Mini-Grant Awards

Published:
April 11, 2016

A dozen local projects and initiatives will benefit from $35,000 in grant support this year from the Grinnell College Mini-Grant Program.

Community Enhancement and Engagement supports the College’s mission by helping our hometown become an energetic place to live, work, and study through grants that enhance the experience of life in Grinnell.

One grant program that provides catalyst funding for small- to mid-scale off-campus projects is the Mini-Grant Program. These grants focus on arts and culture, as well as recreational and educational initiatives that address human needs and enhance the safety, beauty, and economic vitality of the area. Since 2002, the program has directed more than $348,000 towards 164 community initiatives.

“We are pleased to help support so many wonderful projects in Grinnell that make our community even stronger. It is amazing to see all of the initiatives funded in 2016 and the amount of strength they will give to Grinnell, both now and in future years,” said Sarah Smith, program and communications manager for Community Enhancement and Engagement.

The College has awarded mini-grant funding to the following 12 initiatives for 2016:

  • Grinnell Newburg Educational Excellence, towards the purchase of a grand piano for the Grinnell High School Auditorium to enable all students in the Grinnell Newburg School district to have the opportunity to hear the quality of music produced by a Steinway Grand Piano. ($5,000)
  • Grinnell Area Arts Council, toward the purchase of an iPad to incorporate STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) concepts and learning into the Arts Academy. ($2,000)
  • Grinnell Area Arts Council, for the Grinnell Public Art Initiative and the vitality these pieces of art will bring to the community. ($5,000)
  • Grinnell Community Daycare and Preschool, for professional development for the entire staff to increase the quality and programs offered at the daycare and preschool. ($1,335)
  • Grinnell Historical Museum, for “Our Prairie Town,” a third-grade social studies text, which will help students gain understanding and appreciation of the history of their hometown. ($2,500)
  • Grinnell Regional Medical Center, towards the purchase of a Patient Care Simulator to enhance GRMC’s employee training and practice-care techniques prior to caring for patients. ($2,582)
  • Grinnell Outdoor Adventure Club Scaling Frozen Waterfall
    Grinnell-Newburg Community School District, for the Grinnell Outdoor Adventure Program to offer students an opportunity to experience the outdoors while also developing leadership skills. ($5,000)
  • Grinnell Little League, for new softball equipment, which will contribute to the safety and enjoyment of the children involved in the program. ($2,000)
  • Imagine Grinnell, for a bicycle repair station to assist cyclists who use the Grinnell Area Recreational Trail. ($2,500)
  • Poweshiek County Fair Foundation, for renovation of the kitchen at the fairgrounds to increase utilization of the fairgrounds through improved facilities. ($2,000)
  • Poweshiek County Heritage Park, towards construction of a sidewalk, ramp, and porch at Heritage Park, which will enhance safety and accessibility ($2,583)
  • St. John’s Lutheran Church-Grinnell Giving Gardens, for improving access to fresh, locally grown vegetables and fruit to individuals experiencing low incomes or food scarcity. ($2,500)

For more information about the mini-grant program, contact Sarah Smith, 641-269-3900. Learn more about the College's community contributions at Community Investments.

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