Mini-Grant Celebration

Grinnell College’s Community Mini-Grant Program was highlighted at a recent Mini-Grant Celebration hosted by the College at the Drake Community Library.

Grant recipients, along with members of the Grant Committee, gathered to hear updates about the projects funded by the program in 2014. In the past, grant recipients were asked to provide only a written report at the end of the project. Although the reports were beneficial, leaders of the Mini-Grant Program determined there was added value in asking grant recipients to share their project’s progress in this new way.

“We were pleased to host the first-ever Grinnell College Mini-Grant Celebration, said Monica Chavez-Silva, director of community enhancement and engagement for Grinnell College. “It was a great way to honor the 2014 recipients and hear more about the success of their projects. We were also pleased to see the number of connections being made between grant recipients.

“The value of the Mini-Grant Program is about more than just the financial capital that changes hands,” she added. “It's also about building social and human capital — the chance to create valuable connections that will have a lasting impact in the community."

Parks and Recreation Director for the city of Grinnell Kelly Rose praised the Mini-Grant Celebration at the event. “In the past I was not able to connect with other recipients who received the Mini-Grant funding and learn about their projects, she said. The recent Celebration allowed our groups to connect with each other on a more personal level.”

“Some in attendance gave personal testimonials about how these projects had impacted their families directly. We even made a connection between two groups, which was so good to see. I hope that a similar event can take place in the future to continue to connect these important projects with each other, and that members of the selection committee can personally see the impact these Mini-Grants have on our projects.”

Since its inception in 2002, the Community Mini-Grant program has directed more than $282,000 toward 133 community initiatives.

Mini-Grants, which range from $1,000 to $7,500, are intended to support promising initiatives that enhance the social and economic vitality of our community, including cultural, recreational and educational projects, as well as projects addressing human needs and enhancing the safety and beauty of the community.

Applications for 2015 Mini-Grants are due by Jan. 30, 2015. Recipients of the awards will be announced on March 13, 2015.

Preference will be given to proposals that:

• Leverage additional funds,
• Demonstrate collaborative partnerships in the community,
• Stimulate campus/community connections,
• Are distinct among what already exists in Grinnell,
• Improve over what has been done in the past and
• Show promise that the desired result will be achieved.