|
“With this great program, I’ve been able to direct over $1,100 to the Grinnell Fire Department. Thank you to the College for establishing this [VIP] program that benefits organizations in the community.”
– Duane McClun, Grinnell College Facilities Management and Grinnell Fire Department volunteer photographer
VIP Program Benefits Employees and the Grinnell Community
Recognizing the value of volunteerism, Grinnell College’s Volunteer Initiative Program (VIP) supports local organizations by allowing employee volunteers to designate up to $200 per year from Grinnell College to the nonprofit of their choice. Since 1999, this program has encouraged Grinnell College employees to commit their time to projects that they feel most passionate about while empowering them to direct some of the College’s contributions at the same time. Learn more about the program and Grinnell College employee volunteer stories on our website.
Inspiring Grinnell Memories Lead to $5M Gift for Civic Innovation Pavilion
As students in the late 1950s, Katherine Howell Weingart ’61 and her brother, Steve Howell ’63, found joy in Grinnell’s downtown, bonding over soda fountain visits and haircuts. Decades later, Howell’s $5M gift, designated by Weingart, embodies their gratitude. Renfrow Hall, Grinnell’s new downtown student residence dedicated to civic engagement, features the Katherine Howell Weingart ’61 Civic Innovation Pavilion, honoring Weingart’s legacy of community engagement. President Anne F. Harris praised their generosity, emphasizing Grinnell’s commitment to civic trust. Howell commends Grinnell’s unique leadership, citing President Harris’ transformative vision. Learn more about this gift on our website.
Grinnell Mutual Group Foundation Provides $60,000 Grant for Youth Summer Enrichment Programs
The Grinnell Mutual Group (GMG) Foundation has approved a three-year, $60,000 grant to support AmeriCorps members serving in five Grinnell youth summer enrichment programs who work together as part of the Grinnell Education Partnership (GEP) Summer Collaborative. This collaboration includes Lead, Inspire, Nurture, Keep (LINK); Summer Learning is Cool for Kids (SLICK); Grinnell Community Early Learning Center's Grinnell Area Summer Camp (GASC); Grinnell College Museum of Art (GCMoA); and Drake Community Library (DCL). Grinnell College and the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation together provide the collaborative infrastructure behind the partnership – bringing together human and financial resources to make the collaboration possible. Together, the five youth programs provide vital summer enrichment programming and food access for Grinnell-area children. Read more about the positive impact of this grant on our website.
Grinnell Education Partnership Now Accepting 2024 AmeriCorps Applications
Applications are now available for 10 summer AmeriCorps member positions. AmeriCorps members will work directly with youth by leading activities focused on literacy, play, and art, and provide individual, small group, and large group learning opportunities. Responsibilities include supervising, monitoring, and ensuring the safety of the youth in the programs. Learn more about the summer positions and apply through Monday, March 18, 2024, on the Grinnell Education Partnership website.
New Year, New Taxes: Students Participate in Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is now officially underway at Drake Community Library through Wednesday, March 20, 2024. Low- and middle-income families can schedule a 15-minute drop off or a face-to-face appointment by calling the Poweshiek County ISU Extension and Outreach office at 641-623-5188, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Monday–Friday. Learn more about the program on our website.
Interfaith America Grant to Expand Bridge-Building Dialogue in Grinnell Community
Ryan Solomon, associate director of civic innovation and education and the Listening Project team, is celebrating a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to foster conversations across differences within the Grinnell community. Solomon and the Listening Project team, which includes both Grinnell community members and Grinnell College students, have been awarded a $3,850 grant from Interfaith America’s Bridging the Gap program. Learn more about the grant and program on our website.
Spring Mini-Grant Application Cycle Open through April 5
The Grinnell College Community Mini-Grant Program supports requests from area organizations ranging from $1,000–$7,500 that focus on initiatives that strengthen the social and economic vitality of our community. Applications for the Spring Mini-Grant cycle must be received by Friday, April 5, 2024, and awards will be announced by Friday, May 17, 2024. Learn more about the Community Mini-Grant program and apply on our website.
| 
