Mini-Grants

Purpose

The Grinnell College Community Mini-Grant Program provides funding to support small- to mid-scale projects that enhance the quality of life in our community for current and potential residents. Recognizing that area nonprofits need to be healthy to advance their important work, grants also support projects that build organizational and financial capacity for nonprofits serving the Grinnell area.

Grant Guidelines

Support Areas

Funding will focus on initiatives that strengthen the social and economic vitality of our community including cultural, recreational, and educational projects; those addressing human needs; and those enhancing the safety and beauty of our surroundings for the benefit of current and potential Grinnell residents. Grants may also support projects that build organizational and financial capacity for nonprofits serving the Grinnell area.

Preference will be given to proposals that:

  • demonstrate collaborative partnerships in the community,
  • have connections to the community of Grinnell,
  • improve over what has been done in the past,
  • have the promise of making a meaningful impact on the Grinnell community.

Grant Amounts

The Grinnell College Community Mini-Grant Program supports requests ranging from $1,000–$7,500. Smaller requests for support are considered throughout the year on a case-by-case basis through the Micro-Grant Program.

Exclusions

Generally, the Community Mini-Grant Program does not support the following:

  • individuals
  • business ventures
  • non-governmental organizations without IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
  • organizations that limit membership or services based on race, religion, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, or national origin
  • requests for loans or debt retirements
  • reimbursement for projects that have already taken place or been completed
  • operating expenses or endowment funds for organizations
  • civic/labor/sorority/fraternal groups
  • political organizations
  • high school athletic programs that, due to NCAA regulations, Grinnell College is prohibited from funding — directly or through paid advertisements
  • projects or organizations with no connection to the community of Grinnell
  • projects that already have financial backing from Grinnell College
  • projects or organizations that might in any way pose a conflict with the mission, goals, or programs of Grinnell College

Review Committee

Applications will be reviewed by the Office of Community Partnerships, Planning, and Research in conjunction with an advisory committee composed of faculty, staff, Grinnell area students, and members of the broader Grinnell community.

  • Donnette Ellis, program coordinator, community relations and grant coordinator
  • Tyler Avis, building and planning director, city of Grinnell
  • Sarah Burnell, assistant professor of physical education, head coach of men’s and women’s cross country, assistant coach of men’s and women’s track and field
  • Felicity Meads, adjuster, Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company
  • Britta Meints, project consultant, StarRez
  • Elizabeth Rodrigues, associate professor, humanities and digital scholarship librarian
  • Cindy Schaus, assistant director of corporate, foundation, and government relations
  • Kyla Miller ‘25, SGA President (Student Government Association)

Past Awards

 Mini-Grant History Through 2023 (PDF)

To Apply

  1. The 2024–25 Community Mini-Grant Program will be accepting applications through Friday, April 4, 2025, for the spring cycle. An online application is available and is the preferred method of submission. Paper applications can be requested in the Office of Community Partnerships, Planning, and Research, 1127 Park Street, Grinnell, IA 50112.
  2. Reach out for general questions. A preview of the questions is available to help better prepare for completing the online application. Contact the Office of Community Partnerships, Planning, and Research if you have general questions about the application by email or by phone at 641-269-3900.
  3. Complete and sign your application. The online application is the preferred method of submission but paper applications will be accepted. Please note all questions on the application must be answered. Paper applications must include a project budget (not to exceed one page) and signature.
  4. Submit the online application or return the completed paper application to Community Mini-Grant Review Committee, Office of Community Partnerships, Planning, and Research, 1127 Park Street, Grinnell, IA 50112, or by email.
  5. The application needs to be submitted no later than midnight on the due date to be considered. Postmarked by the due date, online application or submission by email must be received before midnight on the due date.

Application Timing

Two cycles of community mini-grants will again be offered in the 2024–25 academic year.

Cycle 1 — Applications must be received by Friday, Oct. 25, 2024. Awards will be announced by Friday, Dec. 6, 2024.

Cycle 2 — Applications must be received by Friday, April 4, 2025. Awards will be announced by Friday, May 16, 2025.

Reporting

All grant recipients will be required to:

  • submit a progress report on the status of the project within 12 months and
  • if requested, present the project outcomes to the Mini-Grant Review Committee and the Grinnell College campus community.

For more information, please contact the Office of Community Partnerships, Planning, and Research at 641-269-3900.

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