...Give With Time

The Volunteer Initiative Program was formalized in 1999 because Grinnell College understands that students, faculty and staff have a tremendous impact on the quality of life in our area through the time and energy that they invest in community activities.  For every employee who contributes a significant amount of volunteer time to a community organization, Grinnell College grants $100 to that organization of choice.  Encouraging employee volunteerism in the local community is consistent with the College's mission, values and commitment to the community. This program encourages employees to volunteer in those projects that they feel most passionate about while allowing them to direct some of the College's contributions at the same time.

Guidelines for $100 Recognition

  • Qualified Employees: Employees must be appointed to a regular or term (e.g., non-student) position at the College to be eligible to participate.
  • Qualified Activity: Program participants must contribute a "significant" amount of volunteer time to their organization of choice to receive financial support. A "significant amount of volunteer time" would include volunteering for more than a month on a weekly basis or more than ten hours on an intensive weekend project. Sponsored organizations are required to verify employee participation.
  • Qualified Organizations: The local community is not limited to Grinnell but includes the surrounding area; Des Moines and Iowa City. Generally, we do not support: Individuals, business ventures, organizations without IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status that are not governments, organizations that limit membership and services based on race, religion, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age or national origin, requests for loans or debt retirements, civic/labor/fraternal groups, political organizations and projects or organizations that might in any way pose a conflict with the mission, goals or programs of Grinnell College.
  • Funding Limits: No organization may receive more than $1,000 in total contributions through this program in a given fiscal year. Each employee may designate up to $100 in donations per fiscal year.  At the employee's request, this amount may be split among more than one qualifying organization.  The College's fiscal year is July 1 - June 30. Funds are limited and will be released in the order in which qualified applications are received.

Submitting a Request

Applications can be downloaded as a Word Document here (VIP Request Form) and are also available by contacting the Office of Community Enhancement & Engagement in the Old Glove Factory (269-3900). The College reserves the right to deny funding to any and/or all requests. If an application is denied, the applicant may request a written explanation for the decision. 

Get Involved!

Good sources about getting involved locally include: