DRA

Call Directions Website Contact the organization

The DRA is unique because we are one of only two gaming organizations in the country established and run for the benefit of a local government entity.

The Dubuque Racing Association (DRA) is a dynamic community resource strengthening the tri-state region through gaming, entertainment, tourism and philanthropy—reinvesting in people, places and opportunities that improve quality of life. In fact, since our founding we have contributed more than $244 million back to the City of Dubuque. Our business model is simple. We distribute 100% of our winnings after expenses, which includes the 4.5% of adjusted gross receipts we receive monthly from the Diamond Jo Casino. A third of the money goes to area charities, a third goes to the City of Dubuque, and a third will now go toward efforts to develop and enhance amenities on the city-owned Schmitt Island. Simply put, this money supports organizations and projects that have a direct impact on improving the lives of people in the Dubuque area!

10/12/2026

11 households. 29 people. 14 children. All able to stay in their homes. 🏠❤️

A $5,000 DRA Core Grant helped People In Need (PIN) provide emergency rental assistance to Dubuque individuals and families facing eviction.

The need was so great that the entire grant was distributed in just 15 days, helping 15 adults and 14 children avoid losing their homes.

Because sometimes, a little support at the right time can make all the difference in keeping a family safe, stable and connected to their community.

10/12/2026

A safe, stable home can make all the difference when a family faces an unexpected financial setback. ❤️

A $5,000 DRA Core Grant helped People In Need (PIN) provide emergency rental assistance to 29 individuals, including 14 children, allowing them to avoid eviction and remain in their homes in the Dubuque community.

The need was clear - the entire grant was distributed in just 15 days.

By helping families stay housed, PIN is providing stability, supporting employment and helping neighbors through difficult times.

We're proud to support organizations making a meaningful difference when our community needs it most.

10/07/2026

We are incredibly grateful to the DRA (Dubuque Racing Association) for awarding Opening Doors a $35,000 grant! 🎉

As the need for our services continues to grow and our programs become busier, so does the need for individualized support for the women and families we serve. This generous funding will allow us to expand our case management staff, giving residents additional support as they work toward stability, independence, and permanent housing.

Case management is at the heart of what we do. Our team walks alongside residents as they navigate housing, employment, finances, mental and physical health, recovery, parenting, and the many other pieces that come with rebuilding their lives.

Thank you, DRA, for investing not only in Opening Doors, but in the women and children who walk through our doors every day. Your support allows us to meet our community’s growing needs while continuing to provide the individualized care each resident deserves. 💚

We also want to give a special shout out to Mandy Miller, from The Dubuque Racing Association who came down to Teresa Shelter to take a tour and learn more about all of our services we offer!

We are so grateful for this partnership and continued investment in our community!

09/29/2026

For more than 40 years, Dubuque Area Labor Harvest has been helping put food on the tables of families throughout our community. ❤️

The organization recently completed the final year of a three-year DRA Core Grant totaling $30,000 to support its food giveaways, hot breakfasts, and grocery delivery program.

On the second Saturday of every month, Labor Harvest distributes boxes of groceries. On other Saturdays, volunteers provide free hot breakfasts and additional food supplies. The organization also delivers groceries monthly to individuals who are unable to leave their homes or lack reliable transportation.

With grocery costs continuing to rise, these programs help families stretch their budgets and afford other essentials like utilities, transportation, and medications.

We're proud to support an organization that has been bringing neighbors together and meeting essential needs since the early 1980s.

09/22/2026

Three years of building confidence, creating connections and helping people get back to work.

St. Vincent de Paul - Dubuque has completed the final year of a three-year, $35,000-per-year DRA Core Grant supporting its Back2Work Workforce Training Program.

Since March 2024, 83 participants have graduated from the program, with staff assisting another 50 individuals outside of formal cohorts. Back2Work combines employment preparation with individualized support to help participants overcome barriers, recognize their strengths and successfully enter the workforce.

The program has also built relationships with 34 local employers that have welcomed graduates into full-time, part-time and paid internship positions in industries ranging from healthcare and manufacturing to tourism.

A job can be the starting point for so much more including greater stability, confidence, connection and a stronger future in our community.

09/17/2026

Helping young people see what’s possible right here in their own community.

The Dubuque Black Men Coalition recently completed year one of a three-year DRA Core Grant, receiving $5,000 annually to support its school mentoring and post-education career preparation efforts.

During the past year, BMC connected local students with both college and career pathways. Approximately 30 students visited the University of Dubuque to experience campus life, while Trades Day brought together 200 students from seven schools and approximately 25 businesses and community organizations to explore skilled trades and career opportunities.

Grant funding also supported the development of BMC’s new website, helping the organization expand its outreach and connect more students, families, and community partners with its programs.

By introducing young people to the education and career opportunities available locally, BMC is helping students envision a future where they can learn, work and build their lives in the Dubuque area.

09/15/2026

Sometimes the right equipment can make a big difference. Especially when community events are an important part of supporting a volunteer fire department. 🚒

A $10,954 DRA Core Grant helped La Motte Fire & Rescue Department upgrade the tables and chairs used for its fundraisers and community gatherings. The grant also supported the purchase of 20 matching roasters and two new advertising signs, giving volunteers the tools they need to make events easier to manage and more welcoming for guests.

Those improvements were put to good use at the department’s 2026

These fundraisers help support local fire and rescue services while bringing people together and we’re proud to invest in the equipment that helps make them possible.

09/11/2026

TEAM DRA WENT OVER THE EDGE!

We set a goal, you helped us reach it, and today Team DRA officially went Over the Edge for United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States!

Team members from Q Casino + Resort and Diamond Jo Casino Dubuque took the leap today after successfully reaching our fundraising goal. 💙

A HUGE thank you to everyone who donated, came out to our fundraisers, shared our posts, and supported our team along the way. You helped get Team DRA over the edge!

What an incredible way to come together for our community!

09/08/2026

A once-unused space at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dubuque has a whole new purpose. 🎭🎶

A $20,000 DRA Core Grant helped transform the Club's former archery room into a new Shared Performing Arts Space, complete with two classrooms, new flooring, lighting, soundproofing and infrastructure improvements designed for dance, theatre, music and other creative programming.

The space is already welcoming hundreds of kids each week for performing arts programming, with community partners including Centrally Rooted, Rising Star Theatre Company and TURNT KIDZ -TK helping bring new opportunities to Club members.

It's more than a renovated room, it's a place for young people to explore their creativity, build confidence and discover something new.

09/04/2026

🚨 ONE WEEK TO GO! 🚨

Team DRA is almost halfway to our $6,000 goal for United Way’s Over the Edge but we need your help to get all five of our team members over that edge!

With just one week left, now is the time to help us finish strong. Every donation, big or small, gets Team DRA closer to the goal and supports the incredible work of United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States. 💙

Help send Team DRA Over the Edge!
🔗 https://bit.ly/4A10L1a

Q Casino + Resort Diamond Jo Casino Dubuque

Address

1855 Greyhound Park Road
Dubuque, IA
52001

Telephone

(563) 585-2971

Website

http://dradubuque.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when DRA posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to DRA:

Want your organization to be the top-listed non profit organization in Dubuque?