Recognizing that nonprofits play a critical role in advancing education, the arts, and accessibility, the program also aims to build their organizational and financial capacity to serve the Grinnell area effectively.

Since 1965, MICA has worked with children and families to alleviate poverty, address food insecurity, and provide essential resources for families striving toward stability and self-sufficiency.

Grinnell has a proud tradition of neighbors helping neighbors, a dedication to service that dates back to the town’s founding. Here, we celebrate some of the Grinnellians whose generosity and dedication continue to make a difference in our community.

Grinnell’s annual Jingle Bell Holiday brought the magic of the season to life on Friday, Nov. 22. The festivities began at 5:15 p.m., filling downtown with holiday cheer.

For the 14th consecutive year, the Pioneer Bookshop will donate 10% of its December sales to support the middle and high school libraries in the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District. 

In collaboration with the College’s Office of Civic Education and Innovation, many faculty members have implemented community-engaged aspects into their courses. Community-engaged learning (C-EL) classes were the vision of Wadzanai Motsi-Khatai ’12, who championed a student government initiative that ultimately led to the establishment of the Civic Education and Innovation (CEI) Office within the Center for Careers, Life, and Service (CLS).

Popular with both student and downtown businesses, dining dollars will now be available as a payment method at Pagliai’s and El Cascabel, in addition to businesses previously established as a part of the program: Dari Barn, Jay’s Deli, McNally’s Foods, and Saint’s Rest. 

The Grinnell Chamber of Commerce hosted a free event for all Renfrow Hall students, which included some samples from local restaurants, a scavenger hunt of downtown businesses, and a Renfrow Hall student discount cards to use at local retailers and restaurants.

On Sept. 28, Grinnell College will dedicate Renfrow Hall to Mrs. Edith Renfrow Smith ’37, DHL ’19, and her inspiring life of achievement, service, and generosity. The ceremony will celebrate not only the opening of this unique space but will also honor the remarkable legacy of Mrs. Edith Renfrow Smith.

The Grinnell College Museum of Art and Drake Community Library’s summer programs connected children and families to works from the museum’s collection and exhibitions, opportunities to engage in creative self-expression, literacy activities, free books, and food.