Grinnell College Social Innovator in Residence Grant

Grinnell College Social Innovator in Residence Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Trustees Of Grinnell College
Amount: US $50,000
Last Updated: August 11, 2025

Summary

The Grinnell College Social Innovator in Residence Grant offers a unique opportunity for social innovators to engage in a transformative five- to seven-week residency at Grinnell College. Participants will collaborate with students, faculty, and community members to advance their social innovation projects. With a total award of $50,000, this program fosters impactful connections and provides essential support for changemakers dedicated to addressing social justice issues and systemic challenges.

Overview

Social innovation is about finding creative solutions to social problems that promote positive change. Grinnell College's mission is to provide a liberal arts education that is rooted in social justice, critical thinking, diversity, and global awareness. Our commitment to social innovation reflects its belief in the power of education to transform lives and communities for the better. The founders of Grinnell College believed we could always do more for others. From the beginning, we have viewed our role as an institution as a responsibility to contribute to the common good. The Social Innovator in Residence Program aims to provide social innovators with opportunities to advance their work by leveraging the resources of Grinnell College. Goals for the program include fostering reflection and exploration with campus constituents, receiving research support, developing collaborations, teaching and leading workshops, building professional connections and mentor relationships, amplifying social innovation work and message, and providing time for reflection and renewal. The program provides longer-term collaborations to help innovators further their work. Social Innovator in Residence The Social Innovator in Residence will participate in a five- to seven-week residence program on campus, during which they will interact with Grinnell’s students, faculty, and staff, as well as members of the wider community. Through a range of programming and activities, the social innovator will have the opportunity to work on their project and engage with the community to create lasting social impact. Fall Semester: The recipient will select a five or seven-week residence period, commencing in late August/early September to spend in person at Grinnell College in Grinnell, Iowa, United StatesSpring Semester: The recipient and Grinnell College may co-create the continuation of projects and/or collaborations that occurred during the fall residency. Award and Stipend The Social Innovator will receive an award and stipend that together total $50,000. The College will cover the cost of the Social Innovator’s travel to Grinnell College for a residency planning visit and to and from Grinnell College at the commencement and completion of the residency period. The Social Innovator will be responsible for all travel costs associated with any partner or family members who accompany the Social Innovator during the residency period. Additional information about lodging, health insurance, and other resources that will be provided during the residency can be found under “Living Situation and Access to College Resources.”

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Individuals working in any sector and who meet the following criteria are strongly encouraged to apply:Changemakers working on the cutting edge of social innovation;Leaders creating solutions to social justice issues;Visionaries tackling complex and systemic challenges in a sustainable and equitable way;Mentors inspiring the next generation of social innovators; andSocial innovators who would benefit from time and space to further their social innovation work.Applicants must be over 18 years of age.Citizens or permanent residents from any country (applicants from countries outside the United States must hold a valid passport and be able to obtain a J-1 Visa even if they are currently in the United States). Applicants must have demonstrated their impact and be recognized in their community and/or field as a leader in social innovation work in their field.Applicants must be proficient in English to ensure the ability to exchange ideas with our campus and/or broader community.Applicants must be able to live off-site from their work for five to seven weeks in the fall.Alumni and friends of the College are encouraged to apply, but applicants do not need any affiliation with Grinnell College to apply.Eligibility is open to U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or citizens from other countries who are eligible for J-1 Exchange Visitor status in the “Specialist” category. J-1 Specialists will be hosted by the CLS in collaboration with Grinnell College’s Office of International Student Affairs.

Ineligibility

The Social Innovator in Residence selection process will include verification of the applicant’s work, organization, and credibility. Applicants who advance to the finalist round will also be asked to consent to a criminal history background check.Applicants will be disqualified from the selection process if:there is sufficient cause to believe that the applicant has falsified information in their application and/or through due diligence research of the applicantthe applicant advances to the semi-finalist and/or finalist round of selection and fails to provide additional information requested by the selection committee and by the deadline providedthe applicant advances to the finalist round of selection and does not consent to a criminal background checkthe applicant and/or their organization participates in significant proselytization or substantial lobbyingthe applicant and their work do not meet the selection criteria for social innovation that approaches complex problems in a systemic, sustainable, and equitable manner and addresses the root causes of the issues rather than only the surface symptoms of the issue