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. 

The social innovator will receive an award and stipend as follows:

• A $30,000 award to be paid at the commencement of the residence period; and
• A residency stipend of $20,000
• Operating Funds: $20,000-25,000

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, family members, and/or guests who accompany the Social Innovator during the residency period.

We welcome applications from U.S. citizens authorized to work in the United States, as well as Canadian citizens eligible for J-1 sponsorship. 

We are especially eager to support:

Changemakers driving bold, new approaches in social innovation
Leaders advancing solutions to pressing social justice challenges
Visionaries addressing systemic issues with sustainable, equitable strategies
Mentors who empower and inspire the next generation of changemakers
Social innovators seeking time and space to deepen their impact
Ideal applicants have a demonstrated track record of leadership, are recognized within their field or community, and are actively creating meaningful change. While alumni and friends of Grinnell College are encouraged to apply, no prior affiliation with the College is required. 

• freshman
• sophomore
• junior
• senior
• graduate

• US Citizen
• Permanent Resident
• International or Other Visa Status
• Undocumented

• Responses to all application essay questions
• A brief summary of what students might learn from you
• A description of your goals for the residency
• A current resume or CV (maximum three pages)
• A list of educational presentations, workshops, or trainings you’ve led related to your innovation work
• Up to five links to articles or media coverage about your work
• Up to five video links related to your work
• Up to five photos with brief descriptions to help tell your story
• Contact information for three professional references who can speak to your work and your fit for this residency 

The Grinnell College Innovator for Social Justice Prize, or the Grinnell Prize, directly reflects Grinnell’s historic mission to educate people “who are prepared in life and work to use their knowledge and their abilities to serve the common good.”

Grinnell was founded in 1846 by a group of transplanted New Englanders with strong Congregational and social-reformer backgrounds. They organized as the Trustees of Iowa College — originally in Davenport, Iowa. In 1859 the trustees moved the College to newly settled Grinnell, Iowa, where their abolitionist sentiments were more welcome. At the time, Grinnell was an important stop on the Underground Railroad that secretly transported slaves to freedom.

Grinnell’s social consciousness blossomed during Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency, when graduates Harry Hopkins 1912, Chester Davis 1911, Paul Appleby 1913, Hallie Ferguson Flanagan 1911, and Florence Stewart Kerr 1912 became influential New Deal administrators.

Today, Grinnell’s commitment to social justice continues through a strong philosophy of self governance and personal responsibility, as well as programs and initiatives that encourage students to learn about the world beyond the campus and effect positive social change.

For example, Grinnell’s Social Justice Action Group works towards peace, justice, and positive social change with efforts that fight hunger, promote volunteerism, and build understanding. The Wall Alumni Service Awards provide financial support for Grinnell alumni to engage in service projects, programs, and organizations dedicated to improving the lives of others. Under Grinnell’s Expanding Knowledge Initiative, the College has introduced curricular innovations in the areas of environmental challenges, human rights, and human dignity. The Liberal Arts in Prison Program, a collaborative effort by Grinnell students, faculty, and staff, engages incarcerated adults in courses in the liberal arts. 

With the creation of the Grinnell Prize, the College is extending its educational mission beyond the campus and alumni community to individuals anywhere who believe innovative social justice programs create a better world.

Through student internships and staff fellowships, student and staff members have the opportunity to work with the Prize winners and their organizations. Explore the Past Winners pages to learn more about these opportunities and Grinnellians' experiences working with these outstanding individuals and organizations.

President Kington elaborates on the Prize's creation and other innovations on his blog.

The Social Innovator must live on-site in Grinnell, Iowa (United States) for the duration of the residence period which will be either 5 or 7 weeks. In advance of the residency, the College and the Social Innovator will develop an agreement outlining the specific goals, responsibilities, policies, resources, and terms of the residency. Responsibilities may include teaching workshops, presentations, research or community projects, and meetings with students, faculty, staff and/or community partners. They will be classified as a short-term employee of the college and will be expected to follow the college employee policies and procedures.

Please contact Vicki Nolton at noltonvi@grinnell.edu or (641) 269–4940 with any questions about the program or application process.

Grinnell College reserves the right to modify the number of prizes awarded annually based on, but not limited to, the quality of nominations and financial considerations. The College also reserves the right to modify the criteria, requirements, and procedures as it deems necessary.