Giving to Grinnell

The Pioneer Fund

Making greater things possible, by addressing the greatest needs and unforeseen opportunities

The Pioneer Fund provides unrestricted funds to Grinnell’s operating budget, which the College can expend as needed and as opportunities arise. For example, Pioneer Fund gifts are used to purchase laptops for the laptop loan program that ensures all students have access to computers. These funds allow the College to respond quickly to unforeseen needs and make a significant difference for today and tomorrow’s students.

“The experiences I, and many other students, enjoy at Grinnell are possible only because of generous donors. Gifts to the Pioneer Fund help students thrive by providing access to enriching resources like DASIL, which supports our research and data analysis skills. Donor contributions also open doors to internships, study abroad programs, and other transformative opportunities. Thank you for everything you do to support Grinnell students.”

—Adarsh Sharma '27

Helping future Grinnellians pursue their purpose

By supporting Grinnell’s day-to-day workings, year after year, you support current students’ curiosity, ambition, and ingenuity — their own greater good. In so doing, you’re preparing generations of uncommonly hopeful and purposeful graduates to go forth and put their ideals into practice.

By entrusting us with a gift in this unrestricted category, you empower the College to respond to issues and opportunities across the campus. Everything we need to continue our pursuit of the greater good is what a Pioneer Fund gift supports.

Here are just a few examples of how Pioneer Funds have been put to work on campus

Mentored Advanced Project Stipends: Supporting students in conducting in-depth, faculty-guided research projects that embody our community of inquiry.
New Uniforms for Student-Athletes: Ensuring our teams represent Grinnell with pride and unity, fostering a sense of belonging and connection.
Support for Off-Campus Study Programs: Helping students expand their horizons through global learning experiences, making study abroad accessible to more Grinnellians regardless of financial background.

Your participation inspires others

More donors contribute to the Pioneer Fund than any other fund at Grinnell. Your support not only helps transform knowledge into action but also inspires others to give, creating a ripple effect of generosity. Together, we build a stronger, more vibrant community of Grinnellians committed to positive change and growth.