Grinnell College and Grinnell Mutual Announce Lead Gifts for New Elementary School Campaign
A combined gift of $475,000, reflects shared commitment to Grinnell’s students, families, and future.
Grinnell College and the Grinnell Mutual Group Foundation have announced lead gifts totaling $475,000 in support of the Grinnell-Newburg School Foundation (GNSF) campaign benefiting the new Grinnell-Newburg Elementary School project at Ahrens Park. Grinnell College has pledged $250,000, while the Grinnell Mutual Group Foundation has committed $225,000 to the foundation’s School Facilities Fund, helping advance community efforts to bring the full vision of the new school to life.
The fund originated from earlier school bond initiatives and continues to grow to support the district's evolving facilities needs. The gifts from Grinnell College and the Grinnell Mutual Group Foundation will support important elements of the new school project that fall outside of the primary construction scope including an accessible playground, fixtures and furnishings, and outfitting the school gymnasium.
The new elementary school represents a transformational investment in the future of Grinnell and the surrounding community, creating spaces designed to support learning, accessibility, and connection for generations of students and families.
“As we began to discuss this project, it quickly became clear that investing in elementary education is one of the most impactful ways to support the shared future of Grinnell. As the College works to attract and retain outstanding faculty and staff, school quality is one of several key issues that current and prospective employees say is important to them. We decided to make an investment of this magnitude in honor of current and future Grinnellians at the College and in the community, and in celebration of our many connections” said President Anne F. Harris. “The new elementary school will serve as a place where young people learn, grow, and build relationships that will shape their lives for years to come. We are grateful to the Grinnell-Newburg School Foundation and the many community partners working together to make this vision a reality, and we are honored to contribute to a project that will have such a lasting impact in Grinnell."
Community leaders noted that the campaign reflects the power of community collaboration and a shared commitment to investing in local families and future generations.
“Providing a state-of-the-art educational environment is crucial to giving our students a strong foundation for learning and interacting with each other and teachers,” said Grinnell Mutual President and CEO Dave Wingert. “A thriving school system is the cornerstone of a vibrant community, and we are proud to be a partner with Grinnell College, the Grinnell Newburg School Foundation, and everyone who is supporting this most important effort for the city of Grinnell.”
“This project reflects what is possible when a community comes together around a shared vision,” said Monica Chavez-Silva, VP Community Engagement and Strategic Planning. “Over the years, Grinnell College and Grinnell Mutual have come together to jointly support important community priorities and we’re glad for this opportunity to partner in this way again. The new elementary school will not only support students and educators, but also strengthen the broader community through spaces designed for accessibility, belonging, and opportunity. Grinnell College is glad to be able partner in this important effort and support a project that will benefit families across our region.”
Liz Hansen, Executive Director of GNSF, said, "Grinnell College and Grinnell Mutual have always believed in this community, and their combined investment of $475,000 in our new elementary school will ensure that every child in Grinnell learns in a space worthy of their potential. This is what community partnership looks like at its very best, and we are deeply grateful."
About Grinnell College
Grinnell College, a private liberal arts college in Iowa founded in 1846, provides individually advised learning for intellectually engaged students to produce graduates who are prepared to navigate the world’s complexities and responsibly contribute to the common good. Grinnell enrolls 1,700 students from around the world, who earn bachelor’s degrees in a range of disciplines across the humanities, arts and sciences. Grinnell's rigorous academic program and campus life emphasize excellence in education through free inquiry and the open exchange of ideas, a diverse community and social responsibility and action. More information about Grinnell College is available at www.grinnell.edu
About Grinnell Mutual
Grinnell Mutual, in business since 1909, is the 104th-largest property-casualty insurance company in the United States and the largest primary reinsurer of farm mutual companies in the U.S. Its products are available in 17 states.