Community Champions: Grinnell College Employees Making A Difference

Did you know that there are over 20,000 nonprofits in Iowa working every day to improve lives and strengthen communities? The demand for nonprofit leadership continues to grow. However, in Grinnell and in other rural communities, most community organizations run with little or no staff and are highly dependent on the dedication of volunteers to accomplish their missions. “In a small community like ours, many members wear several hats and serve on multiple boards,” says Monica Chavez-Silva, Vice President of Community Engagement and Strategic Planning, who currently serves as a Commissioner for the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service. “We are very fortunate to have so many dedicated employees who generously give their time and talents to causes they feel passionate about.”  

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 those projects that they feel most passionate about while empowering them to direct some of the College’s contributions at the same time.    

Duane McClun, a member of Grinnell College Facilities Management, has served with the Grinnell Fire Department for over fifteen years by taking photos for the department and has participated in the Volunteer Initiative Program since 2017.  In his time photographing the Grinnell Fire Department’s training, firefighting, and local fundraisers, Duane has witnessed and documented the department’s dedication and commitment to serving the community. Duane shared his appreciation of the Volunteer Initiative program, saying that “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 program that benefits organizations in the community.” 

On campus, Ivy Schuster is a member of Grinnell College’s Information Technology department. Outside of the office, Ivy is an active volunteer with many community organizations including as a volunteer for the organization, S.H.E COUNTS, (dedicated to supporting, helping, and empowering women and girls in Poweshiek County) and serving with the Searsboro Volunteer Fire Department.  According to Ivy, “The Searsboro Fire Department greatly relies on financial contributions from within the community to keep our trucks running and our gear up to regulation. Being part of a small town means all hands on deck! I’ve been serving on the Searsboro Volunteer Department for over ten years and it has proven to be a great way to get to know the community better and learn new skills. I’ve been able to benefit my department with more than just my time, thanks to the VIP.” With S.H.E. COUNTS, Ivy has energized 3rd and 4th grade girls at Girls Math Club at Davis Elementary, a program that was developed to help boost confidence in math and to encourage girls to participate in math clubs once they reach jr. high and high school.

When she’s not working in the Special Collections & Archives of Burling Library, Allison Haack volunteers with the Grinnell Historical Museum, a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to preserving and sharing Grinnell’s history.  Putting her professional skills to use outside the office, Allison led the planning committee for the Hazlewood Talks and Cemetery Walk this past year and is a member of the planning committee for the Great Grinnell Bake Off (3rd Annual coming Summer 2024). Through her effort and the contributions of the Volunteer Initiative Program, Allison loves having the chance to “work with fellow board and community members to share the history of Grinnell!”  

In the past few years, other organizations supported through the VIP program include  Capri Theater, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque’s Women’s Giving Circle, CoSI, Crossroads Indoor, Drake Community Library, Grinnell Area Arts Council, Grinnell High School Fine Arts Alliance, Giving Gardens, Global Ties Iowa, Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce, Grinnell Children’s Choir, Grinnell Food Coalition, Grinnell Regional Medical Center Foundation, Grinnell Sure Shots, Grinnell United Way, Grinnell-Newburg Dollars for Scholars, Imagine Grinnell, Inspirations Childcare and Preschool, Iowa Weimaraner Rescue, Jewel Box Quilters Guild, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Malcom Food Pantry, One Economy Financial Development Corp, PALS, South Tama County Food Pantry, Tiger Football Club, Tiger Packs, and Wieting Theatre.   

With every hour of volunteer time valued at $31.80, these contributions make a difference. To learn more, about the program and how you can get involved, visit Grinnell College Volunteer Initiative Program.