James B & Melita A McDonough Foundation
Accepts applications
James B & Melita A McDonough Foundation is a private foundation in Dubuque, Iowa. In tax year 2025 it gave $436,000 in 90 grants; the typical grant was $2,500 and the largest $50,000. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$436,000
- Number of grants90
- Typical grant$2,500
- Largest grant$50,000
- Assets$9.3 million
- New grantees47%
Giving in 2025 was down from $446,038 the year before.
47% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $411,253 | 75 | $8.3 million |
| 2024 | $446,038 | 88 | $8.7 million |
| 2025 | $436,000 | 90 | $9.3 million |
How to apply
| Contact | McDonough Foundation PO Box 296, Dubuque, IA 52004-0296 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (563) 587-0533 |
| What to submit | Online application at www.mcdonoughcharitablefoundation.org/apply |
| Deadlines | April 1 through may 31 each year |
| Restrictions | Unwritten but generally limited to charities in northeast Iowa |
Foundation website IRS filings on ProPublica
What James B & Melita A McDonough Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Iowa.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa | 90 | $436,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | Platform for excellence campaign | $50,000 |
| Community Foundation of Greater Dub | Training and evidence based activities for students | $15,000 |
| Dubuque Community Ymcaywca | Crisis services staff pay funding | $15,000 |
| Iowa Leagl Aid | Underwrite costs of legal services to women in seven-county area | $15,000 |
| Individual | Consolidate core programs & services to 1398 central ave | $15,000 |
| Riverview Center | Sexual assault crisis intervention & prevention services project | $15,000 |
| The Power of Prayer Inc | Increase community awareness in power of prayer chapel | $15,000 |
| Community Solutions of Eastern Ia | Funding for housing helpline | $15,000 |
| Camp Corageous | Remodel & refurbish 1 of 3 cabins | $10,000 |
| Dubuque Regional Humane Society | General support | $10,000 |
| Individual | Playground equipment | $10,000 |
| St Mark Youth Enrichment | Hiring veted educators and provide training | $10,000 |
| Individual | Provide annual brain health kits | $10,000 |
| Clarke University | General support | $10,000 |
| Red Basket Project | Cots of leasing operational space | $9,000 |
| Individual | Dubuque & jackson co mobile food pantries | $7,500 |
| Tri-State Viats | Immigrant food and supplies | $7,500 |
| Foundation of Dubuque Public School | 1/2 costs of outdoor adventure program | $6,500 |
| Duride | Provide free & half-proce rides to those receiving public assistance | $6,000 |
| Camp Albrecht Acres of the Midwest | Update to laura's lodge | $5,000 |
| Dubuque Dream Center | Student sponsorships for after school and summer programs | $5,000 |
| Four Mounds Foundation | Support heart program | $5,000 |
| Grand Opera House | New balcony handrails | $5,000 |
| Individual | $5,000 | |
| Individual | Provide gift card at end of program/classroom | $5,000 |
| Inspiration Stables Inc | Indoor riding arena | $5,000 |
| Almost Home Dubuque | Funding to supplement operating budget | $5,000 |
| Crescent Community Health Center | Transportation for patients | $5,000 |
| Dubuque Museum of Art | Construction and operations for first 6 months in. New space | $5,000 |
| Friends of Bellevue State Park | Funding renovations of bathroom, kitchen and ballroom | $5,000 |
| Individual | Maintaining positions for 2 americorps vista members | $4,000 |
| Oelwein Elementary PTO | Provide rock climbing walls for both elementary buildings | $4,000 |
| Four Oaks Family Children's Service | Parent education & gfamily support | $3,500 |
| City of Sherrill | Handicap accessible pavilion and bathroom | $3,500 |
| Dubuque Food Pantry | Purchase eggs & milk | $3,000 |
| Jones County Family Council | Purchase of various supplies and resource directory | $3,000 |
| Uinited Way of Dubuque Are Tri-Stat | Purchase of multicultural books | $3,000 |
| Community Foundation of Greater Dub | 2025 bernard playground and recreation project | $3,000 |
| Community Foundation of Greater Dub | Dyersville campaign for grade level reading | $3,000 |
| Individual | Installation of updated playground equipment | $3,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Ann McDonough
- Brian J Kane
- Glen McDonough
- Jim Liddle
- Heather Cruse
Questions people ask
Does James B & Melita A McDonough Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications, with this on deadlines: April 1 through may 31 each year.
How much does James B & Melita A McDonough Foundation give?
$436,000 in tax year 2025, across 90 grants, with a typical grant of $2,500.
Who runs James B & Melita A McDonough Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Ann McDonough (President), Brian J Kane (Vice President), Glen McDonough (Treasurer) and Jim Liddle (Director) among 5 officers and trustees.
What does James B & Melita A McDonough Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, youth programs and human services.