Black Hawk County Gaming Association

08/27/2026

Fun Fact: Applicants who consult with BHCGA Staff before submitting a proposal often present the strongest applications to our board!

Sign up to meet with BHCGA Grant Coordinator, Sarah Craft, here: https://bookings.cloud.microsoft/bookwithme/user/dfdcae97f7a24d9eb926b893d075163d%40bhcga.org/meetingtype/NKt0wvSGDU6vFcw5o6OjEQ2?anonymous&fbclid=IwY2xjawTUkb5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE1OEF5VVNUaU9kaDcyS0xmc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQPNTE0NzcxNTY5MjI4MDYxAAEe52KWqR2T0fp_XTPLhjpOt929_eZADQMSbP2plnybC9lgX2Yu0XlWrj1PlBY_aem_3DkSl94sAc1ov5oCrPCHqw&ismsaljsauthenabled=true

08/26/2026

BHCGA Grant Coordinator, Sarah, and members of our executive committee got to take a special tour of CourtWorks in Downtown Waterloo yesterday morning. Construction is moving quickly and they hope to have most of the exterior work done by winter. We can't wait for it to open next summer!

For more information on CourtWorks, click here: https://waterloocourtworks.com/

08/24/2026

Rumor has it 8-10 nonprofit organizations will be at the BHCGA FY26 Annual Celebration to share their important work with attendees. Here are some pictures from last year. You don't want to miss out!

Have you submitted your RSVP?
https://forms.gle/SCXcZavRGTtseF8k6

08/20/2026

Iowa is known for it's outstanding and extensive trail system.

Our board recently partnered with the City of Sumner to improve the safety and quality of trails in Bremer County. A truly a great outdoor recreation feature to connect Northeast Iowa!

08/18/2026

Sometimes, people get confused by the term "capacity building" when they see our grant categories.

Capacity building grants help organizations level up their work. They are not funds that help you generically "expand services," but rather they are specific projects that enhance what organizations do in an efficient, informed manner.

Contact our staff at 319-433-1153 or [email protected] to ask further questions.

08/17/2026

Listen to this podcast where BHCGA Board Member, Chiquita Loveless, talks about leading with service and supporting military-connected students at University of Northern Iowa!

https://rss.com/podcasts/lead-uni/3044025/

What makes someone worth following?

Not their title. Not their rank. Their commitment to serving others.

On the next LEAD UNI Podcast, Chiquita Loveless shares how service, accountability, and integrity have shaped her leadership journey and why great leaders focus on helping others succeed.

Chiquita's episode, Leading with Service, Not Status, goes live on August 17. Check the link in the comments to see where to stream it!

08/14/2026

"The man who brought casino gaming to Waterloo has cashed in his chips and left a golden legacy, contemporaries say. Don Hoth, a hard-charging retired hospital foundation executive who went all in 25 years ago to bring Isle Casino Hotel to Waterloo as an economic development booster shot, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 11 at age 88."

Help us recognize and honor the life of BHCGA Founder, Don Hoth! His vision has left behind a $88+ million impact (and growing!) on the Cedar Valley.

Hospital fundraiser Don Hoth brought a casino to Waterloo, generated millions in grants

08/12/2026

Join us at the Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo as we recognize 28 grants and $5,701,500.00 reinvested in Northeast Iowa!

This event is free and open to the public as long as you RSVP by Sept. 9: https://forms.gle/ve1z5UzZPuxigrTFA

We hope to see you there!

08/11/2026

Great progress is happening at Court Works in Downtown Waterloo! This $30+ million project led by the Waterloo Development Corporation is set to open next summer- we can’t wait to see it!

08/07/2026

La Porte City's Library has undergone a major renovation in the last year!

BHCGA was proud to partner by providing a $20,000 grant to make the work possible. We value third spaces, and encourage everyone to check it out!