Grinnell College Awarded $200K Grant from Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust

Aug 9, 2024

Three students stare at another person reaching for the grass in a large prarie.

Grinnell College was awarded a grant from the Roy J. Carver Trust, which will fund several key projects related to the Conard Environmental Research Area (CERA).

Grinnell College has been awarded a generous grant of $200,000 from the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust. This grant will significantly bolster infrastructure improvements at the Conard Environmental Research Area (CERA), furthering the College’s commitment to environmental stewardship and educational excellence.

The funding will support several key projects at CERA, including:

Renovation of Residential Space: The grant will fund the renovation of residential space attached to CERA's Graham Lab. This enhancement will enable the College to host visiting scholars, writers, and artists, fostering collaborative research and creative exchange in an inspiring natural setting.
Expansion of Maintenance Shed: The grant will facilitate the expansion of the College’s maintenance shed. This upgrade will improve storage and organization for vehicles and equipment and help ensure that fieldwork remains efficient and effective.
Fence Repair: Addressing safety and security concerns, the grant will be used to repair a fence separating CERA from a public road. This essential upgrade will help safeguard both facilities and the surrounding environment.
Installation of Wall Display: A new wall display will be installed in Noyce Hall on the main campus to highlight CERA's contributions to Grinnell’s teaching and learning initiatives. This display aims to raise awareness among both internal audiences and visitors about the significant impact of CERA’s work.

In addition to these infrastructure improvements, the grant will provide valuable support for faculty, staff, and student interns to connect with staff at other field stations across the state. It will also fund events to engage campus partners in exploring how CERA can enhance their research, teaching, and programmatic endeavors.

This grant is a vital component in advancing the objectives of the College’s Knowledge Into Action Strategic Plan to deepen environmental stewardship and expand outreach and educational activities. By improving facilities and increasing visibility, the College aims to strengthen its contributions to community outreach, environmental education, research, monitoring, and land management.

Grinnell College extends its thanks to the faculty team behind the successful proposal: Project Director Peter Jacobson, Vince Eckhart, Andrew Graham, and Kathy Jacobson, as well as the many contributors across campus whose data collection and insights were crucial to the proposal’s development. Their dedication and expertise have been instrumental in securing this grant exemplify the spirit of collaboration that drives Grinnell’s institutional success.

For more information about ongoing projects, visit the Conard Environmental Research Area website.

About the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust

The Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust awards grants to I.R.S.-designated, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. The majority of grants are given to organizations located in, and for projects to be conducted within, the state of Iowa and portions of Illinois, as well as to other organizations in which Carver had an interest during his lifetime. The Carver Trust supports biomedical and scientific research, scholarships, and programs addressing the educational and recreational needs of youth.