Grinnell College awards mini-grants

GRINNELL — Twice a year, Grinnell College supports community projects in Grinnell through its mini-grants program.

The College recently named its spring recipients.

Grinnell Parks and Recreation Department will receive $3,674 to purchase training and safety equipment to enhance staff training and public safety.

The department will acquire a full-body adult submersible manikin and a new automated external defibrillator to be kept at the Grinnell Mutual Family Aquatic Center during the summer season and used at other department events in the offseason.

Drake Community Library will use a $3,00 mini-grant for Connections: Combining History and Art to Explore Grinnell in the Early 20th Century.

The collaboration between Drake Community Library and the Grinnell Area Arts Council will use historic photographs to explore life in Grinnell from 1890-1950.

A mix of self-standing banners and foam mounted images will be exhibited in the GAAC Stewart Gallery during July and in future exhibitions, specifically the September dedication of Renfrow Hall.

Grinnell School of Music is launching a two-year pilot project working with the Brooklyn (New York) Music Factory on a set of programs for students ages 4-8, titled Mini Keys and Jam Band 101.

The $4,680 grant it received will enable the school to enhance its capacity to serve an age range that is underserved by current programs and provide age-appropriate programs to engage students and their families for immediate and long-term involvement.

Mid-Iowa Community Action will receive $7,200 for its MICA Cares Grocery Sponsor for Seniors program, a pilot program in Poweshiek County to help seniors with a yearlong grocery sponsorship.

Grant funding will allow for the creation of the program, as well as assessment and evaluation of effectiveness over a one-year period.

Grinnell UCC Community Preschool was granted $1,200 to purchase the Bridges Math Curriculum for students. As this is the same curriculum used by the Grinnell School District, its use will help make the transition to Kindergarten smoother for students.

Grinnell College also provided funding support for three different community initiatives through the microgrant program.

Kites Over Grinnell is a free family event hosted in the fall by the Grinnell Rotary Club offering a free lunch, games and prizes to participants who can watch at least 20-25 professional kite f and fly their own free kites.

The $1,350 microgrant will help purchase 900 kites to be given away to elementary and middle school students for the event.

The Poweshiek County Conservation Department will purchase hands-on educational materials to support and enhance some of its most popular program topics with a $1,056 donation.

The Department will acquire replica birds eggs, replica animal feet, and other supplies that promote hands-on learning for both youth and adults.

The Read 2 Lead Raising A Reader program aims to increase the education of parents around the frequency and consistency of positive parent-child interactions when reading together.

Through book gifting and information sharing, the program helps to enhance and support social, emotional, and behavioral health of new parents in the community. The College’s $500 sponsorship will assist the program in expanding to reach more participants.

Grinnell College is now accepting applications for the fall cycle of community mini-grants. Grant applications are due by Friday, October 25. Award will be announced Dec. 6.

A volunteer committee of faculty, staff, Grinnell College students, and community members will review the applications.

Preference is given to proposals that leverage collaborative partnerships within the community. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $7,500.

For more information or to download an application, visit Mini-Grants or contact the Office of Community Partnerships, Planning and Research at 641-269-3900.