2028–29 Thematic Focus: TBD
Applications Open: July 1, 2027
Application Deadline: September 2027
Residency Timing: Fall or Spring Semester, 2028–29 Academic Year
What the Residency Offers
The Social Innovator in Residence will have the opportunity to:
- Advance their work through reflection, planning, and collaboration with campus and community partners;
- Leverage College resources, including access to research support, networks, and communications platforms;
- Build meaningful relationships with students, faculty, staff, and fellow changemakers;
- Recharge and reflect in Grinnell’s rural prairie setting;
- Join a vibrant network of past and future Social Innovators committed to mutual learning and support.
Eligibility
We are eager to support:
- Changemakers driving bold, new approaches in social innovation
- Leaders advancing solutions to pressing social justice challenges
- Visionaries addressing systemic issues with sustainable, equitable strategies
- Mentors who empower and inspire the next generation of changemakers
- Social innovators seeking time and space to deepen their impact
Ideal applicants have a demonstrated track record of leadership, are recognized within their field or community, and are actively creating meaningful change. While alumni and friends of Grinnell College are encouraged to apply, no prior affiliation with the College is required.
Additional eligibility details will be posted by late spring 2027.
Campus Engagement Expectations
During the residency, Innovators will inspire and mentor the campus community by collaboratively working on a project connected to their ongoing work that engages both students and local community members and:
- Sharing their social innovation model, strategies, and lessons learned;
- Demonstrating how systems thinking can inform sustainable change;
- Leading cohort discussions, workshops, class visits, experiential learning, or research projects;
- Exploring future partnerships and collaborative opportunities beyond the residency.
Residency Structure
- Spring/Summer 2028: Planning meetings and introductory campus visit
- Fall or spring semester of the 2028–29 Academic Year: 7-week in-person residency in Grinnell, Iowa
- During this time, the Innovator will engage in campus programming and work on a project tied to their social innovation work that actively involves students and members of the Grinnell community
- Spring 2029 (optional): Short follow-up visit to continue collaborative work
- Housing: Furnished apartment on campus will be provided.
Budget and Funding
The Social Innovator in Residence will receive a combination of award, compensation, and operational support. Specific details will be posted by late spring 2027.
Questions?
Please contact Vicki Nolton at noltonvi@grinnell.edu or (641) 269–4940 with any questions about the program or application process.