IOWA CITY — In an inspiring collaboration between community spirit and craft beer, the Big Grove For Good Foundation is thrilled to announce a significant milestone in its Neighborhood Micro-Grant Program: micro-grant distribution has now topped $36,000 in one year, with grants being awarded to 68 deserving individuals and organizations since the launch of the program. This unique 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, 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 from community celebrations and eradicating invasive species through goat grazing, to helping a neighborhood grow its tree canopy with careful attention to species and tree wellness. Each micro-grant awarded reflects the program’s focus on accessibility and enhancements, environmental stewardship, and community connection events.
Highlighted Local Grant Recipient and Locations
• 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 optimal locations for their tree and 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 financial support from a Big Grove for Good micro-grant. Initially started by a local family, the neighborhood event grows with each year and helps new and longtime neighbors share a time of connection. (photos from 2025 event available.) 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 program called Gift for my Sibling, where local children could reserve a time to pick out a gift–free of charge–for their sibling during the holiday season.
The Big Grove for Good Neighborhood Micro-Grant program stands out in many ways–one being that it offers grants not just to organizations, but to individuals as well. Awards range from $250 to $1000 and are awarded to applicants striving to enhance their neighborhood and foster a vibrant place to live. More information about this unique micro-grant program can be found here: https://biggroveforgood.com/neighborhood-beer-micro-grant/.
Big Grove For Good is an independent, private 501(c)(3) organization committed to strengthening neighborhoods and communities where Big Grove operates and has a presence.
“By providing funding, we support initiatives that make a meaningful impact, fostering positive change and empowering organizations dedicated to improving lives.” — Big Grove For Good Foundation
Through the shared passion for brewing and community betterment, Big Grove For Good and Big Grove Brewery are proud to support the local stories and small acts of kindness and connection that strengthen our neighborhoods. Please join us in raising a glass to celebrate these recipients.