Drake University’s Zimpleman College of Business received $10,000 for a new microgrant, or one-time fund, program, which will be used for student organizations and initiatives.
Near the end of the fall semester, College of Business Dean Alanah Mitchell met with Drake alumnus Al Rosenbloom about the program. Rosenbloom is already a donor to the college and is sponsoring the upcoming 2026 Zimpleman Business for Good Summit on Feb. 27. Rosenbloom supported the idea of providing funding for business students and decided to put his money towards the microgrant program.
The program will provide $5,000 to be used for business students each semester in 2026. Leaders within the business school are hopeful that with a successful program, they will be able to continue providing funds for students.
To apply for funding, students go through a short application process. It includes filling out a form that lists the requirements, as well as creating and giving a presentation on why they’re requesting funds, how it will impact themselves or the student organization and how they will apply that information to the College of Business.
“We’re hoping that we can use the entire $10,000 fund — $5,000 this semester and $5,000 next semester,” said Lucas Rabe, the Zimpleman College of Business student senator. “We’d love it if that could all go into students’ hands and provide some support for whatever our students are doing.”
For students, this might be taking a research project to a conference, going to an event to learn new skills or hosting their very own events here at Drake.
“The goal is that students are exploring things that are related to our college mission: ‘Business as a Force for Good,’” Mitchell said.
The microgrant program is run by the student leadership council for the business school. The council is made up of business school student organizations and fraternity leaders, Rabe, and the assistant dean of student achievement for Zimpleman, Jenny Jones. Together, they are working to finalize details of the program.
In the next two weeks, application forms will be sent out to students. By the end of March, at the next Student Leadership Council meeting, Rabe is hoping to already have grant applicants.
“I think this is another step forward for the College of Business, trying to give the best experiences to their students,” Rabe said.
