Dubuque Racing Association Ltd
The Dubuque Racing Association Ltd is a 501(c)(4) civic league and community welfare organization based in Dubuque, Iowa. Operating since 1985, the DRA manages gaming and entertainment facilities including a casino resort and hotel. The organization operates as one of only two nonprofit casinos in the United States. The DRA's core function is to generate revenue through its gaming operations and distribute profits to the City of Dubuque and local nonprofit organizations.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$93.8M
+29.8% YoY
Annual Giving
$4.1M
-48.6% YoY
Grant Count
51
-1.9% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$81K
-47.5% YoY
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission Statement: The DRA, through its gaming and entertainment facilities, provides for social, economic and community betterment and lessens the burden of Dubuque city and area government, while contributing to the growth and viability of Dubuque area tourism.
Vision: The DRA is a dynamic community resource, acting as a catalyst to enhance the quality of life and financial well-being for the tri-state community.
Core Values: Vision, Integrity, Equity, Impact, Growth, Community
Primary Funding Focus Areas:
- Education ($12M+ awarded since 1985)
- Arts & Culture ($6.5M+ awarded since 1985)
- Veterans ($3.7M+ awarded since 1985)
- Human Services
- Community development and charitable causes
Since 1985, the DRA has supported 1,500+ local organizations through 5,500+ grants.
Grantmaking
The DRA operates two primary grant programs:
Review Cycle
with the following 2026 timeline:
How to Apply
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Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The DRA primarily funds organizations in the tri-state region, with emphasis on:
- Dubuque, Iowa
- Iowa, Wisconsin, and Tennessee
Grant Distribution by State
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year Ending December 2024:
| Metric | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Revenue | $35,289,216 |
| Total Expenses | $40,927,447 |
| Net Income | -$5,638,231 |
| Total Assets | $93,840,154 |
| Total Liabilities | $54,500,000 |
| Net Assets | $39,362,810 |
Revenue Sources (2024):
- Program Services: $10,588,761
- Investment Income: $831,438
- Contributions: $0
Operations: The organization operates three primary programs:
- Sponsorship of casino gambling operation and pari-mutuel dog racing facility
- Operation of casino gaming facility
- Operation of hotel and restaurant facility
Employees: 565 (as of 2024)
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $93,840,154 | $72,291,767 | $63,024,044 |
| Revenue | $35,289,216 | $42,364,391 | $43,273,258 |
| Expenses | $40,927,447 | $38,488,548 | $37,044,411 |
| Qualifying Distributions | — | — | — |
| Net Investment Income | $-1,199,377 | $1,029,821 | $247,525 |
| Distributable Amount | — | — | — |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
208 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
2 open opportunities from Dubuque Racing Association Ltd
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
No grants recorded for .
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Principal Officer: Brian Rakestraw
Chief of Staff: Mandy Miller
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| BARBARA O'HEA | MEMBER | 1 | — |
| BRAD CAVANAGH | MEMBER | 1 | — |
| CHAD WOLBERS | MEMBER | 1 | — |
| DANNY SPRANK | MEMBER | 1 | — |
| EMILY MCCREADY | TREASURER | 5 | — |
| GARY DOLPHIN | MEMBER AT LARGE | 5 | — |
| HARLEY POTHOFF | MEMBER | 1 | — |
| HERBER RIEDEL | MEMBER | 1 | — |
| JAN POWER | MEMBER | 1 | — |
| KAY TAKES | SECRETARY | 5 | — |
| KEVIN LYNCH | PAST CHAIR | 5 | — |
| LORI THIELEN | 1ST VICE CHAIR | 5 | — |
| MICHAEL VAN MILLIGEN | CITY MANAGER | 1 | — |
| MIKE DONOHUE | CHAIR | 5 | — |
| MIKE FITZPATRICK | MEMBER | 1 | — |
| NICOLE GANTZ | MEMBER | 1 | — |
| PAULA WOLFE | MEMBER | 1 | — |
| RIC JONES | MEMBER | 1 | — |
| RICHARD DICKINSON | MEMBER AT LARGE | 5 | — |
| RON HERRIG | MEMBER | 1 | — |
| TYSON LEYENDECKER | 2ND VICE CHAIR | 5 | — |
| ALEX DIXON | CEO & PRESIDENT | 60 | $865,819 |
| BRIAN RAKESTRAW | CFO & COO | 60 | $547,486 |
| STACY KANSKY | CCO | 50 | $368,516 |
| KATHY BUHR | DIRECTOR OF PHILANTHROPY & | 50 | $179,583 |
| KEN HAUGEN | DIRECTOR OF HOTEL OPERATIONS | 50 | $143,715 |
| LANCE CARNAHAN | VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS | 50 | $159,987 |
| MILES BREED | DIRECTOR OF F&B | 50 | $163,901 |
| TRESA HEBER | DIRECTOR OF FINANCE (TERMED 2024) | 1 | $202,710 |
Recent News & Activity
Recent developments and announcements
**2024 Core Grants:** Awarded more than $1.2 million to recipients
DRA Awards More Than $1.2 Million to 2024 Core Grant Recipients -| Press**2024 Mission Grant:** $100,000 awarded to DBQ Air for "Flights for Economic Prosperity"
DRA Announces Mission Grant Recipient for 2024, Awards $100,000 to DBQ Air**2024 Major Grant:** $1,594,594 to Schmitt Island Development Corporation for the Schmitt Island Fund
**2025 Grant Activity:** The Grand Opera House-Dubuque received a $10,000 DRA Core Grant for installation of a new state-of-the-art LED stage lighting system
Iowa: Dubuque Racing Association grants $1.1 million to area organizations**Organizational Transition:** The organization is entering a new era as the greyhound track operations conclude, with focus shifting to gaming, entertainment, and continued community investment
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Data last updated April 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
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