What is the Pioneer Fund?
Grinnell College needs $3.045 million in gifts from alumni, parents, and friends to fully fund the year. The Pioneer Fund sustains Grinnell's most importat resource -- its people. Programs prepare students for lives we cannot yet imagine for them. The Pioneer Fund collects gifts from alumni, friends, parents, students, faculty, staff, corporations, and others. Grinnell College is a non-profit organization, reliant on philanthropy to cover the remaining 2/3 of costs not covered by net tuition and fees.

Can I dedicate my gift to someone?
Yes! You are welcome to commemorate a person or program who made a difference for you. Making gifts in honor or memory of someone celebrates the Grinnell community.

How can I support the Pioneer Fund?
There are secure ways to make a gift to the Pioneer Fund. If you are interested in volunteering to help fundraise, please send an e-mail to Pioneer Fund.

What are the Gift Recognition Levels at Grinnell College?
Giving recognition includes all gifts to Grinnell College given between July 1 and June 30 -- to the annual Pioneer Fund, capital gifts, and endowment gifts. The levels can be found here.

Why is it important to give to the Pioneer Fund every year?
This year more than any other, Grinnell needs your support. Money from the Pioneer Fund is spent in full every year, and consistent support from donors maintains Grinnell College programs and services while maintaining relative costs to students.
The College operates on a fiscal year that begins each July 1 and ends each June 30.

How are gifts to the Pioneer Fund used?
Any money given to the Pioneer Fund is part of Grinnell College's yearly operating budget. It helps to pay for:

• financial aid;
• student government, groups, and programming;
• social and cultural events;
• research, internship, and study-abroad opportunities;
• outstanding faculty and dedicated staff;
• and many of the other worthwhile expenses that Grinnell College has each year.

Does the Pioneer Fund go to new capital projects and new buildings?
No. Funds for new buildings come from strategic reserves and private donations specifically for that purpose. The Pioneer Fund does support the annual maintenance of the campus.