Iowa-Based Farm Store Donates Over $360,000 to Local Non-Profits

According to a press release from the company, Theisen's Home, Farm, and Auto has announced more than $367,000 in grants to address basic needs across the state of Iowa. The Dubuque-based retailer's "More for Your Community" grant program, a partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, supports organizations addressing the basic needs of children and families.

For example, Convivium Urban Farmstead in Dubuque stands out as a beacon of hope and sustenance for the community. Not just a restaurant, it's a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide culinary education and address food disparities in the region. In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, Convivium expanded its initiatives to include a remarkable program: distributing free take-home casseroles to those in need.

Since the program's inception in 2020, they have distributed an astonishing 20,000 casseroles to individuals in the neighborhood. Even as the pandemic receded, the demand for these meals has surged. Over 70% of recipients come from low-income households, with 60% residing in homes with a disabled family member. To support Convivium's essential work, the organization applied for a grant from Theisen's More for Your Community program and was awarded a $2,500 grant for their casserole program.

Theisen's Home • Farm • Auto is a family-owned business spanning four generations with their commitment to the community evident through their involvement in philanthropic endeavors. The More for Your Community grant program, now in its 14th year, has disbursed nearly $3.8 million in grants to support local nonprofits and the people they serve. This year grants are expected to make a positive impact on more than 600,000 individuals, based on estimates from the nonprofit grant applications.

We had the chance to sit down and chat with 4th generation owner Peter Theisen about the impact of Theisen's More for Your Community program, its effect on the local community, and on Theisen's as a whole. Check out the full interview below:

Theisen's More for Your Community program is a collaboration between Theisen's and the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, which administers the grant program. It accepts applications and makes funding recommendations with the goal of strengthening communities and inspiring giving. This year, they received 336 applications, totaling over $1.4 million in requested funds.

This partnership between local businesses and nonprofits exemplifies the power of community. It addresses the 5 critical needs: food, safety, shelter, education, and health. Theisen's and the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque are reinforcing the idea that we are stronger when we come together to support one another.