FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Monica Chavez-Silva, 641-269-3900 or Dann Hayes, Director
of Media Relations 641-269-4834

March 5, 2002

Grinnell community enhancement focus of mini-grant program offered by Grinnell College

GRINNELL, Iowa - In an effort to encourage community growth and development, Grinnell College has initiated the Community Mini-Grant Program. The program is intended to formalize the college's support of community projects.

Specifically, the program will provide modest catalyst funding for small- to mid-scale projects that enhance the vitality and quality of life in the Grinnell by addressing issues of importance to students, faculty, and staff.

"The College has participated in a range of community projects in recent years," said Grinnell College's Director of Community Enhancement, Monica Chavez-Silva. "But by formalizing the process of our contributions, I hope to open the process to those who may never have considered the college as a partner in their efforts."

Financial support will center on cultural, recreational, and educational opportunities in the community as well as those programs that enhance the safety, beauty, and economic vitality of Grinnell's surroundings. Preference will be given to those applications requesting matching or challenge funds, and which demonstrate a collaborative partnership within the community.

According to Chavez-Silva, the program is primarily intended to support requests ranging from $500 to $5,000, but no application will be rejected based solely on the amount requested.

Applications will be reviewed by the Director of the office of Community Enhancement in conjunction with an advisory committee composed of faculty, staff, and local Grinnell College area students. Applications must be received by April 1, 2002. For those unable to submit requests by the April deadline, the next round of applications will be reviewed in the fall semester, with applications due on October 30, 2002.

To request an application, contact

Community Mini-Grant Review
Office of Community Enhancement
Grinnell College Old Glove Factory
733 Broad Street
Grinnell, IA 50112
(641) 269-3900