United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States

What United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States does

United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States is an independent nonprofit charitable organization founded in 1928 (originally as the Dubuque Community Chest) and headquartered at 215 W. 6th St., Dubuque, Iowa. The organization advances health, education, and income outcomes across a 10-county tri-state service area spanning Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. It operates as part of a global United Way network of more than 1,800 affiliated organizations, governed locally by a board of directors and led by a small staff of approximately four named executives including President/CEO Danielle Leibfried.

The organization's core activities are organized around three pillars — healthy communities, youth opportunities, and financial security — and span a broad service portfolio. Core programs include the 211 Resource & Referral Hotline (a 24/7 helpline connecting residents to food, shelter, healthcare, and employment supports), Sprout Into Reading (early literacy book distribution for low-income youth), Brain Health Training, SingleCare prescription discount cards, My Smart Money financial education, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), Coordinated Entry housing assessment, and the ALICE Project research initiative documenting working-poor populations. The organization also distributes a Community Impact Grant to 37 funded nonprofit partner organizations, allocating $875,000 for the 2026-2028 cycle.

Revenue is generated through annual workplace giving campaigns (with a stated annual fundraising goal of $1.2 million), individual donations, corporate sponsorships, signature fundraising events (Over the Edge rappelling event, Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast, Captains of the Cocktail), and the tiered Women UNITED membership program ($500 Visionary and $1,000 Charter annual pledges). The organization reaches nearly 50,000 local residents annually through its funded partner network. Technology infrastructure is conventional nonprofit web stack: a public website (dbqunitedway.org), email newsletter, Facebook social presence, the VolunteerDBQ volunteer portal, and the 211 Iowa mobile app. There are no proprietary AI/ML systems disclosed, no patents or trademarks, and no external venture or equity funding structure.

Name

United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States

Legal name

United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States

Website

https://dbqunitedway.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1928

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States is an independent nonprofit founded in 1928 that advances health, education, and income across a 10-county Iowa-Illinois-Wisconsin service area, raising over $1.2 million annually and distributing grants to 37 partner organizations serving nearly 50,000 local residents.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Impact and Human Services

NAICS

Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGAKAG

Federated Giving Organizations (e.g., United Way-type)

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Philanthropy, Foundations & Grantmaking

Keywords

• Community fundraising
• Human services coordination
• Workplace giving campaigns
• Nonprofit grantmaking
• Resource referral hotline

Headquarters

HQ city

Dubuque

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Others, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Workplace Campaign Donations: Annual workplace fundraising campaigns where employees pledge donations through employer-sponsored programs. United Way provides pledge forms, organizes campaigns at workplaces, and distributes funds to funded partner organizations.
2. Individual Donations: Direct donations from individuals, including campaign contributions and one-time gifts through the organization's website and events.
3. Event Fundraising: Revenue generated from signature events like Over the Edge, Captains of the Cocktail, and Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast. Includes event registration, sponsorships, and fundraising during events.
4. Corporate Sponsorships: Business sponsorships for events and programs. Organizations like Diamond Jo Casino sponsor events, and businesses can sponsor at various levels (e.g., $10,000 Rooftop Sponsor, $2,500 8th Story Sponsor for Over the Edge).
5. Women UNITED Membership: Women UNITED is a group of women philanthropists who pledge financial contributions. Charter members pledge $1,000, Visionary members pledge $500. Membership supports community initiatives in education, income, and health.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States is a community-impact nonprofit that coordinates fundraising through workplace campaigns, individual donations, and event sponsorships, then redistributes the funds as competitive Community Impact Grants to 37 partner nonprofit organizations across a 10-county tri-state area. It also operates direct service programs including the 24/7 211 Resource & Referral Hotline, the Sprout Into Reading early literacy program, the SingleCare prescription discount card, Brain Health Training, Women UNITED women's philanthropy membership, disaster response, and signature fundraising events such as Over the Edge.

Product overview

United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States operates as a community impact organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programs and services organized around three pillars: Healthy Communities, Youth Opportunities, and Financial Security. The core service offerings include the 211 Resource & Referral Hotline (a 24/7 helpline for health and human services), Sprout Into Reading (early childhood literacy), SingleCare prescription discount cards, Brain Health Training, and the ALICE Project research initiative. Additional services include disaster response, community clothing closet, Little Free Library, coordinated entry for housing, My Smart Money financial education, tax assistance (VITA), and Women UNITED membership program. Signature fundraising events include Over the Edge and Workplace Campaigns. The organization also manages a competitive Community Impact Grant process awarding funds to 37 partner nonprofits across a 10-county tri-state service area.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Women UNITED: A group of philanthropic women actively engaged in addressing unmet needs in the community. Operates programs including Sprout into Reading and Little Free Library. Members pledge $1,000 (Charter) or $500 (Visionary) annually.

Products and services

• 211 Resource & Referral Hotline (and 211 Iowa Mobile App)

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 50,000 local people impacted annually
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• MidWestOne BankmajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 11 September 2026MidWestOne Bank building in Dubuque is the location for the Over the Edge 2026 rappelling event. MidWestOne is also listed as an In-Kind Sponsor for the event.
• Diamond Jo CasinomajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 August 2026Diamond Jo Casino is the sponsor for the 2026 Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast event taking place at the Diamond Jo Casino Harbor Room. This is a prominent signature event for United Way's annual fundraising campaign.
• Exit RealtymajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 13 August 2026Exit Realty co-sponsors the 2026 Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast event, supporting United Way's annual campaign kick-off activities.
• Spahn & RosemajorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Spahn & Rose is a Rooftop Sponsor ($10,000) for Over the Edge 2026. Jacque Arensdorf from Spahn & Rose also serves on United Way's Board.
• Green State Credit UnioncoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Green State Credit Union is an 8th Story Sponsor ($2,500) for Over the Edge 2026.
• Dubuque StampingcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Dubuque Stamping is an 8th Story Sponsor ($2,500) for Over the Edge 2026.
• Kunkel & AssociatescoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Kunkel & Associates is a 7th Story Sponsor ($1,000) for Over the Edge 2026. TJ Wagner from Kunkel & Associates serves on United Way's Board.
• Ludovissy TilingminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Ludovissy Tiling is a Launch Party Sponsor ($500) for Over the Edge 2026.
• ImOn CommunicationsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026ImOn Communications is a Launch Party Sponsor ($500) for Over the Edge 2026.
• TH MediacoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026TH Media is an In-Kind Sponsor for Over the Edge 2026 and provides marketing support. Matt Connolly from TH Media serves as Marketing Chair on United Way's Board.
• Anderson Window & DoorscoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Anderson Window & Doors is a 9th Story Sponsor ($5,000) for Over the Edge 2026.
• 37 Funded Partner OrganizationscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026United Way allocates grants to 37 nonprofit organizations for the 2026-2028 allocation cycle. These partners offer programs focused on healthy communities, youth opportunities, and financial security throughout the 10-county tri-state area.
• VolunteerDBQ PortalcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2026VolunteerDBQ is an online portal connecting volunteers with opportunities across United Way's funded partner network and community programs.
• 211 Iowa / Iowa 211CountscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnited Way 2-1-1 is a free health and human service information and referral resource. The 211Counts platform tracks trends and service gaps in the specific area. Individuals can call 2-1-1, 1-800-244-7431, or search the website database for resources.
• FreeWillcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFreeWill is a social venture founded at Stanford University that makes estate planning more accessible. United Way offers FreeWill as a resource to help individuals plan their estates while supporting charitable causes.
• Eastern Iowa Coordinated Entry Service RegioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordinated Entry is a process ensuring people experiencing housing crisis have fair and equal access to safe housing. A standardized system allows those seeking housing to participate in a standardized survey, prioritizing those with greatest need.
• Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (Project HOPE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject HOPE conducted a Child Care Needs Assessment examining needs and barriers to economic opportunity in Dubuque. Mental health and childcare services were overwhelmingly identified as community needs.
• Brain Health Training Work Group PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartners include: Community Foundations of Greater Dubuque, Substance Abuse Services Center, Dubuque Community YMCA/YWCA, Hillcrest Family Service, Crescent Community Health Center, University of Dubuque, 2-1-1 Information and Referral, and Hawkeye Area Community Action Program. These organizations work together on brain health awareness and reducing mental health stigma.
• SingleCare (FamilyWize)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSingleCare (formerly FamilyWize) prescription drug discount card program. Cards are distributed through participating United Way partner agencies. Offers average savings of up to 42% or more on prescription drugs. Cards available at no cost with no enrollment requirements.
• WOMEN UnitedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWOMEN United is a group of philanthropic women actively engaged in addressing unmet community needs. They operate the Sprout Into Reading program, distributing books to low-income youth ages birth to five years through strategic partnerships.
• Sprout Into Reading PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProgram partners include: Parents as Teachers, Four Oaks, Helping Services for Youth & Families, Parent Share & Support Inc., Regional Medical Center, Crescent Community Health Center, Dubuque County Visiting Nurses Association, and Guttenberg Municipal Hospital. These organizations help distribute books to low-income children.
• Marketing Committee PartnerscoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMarketing Committee includes representatives from Spahn & Rose, Cottingham & Butler, ful.health, Dupaco, US Bank, Assured Partners, and community members who help develop marketing strategies and leverage in-kind contributions and sponsorships.
• ALICE Project PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIowa is one of the few states participating in the ALICE Project (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). ALICE data shows that ALICE lives in every Iowa county, ranging from 26% to 52% of households. The project creates conversations about struggles working Americans face.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights2 records

Others

• Heartland Big Brothers Big Sisters: Youth-mentoring nonprofit that could conceivably appear as a United Way-funded partner or peer organization within the youth opportunities pillar. Comparable as a regional human-services nonprofit but focused on direct mentoring rather than grantmaking.
• Volunteer Center of East Central Iowa: Regional volunteer-matching platform referenced via the VolunteerDBQ partnership. Operates an adjacent enabling service (volunteer coordination) that complements rather than competes with United Way's grantmaking function.

Direct peers

• United Way of Dane County: Wisconsin-based United Way affiliate serving the Madison region. Operates the same workplace-campaign and community-investment model, with comparable 211 hotline integration and pillar-based grantmaking framework.
• United Way of Central Iowa: Another Iowa-based United Way affiliate operating the same federated fundraising and community investment model. Comparable in pillar structure (health, education, income) and workplace-campaign-driven revenue, with a similarly rural/small-metro service area.
• United Way of the Fox Cities: Wisconsin-based United Way serving the Appleton/Fox Cities region. Comparable in scale (community investment in the high six to seven figures) and operating model, providing a benchmark for fundraising efficiency at similar population size.
• United Way of the Quad Cities: Regional United Way affiliate serving the Quad Cities metro area on the Iowa-Illinois border. Operates with the same three-pillar model and 211 hotline infrastructure, making it the closest geographic and operational peer for the Dubuque Tri-States affiliate.

Regional players

• Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque: Local community foundation that has co-developed community needs assessments (Project HOPE) with United Way. A regional philanthropy peer competing for charitable capital within the same 10-county service area.

Broad incumbents

• United Way Worldwide: The global parent network of 1,800+ local United Ways. Comparable as the umbrella organization that provides brand, infrastructure (211, ALICE, FreeWill), and collective impact capabilities that local affiliates like Dubuque Tri-States leverage.

Emerging players

• Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque: Local philanthropic partner that co-leads initiatives like Project HOPE child care assessment and brain health coalitions with United Way. Competes for some of the same donor dollars in the Dubuque service area but focuses on endowed grantmaking rather than workplace campaigns.
• Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP): Regional Community Action Agency serving multiple Iowa counties and a current brain-health coalition partner of United Way. Comparable mission around poverty alleviation with overlapping but distinct funding streams (federal CSBG grants vs. private donations).

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/UnitedWayDBQ
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/united-way---dubuque-iowa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States