FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Cindy Deppe, media relations, 641-269-4834

January 17, 2008

GRINNELL COLLEGE ANNOUNCES MINI-GRANTS DEADLINE

Grinnell College is accepting applications for Community Mini-Grants for cultural, recreational, and educational projects in the Grinnell community. The Mini-Grants Program typically supports requests in the $500 to $5,000 range, with preference given to projects that have a meaningful impact on the safety, beauty, and economic vitality of the community; projects that request matching or challenge funds; and initiatives that demonstrate collaborative partnerships.

"The Office of Community Enhancement has made mini-grant awards for seven years and supported a wide range of community initiatives totaling nearly $100,000," said interim director Amy Kalkbrenner. "We welcome applications from new organizations, as well as prior recipients."

In 2007, recipients included: Communities for Literate Iowa Kids (CLIK) for early literacy programming ($1,500); Davis Elementary School for assessment training ($3,500); Grinnell Area Arts Council for summer arts camp supplies and tuition support ($1,000); Grinnell Historical Museum Society for archival supplies ($1,800); Iowa Youth Chorus for curriculum materials ($500); Learning Garden Preschool for computer and software ($1,670); Poweshiek Animal League Shelter for animal vet bills ($1,000); Rock Creek Lake Alliance for shelter house ($5,000); and Stewart Library for local history cataloging ($3,500).

Applications for 2008 must be received in the Office of Community Enhancement by the Feb. 15 deadline. Information about the application process and past awards can be found at: http://www.grinnell.edu/offices/communityenhance/ Applications will be reviewed by Kalkbrenner and an advisory committee of Grinnell College faculty, staff, and students from the Grinnell area. Awardees will be notified by April 1.

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