Grinnell-Newburg School Foundation

About GNSF

The Grinnell-Newburg School Foundation (GNSF) is a 501(c)3 non-profit affiliated with the Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation, dedicated to strengthening public education in the Grinnell community. Guided by the belief that community support, engagement, and adequate resources are essential to student success, GNSF raises and allocates funds for projects beyond the scope of regular school funding. By bridging the gap between what district budgets can provide and the innovative programs teachers envision to boost student achievement, GNSF helps ensure every student has access to a richer, more supported educational experience.
Baily Park Elementary kids leaving school

The Challenge

The Grinnell-Newburg School District strives to keep pace with the ever changing demands in public education. The District’s operating budget fluctuates year to year depending on enrollment, demographics, local, state and national economics and legislative decisions. GNSF believes budgetary constraints should not restrict innovative learning opportunities in the classroom. GNSF is striving to build a strong Endowment Fund for Grinnell-Newburg Schools to ensure continuation of successful programs and allot funds for new research-based initiatives in order to assist the District’s efforts to provide high quality public education to ALL students.

Our
Mission

The Grinnell-Newburg School Foundation brings our community together to invest in students, educators, and educational opportunities that strengthen our schools and shape a brighter future.

Our
Vision

GNSF is a thriving resource that supports an educational environment that inspires opportunity, enriches learning, and maximizes the experience for every student and staff member.

Initiatives

STRIPES Fund
REDI Fund
Grinnell-Newburg School Facilities Fund
“We Belong Here” Podcast
New Teacher Grants
Student-Led Projects

Mini-Grant Awards
Teacher Reimbursements
Special Project Campaigns

Board of Directors

Board Member Zane Strawser

Zane Strawser-Picado

President & Fundraising committee

Board Member Abby Moyer and Family

Abby Moyer

Vice-President | PTO Liaison

Board Member Bill Kostow

Bill Kostow

Treasurer | Fundraising Chair | GHS School Board Liasion

Board Member Katie Ditzler and family

Katie Ditzler

Secretary | Alumni Association Liasion

Board memeber Chelsey Kolpin

Chelsey Kolpin

Past Co-president

Board Member Lauren Gant

Lauren Gant

Past Co-president

Board Member Ken Kasper - GNCSD Superintendent

Ken Kasper

Ex-Oficio | GNCSD Superintendent

Board Member Laura Fendt sitting with Kamal and friends

Laura Fendt

GNCSD School Board Representative

Student board member Lanie Kaup

Lanie Kaup

GHS Student Board Representative

Student Board Member Jonathan Solomon

Jonathan Solomon

GHS Advisory Committee Vice Chair

Board Member Roger Henderson

Roger Henderson

Mini-Grant Chair

River Haenfler

GHS Student Board Representative

Board Member Bev Huebner and family

Beverly Huebner

Mini-Grant Committee

Board Member Amy Miller and Famly

Amy Miller

Mini-Grant Committee

Board Member Emily Fenner and family

Emily Fenner

STRIPES Fund Chair

Executive Director Liz Hansen

Liz Hansen

Executive Director

Amy Blanchard

Amy Blanchard

Greater Poweshiek Community Foundation Liason

Community Partners

Grinnell Elementary PTO
(GMG) Foundation

GNCSD

Grinnell-Newburg Community School District

POW I80 logo
Dr. Kevin W. Sterk Elementary Student Needs Endowment Fund

Want to Support GNSF?

Every gift to the Grinnell-Newburg School Foundation helps close the gap between what our schools can fund and what our students truly need to thrive. Whether through a one-time donation, a recurring gift, or a partnership opportunity, your support directly fuels programs that inspire student achievement across our community. Reach out to GNSF today to learn more about the many ways you can get involved and help build a brighter future for Grinnell-Newburg students.

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