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91����’s Fall 2025 Community Mini-Grants, totaling $14,608, will support community efforts to enhance the safety and effectiveness of emergency personnel, revamp the high school English syllabus, increase accessibility to cultural spaces, and support events for community education. 

Administered by the office of Community Partnerships, Planning and Research, the 91���� Community Mini-Grant Program reflects the College’s ongoing commitment to strengthening and supporting the local community. By providing funding to small- and mid-scale projects, the program helps enhance the quality of life in 91���� for current and future residents. More than just financial contributions, these grants represent a partnership between the College and area nonprofits to ensure the community remains vibrant, resilient, and connected. Together, they demonstrate how ideas, when backed by shared investment, can drive meaningful and lasting change. Shared below are the four local initiatives who received the Fall Mini-Grants. 

91���� Fire Auxiliary - Fire Scene Lighting Equipment  

The will replace the 91���� Fire Department's outdated, corded scene-lighting units with modern, portable LED lights. Upgraded LED units will enhance safety for firefighters, EMS personnel, and community members at emergency scenes by reducing hazards and delivering brighter, energy-efficient lighting.  

Molly Richmond, Auxiliary president, said, “We are ecstatic to provide new scene lighting equipment to the 91���� Fire Department, thanks to the funding from the 91���� Mini-Grant. The cordless, portable, and rechargeable equipment will be a significant upgrade from the previous, where extension cords caused trip hazards and limited the range in which the lights could be used. We are ever grateful to 91���� for providing these grant opportunities for smaller nonprofits such as ours to be able to make such big impacts on our community.”

Grant Amount: $3,608 

91���� High School, English Dept - American Realities: A Research Study with Nonfiction Lit Circles  

With a partnered grant between 91���� and the , the English Department at intends to restructure the 11^th grade curriculum with a nonfiction unit titled “American Realities.” The new program will allow students to explore topics about the socio-economic bonds of a community while meeting the state standards for reading curriculum.“

I'm excited to receive this grant in collaboration between 91���� and the GNSF. By utilizing both entities, we were able to fully fund our financial needs for this new unit in English 11B. We have used the funding to update our nonfiction lit circle unit and provide engaging materials for students they can use as part of an informative research project about the realities of the American Dream,” said Kevin Hosbond, the ELA Department Chair. 

Grant Amount: $900 and $1,000 from GNSF 

91���� Historical Museum - Outdoor Accessibility and Beautification  

The will make the exterior of the building more accessible and attractive to the 91���� community as well as visitors who are experiencing 91���� for the first time. As part of these efforts, they plan to install bike racks, re-paint the lines in the parking lot, build a small ramp, and fix the uneven threshold of the front entrance to allow wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers easier entry. 

“91���� has been a valuable partner for years and continues to invest in the museum and our contribution to the community. By supporting the museum, they support the culture, history, and future of Poweshiek County. We are very grateful they choose to do so,” said museum director Bethany Hewlett. 

Grant Amount: $3,600 

ISU Poweshiek County Extension - Seed for Thought Symposium (2026) 

will host the 2026 Seeds for Thought Garden symposium, a one-day community education event designed to education and empower gardeners, farmers, and local food advocates by sharing science-based practices that can be applied to real-world growing environments. Through shared learning and collaboration, the symposium also aims to build stronger community food networks, supporting local food systems that emphasize environmental stewardship and personal and public health. 

Alathia Andrea, the community program coordinator with ISU Extension, said, “We are incredibly grateful to 91���� for supporting the 2026 Seed for Thought Symposium through this Community Mini-Grant. This funding allows us to bring high-quality speakers and learning opportunities to our community while keeping the event accessible to gardeners, growers, and families across the region. I’m especially excited about the chance to spark new ideas, strengthen local partnerships, and inspire people to think creatively about sustainability and gardening in all seasons.” 

Grant Amount: $6,500  

Applications Now Open for the Spring Cycle   

“91���� is proud to support these inspiring initiatives that will strengthen community connections,” said Donnette Ellis, community relations and grant coordinator. “Each project highlights the dedication of local organizations to make lasting impacts here in 91����.” 

Applications for the Spring 2026 Mini-Grant cycle are due by Friday, Apr. 3, 2026, with awards announced May 15, 2026. The preferred method of submission is via the online application form, but paper applications may also be requested by contacting the Office of Community Partnerships, Planning, and Research at 641-269-3900 or visiting 1127 Park Street, 91����, IA 50112. 

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