DUBUQUE, Iowa — Nonprofits looking to strengthen their impact and address organizational challenges are encouraged to apply for Dupaco Credit Union's Gift of Innovation program.

Offered in partnership with The Innovation Lab, Gift of Innovation provides service-based awards that help nonprofits tackle opportunities and challenges through facilitated innovation sessions. Rather than providing a traditional cash grant, the program invests in an organization's capacity to grow, adapt, and better serve its community.

Award recipients may receive a one-day session, two-day session, or year-long engagement designed around their unique needs. Areas of focus may include:

• Strategic planning
• Strategy implementation
• Organizational effectiveness
• Leadership and board development
• Process improvement
• Financial sustainability
• Addressing operational challenges and opportunities

"Strong nonprofits play a vital role in creating vibrant communities," said Joe Hearn, President and CEO of Dupaco Credit Union. "The Gift of Innovation program is designed to help organizations step back from day-to-day demands, address challenges, align their leadership, and build a clear path forward. We're proud to support nonprofits as they strengthen their impact and continue serving our communities."

Each engagement is customized to the participating organization's goals and facilitated by Eric Dregne, Director of The Innovation Lab.

"Every nonprofit has opportunities to grow its impact, but finding the time and resources to address complex challenges can be difficult," Dregne said. "These sessions create space for meaningful conversations, fresh thinking, and practical action plans that organizations can implement long after the engagement ends."

Recent participants have used the Gift of Innovation program to develop strategic plans, strengthen governance, improve organizational alignment, and create greater momentum around their missions.

Organizations interested in applying must be an active 501(c)(3) public charity located and operating within Dupaco's charter area.

Applications are due Nov. 12, 2026. To learn more and apply, visit Dupaco.com/community.

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ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 179,000 with assets exceeding $3.6 billion. It has over 600 employees and 22 branch office locations. Learn more at www.dupaco.com. 

ABOUT THE INNOVATION LAB

The Innovation Lab is a coworking space (and more) that's fostering innovation & entrepreneurship in Eastern Iowa. We offer coworking space, innovation services, meeting space, and team building activities. Everything we do helps businesses launch, grow, and remain competitive. The Innovation Lab is an initiative by Idea Bright, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that designs, tests, and shares ideas that improve lives and build communities. Learn more at www.innovationlab.us