Overview
The endowment’s primary objective is to serve as a source of stable income to support the College’s institutional mission, balancing immediate financial needs with those of future Grinnellians.
The endowment is separate from the College’s Pioneer Fund, to which Grinnell’s generous alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, and friends make annual gifts that may be spent immediately.
Funds in the endowment are invested and a portion of the earnings each year are used to support the College and its mission. Unrestricted funds may be used for general operations of the College. Restricted funds are used in accordance with each gift agreement, which reflect the purposes designated by the donor of each fund. The endowment is made up of nearly 700 distinct fund accounts, enabling the College to track earnings from restricted funds and ensure that they are spent in a manner consistent with the donor’s original intention.
Grinnell must protect and prudently grow assets in the endowment investment portfolio over time to ensure the endowment remains an enduring resource that provides long-term student support and advances Grinnell’s mission and priorities.