Lori Ann Schwab '95 Alumni Grant
Lori Ann Schwab '95 was committed to making the world a better place by helping others, but her life was cut short by a sudden illness while she was studying in London in 1994. The Lori Ann Schwab '95 Alumni Grant recognizes the ongoing community service of Grinnellians who were at the College with Lori. The grant provides stipends to support specific projects or fulfill the needs of nonprofit service organizations or public schools with which these individuals are significantly involved.
2023 Recipients: Megan Schuknecht ’93, Bill Mabon ’95, and Donald Elmore ’98
The 2024 Schwab Alumni Grant recipients will use the awards to purchase winter coats and art supplies in the U.S. and for a paid apprentice program in Ghana.
Read more about these projects.
Eligibility
Grinnell College alumni (defined by the College as anyone who was enrolled at least one full semester) from the graduating classes of 1992 through 1998 are eligible to apply for the grant.
Grant and Criteria
The number of grants awarded varies from year to year based on the financial performance of the fund and the number of applications deemed deserving. Each grant awarded is for a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $2,000. Applications for grants must demonstrate a tangible benefit to others. Stipends may be used to support original projects, supplement existing projects or programs, or fund professional development. Preference will be given to proposals that benefit children. The following examples of possible unfunded or underfunded needs (listed in random order) are meant to stimulate thought but not to limit ideas:
- Books, art supplies, or science equipment
- Health or safety outreach programs
- Senior/school or "buddy" partnerships
- Field trips to museums or environmental centers
- Activities in homeless shelters
- Attendance at conferences or workshops on learning disorders
The alum must be significantly involved as a staff member or a volunteer at the organization or public school that benefits from the grant. Organizations (with the exception of public schools) must be 501(c)(3)nonprofits as defined by the IRS.
Application Process
The deadline for applications is March 1 each year. Members of the selection committee include faculty, staff, and alumni, who will consult with members of Lori Ann Schwab's family, and recipients will be recognized in College publications. Awardees will be notified by the end of April. To apply for the Lori Ann Schwab '95 Alumni Grant, please complete the Schwab Alumni Grant Application, which includes:
- A 2–3 page brief essay which answers the following questions:
- Describe your project. Why is it important? What are its goals?
- Why is this project especially important to you?
- What is your work plan (if applicable)?
- A proposed project budget
- A letter of support from your sponsoring organization/public school
- Confirmation of 501(c)(3) status (if applicable)
Ethical Guidelines
All applicants are expected to adhere to these ethical guidelines.
For more information, contact the Office of Development and Alumn Relations at alumni@grinnell.edu.
Previous Recipients
2012
Nora Bloch ’92
Kathy Waddell ’96
2011
Monique Gaido ’93
Katya Pilling ’93
Jennifer Watson ’92
2010
Rachel Bly ’93
Amy Knapp ’92
2009
Kathleen Packard ’97
Angela Domina ’96
Sally Galman ’96
2008
Sarah J. Anderson
Chelsey Langland
Caryn Tatelli ’92
2007
Michele Host ’97
Jill Cetina ’94
Michael Hanna ’94
2006
No grant awarded
2005
Grant established; no grant awarded