Big Grove Brewery launches neighborhood microgrant program funded by new lager

IOWA CITY — Big Grove Brewery is launching a new microgrant program that pairs well with its new Neighborhood Beer.

Recognizing the outsized impact of smaller neighborhood projects, the Iowa City-based brewery launched a microgrant program from Big Grove For Good last week. The initiative to enhance and revitalize local neighborhoods expounds on its existing Big Grove for Good Foundation grants by opening up funding for individuals as well as nonprofits.

“Adding a lager to our portfolio was always something we were looking to do, but we knew there had to be a differentiator in how we approached the market. What separates Big Grove is the good we do in the communities we are in, and that’s where the idea for the microgrants came from,” said Doug Goettsch, founder of Big Grove. “We hope these microgrants inspire individuals and organizations to take action in their neighborhoods. We’re putting our money where our beer is and helping people create change — one person, one project at a time.”

The initiative will start with $20,000 from Big Grove to kick-start its launch. Grants will be funded directly by sales of The Neighborhood Beer, the brewery’s new lager released with the launch of the program last week. For every case sold, $1 will go directly to the program.

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Now, individuals and organizations in Iowa, Illinois and Nebraska can apply for grants from $250 to $1,000. Eligibility will extend to other Midwestern states later this year.

Eligible projects include initiatives that improve neighborhoods or better the lives of an applicant and their neighbors — think improving basketball courts, building lending libraries, planting trees, or purchasing a mixer to make baked goods for community events.

Applicants can apply at biggroveforgood.com. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis.

Comments: Features reporter Elijah Decious can be reached at (319) 398-8340 or elijah.decious@thegazette.com.

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