The Big Grove For Good Foundation announced its Neighborhood Micro-Grant Program’s distribution has topped $36,000 in one year, with grants being awarded to 68 deserving individuals and organizations since the program’s launch.
This initiative is funded through sales of Big Grove Brewery’s Neighborhood Beer, the “beer that gives back,” to support projects in areas where Big Grove is sold and to make a meaningful impact within those communities.
“We are seeing firsthand how small projects can make a big difference in our local communities and neighborhoods,” said Mikala Demet, Executive Director of Big Grove for Good Foundation. “Through this program, we’re putting money where our beer is by funding innovative projects and financially supporting positive change wherever you buy Big Grove beer.”
The recipients include a diverse range of projects. Each micro-grant awarded reflects the program’s focus on accessibility, enhancements, environmental stewardship, and community connection.
● Cedar Rapids: Goats on the Go was awarded a micro-grant for an environmental restoration project at Bever Park. This project uses goats to mitigate invasive species in an area near Old McDonald’s Farm.
● Iowa City: Eastside Neighborhood Trees Project (ENTP) is using micro-grant money to encourage people in their neighborhood to plant and care for trees. The ENTP team conducts site visits with homeowners to determine a suitable tree species for the homeowner and site. Micro-grant money is used to purchase the trees. The ENTP team also helps with planting, tree care, and future wellness checks on the trees.
● Iowa City: Fox Run Neighborhood is hosting its sixth annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration with support from a Big Grove for Good micro-grant. Started by a local family, the neighborhood event grows each year, and helps new and longtime neighbors share connection time. Organizer Allison Strickland said, “Our family is so honored to receive a Neighborhood Micro-Grant from Big Grove Brewery. Our neighborhood Cinco de Mayo taco truck party is one of our favorite things to do as a family. We love meeting new people and reconnecting with longtime neighbors as the nice weather starts to kick in.”
● Monticello: Jones County Inclusion Group received a micro-grant to support opening a new learning and advocacy center featuring ESL classes, citizenship classes and healthcare clinics for the local Hispanic community.
● West Branch: A micro-grant funded the Gift for my Sibling program, through which local children could reserve a time to choose a gift – free of charge – for their sibling during the holiday season.
The Big Grove for Good Neighborhood Micro-Grant program offers grants to organizations and individuals. Awards ranging from $250 to $1000 go to applicants striving to enhance their neighborhood and foster a vibrant place to live. More information about the program can be found here: https://biggroveforgood.com/
The Big Grove For Good Foundation is an independent, private 501(c)(3) organization committed to strengthening neighborhoods and communities where Big Grove operates and has a presence. The organization manages The Neighborhood Beer program, which provides micro-grants to individuals and organizations working to improve their neighborhoods. The foundation also administers sponsorship and in-kind donation requests, its Beers for a Cause program, plus “Good Giving” grants to support nonprofit organizations in three core categories: Trees, Trails & Water; Equity & Equality; and Our Backyard.
Through the shared passion for brewing and community betterment, Big Grove For Good and Big Grove Brewery support the local stories and small acts of connection to strengthen neighborhoods.
