In Dubuque, giving is a way of life. Each day, someone can say they experienced the community’s generosity, whether through the helping hand of a neighbor, the services of a nonprofit, or the lessons of a beloved relative.
The data reflects these experiences. In 2023, an analysis of income-tax returns by travel and business website Upgraded Points found that 41.7% included charitable contributions. That makes Dubuque not only the most charitable city in Iowa but also the sixth most charitable in the United States.
At the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, we see how our region has been shaped by generosity over time and how people today are instilling Dubuque’s ethic of giving back in the next generation.
As this season of giving approaches, we are sharing two stories of charitable families that will hopefully inspire you and ignite your spirit of generosity.
Spend, Save, Share
Giving to charity is second nature to Michael and Mary Pat Ament. In setting aside a portion of their assets each year to donate, they know that the causes they care about will always be supported.
“Years ago, at our parish, one of the members of the congregation introduced tithing to us,” Michael says. “It’s, basically, to give 10 percent – 5 to the church and 5 to other charities. He told us that once you start doing it, you won’t miss it. We found this to be true.”
Years later, that conversation with a fellow parishioner inspired the Aments to develop an estate plan and designate a portion of their assets to be donated to funds hosted by the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque after they pass.
They also started working to instill that ethic of giving back in their grandchildren. Knowing that their adult children are providing the grandchildren with everything they need to be happy and thrive, Michael and Mary Pat decided to do something a little different with their holiday gifts.
When the grandchildren were younger, the Aments would make donations to charity in the children’s names – in addition to their wrapped presents. Now that the kids are older, “Nana” and “Bapa” have added a layer of responsibility to the charitable portion of the gifts.
“They get a letter and three envelopes: You spend some, you save some, and then you share some,” Mary Pat says. “Now, that’s just what Christmas is.”
To read the remainder of this premium article and other premium articles in their entirety, pick up the Julien’s Journal November 2025 issue. Single issues are available in print for free at area newsstands, or you can click here to read the entire article for free in the digital version of the magazine.
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