & Gym Administrator
Central Iowa Shelter & Services
In 2022, Central Iowa Shelter & Services (CISS) served over 2,000 people in need of an emergency shelter and over 100 people in our affordable housing. Our community kitchen program served over 165,000 meals to people living at the Mulberry Street location. CISS is committed to providing low-barrier shelter, meals, and support services at no cost to adults experiencing homelessness, while also facilitating their move towards self-sufficiency.
“Amazing! This grant will allow us to continue to serve at a level our community needs for food security. We appreciate our ongoing partnership with Big Grove Brewery.” Melissa Alto-Kintigh, Director of Marketing & Business Development
Rondald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa
Ronald McDonald House (RMH) Charities of Central Iowa first opened its doors on August 29, 1981 and since has served over 17,000 families throughout Iowa, many other states, and countries. The Ronald McDonald House mission is to provide stability and resources for families in Iowa/across the nation who travel far from home to get the specialized treatment their child needs in Des Moines.
"Funding through community grants like Big Grove Brewery helps us to provide a safe, comfortable home away from home for families traveling to Des Moines to seek the critical medical care needed for their children." - Brenda Miller, Executive Director
DOING GOOD FOR THE COMMUNITY
Giving back to our local community is central to our mission at Big Grove Brewery. We strive to be intentional with our “good giving” and have committed the majority of our charitable efforts to focus on three core categories -- Trees, Trails, & Water: The work to enhance our recreational green spaces, benefiting both our health and well-being and reviving our environment. Equity & Equality: Working towards a diverse and equitable community while being a good human to other humans. Our Backyard: Supporting local organizations that work to make our Johnson County community a better place to live, thrive, and have opportunity.
2022 GRANT RECIPIENTS
Big Grove Brewery was honored to support this trio of Johnson County nonprofit grant recipients as part of the Big Grove for Good program in 2022.
HOUSE INTO HOMES
INSIDE OUT RE-ENTRY PROGRAM
OPEN HEARTLAND
APPLY FOR A 2024 GRANT
While the 2023 grant cycle has closed, we encourage you to mark your calendars for 2024's grant application period. We'll reopen application submissions on Giving Tuesday: November 28, 2023.
2024 GRANT CYCLE:
Applications Open: Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Applications Close: Sunday, December 31, 2023
Organizations Notified On or Before: Friday, January 19, 2024
Giving back to Iowa communities where we live, work, and play is central to our mission. Big Grove strives to be intentional with ‘Good Giving’ and supports charitable causes in three key impact areas:
• Trees, Trails, & Water: The work to enhance our recreational green spaces, benefiting both our health and well-being and reviving our environment.
• Equity & Equality: Working toward a diverse and equitable community while being a good human to other humans.
• Our Backyard: Supporting local organizations that work to make our communities a better place to live, thrive, and have opportunity.
Nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations located in Polk County, Johnson, and Linn County will be encouraged to apply for 2024 grants. Recipients will work in partnership with Big Grove Brewery throughout the year.
Applications will be reviewed and selected by cross-departmental staff committees. Additionally, Big Grove Brewery staff will be volunteering in support of these organizations over the course of 2024.
IN-KIND DONATION REQUESTS
We also accept in-kind donation requests throughout the year from Iowa organizations. We ask your request be submitted 60 days in advance of the event. Donations are coordinated for local pickup at one of our brewery locations in Solon, Iowa City, or Des Moines. Because we focus our support on 501(c)(3) cause-related efforts, requests to sponsor teams, athletes, bands, political, or religious organizations are often declined. For sponsorship and partnership inquiries, please reach out to community@biggrove.com.