Professional Attire Grant
The CLS Professional Attire Grant helps Grinnell students obtain professional clothing and related essentials needed for interviews, conferences, internships, networking opportunities, and other career-related experiences.
WHAT does the Professional Attire Grant fund?
Professional Attire Grants may be used for:
- Professional clothing for interviews and other career-related activities.
- Attire needed for professional conferences, internships, and similar experiences.
- Personal care items that support professional presentation, such as haircuts, hair styling, hygiene products, and cosmetics.
This grant may not be used for:
- Watches, jewelry, and other accessories considered non-essential.
- Clothing or other items that have already been purchased. Grants cannot be awarded retroactively.
WHO is eligible for the Professional Attire Grant?
Eligible class years:
- Senior
- Third-year
- Second-year
All CLS grant recipients must be in good conduct standing and have completed their CLS Greenlight appointment.
HOW MUCH funding is available?
Funding awards are based on a student’s level of financial need, as determined by the Office of Financial Aid:
- High/very high need: up to $3oo total during a student’s time at Grinnell
- Moderate need: up to $225 total
- Low need: up to $150 total
- No need: up to $75 total
Eligible students can receive funding for more than one request during their time at Grinnell, provided each application supports a different eligible expense. Approved awards are distributed as a lump-sum deposit to the student’s bank account on file with the College. Note that Professional Attire Grants are considered taxable income and additional tax-related adjustments may apply for non-resident taxpayers.
WHEN should I apply?
Professional Attire Grant applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the academic year, subject to funding availability.
Plan ahead! Applications must be submitted before expenses are incurred and incomplete applications will not be considered. Requests associated with an upcoming conference, internship, or professional event should be submitted as early as possible. Events occurring within 15 business days of application submission may not allow sufficient time for review and processing.
Graduating seniors must complete all purchases prior to commencement. For processing purposes, November 20, 2026 is the last day applications will be considered from seniors graduating in December. April 16, 2027, is the last day applications will be considered from seniors graduating in May 2027.
WHAT is required after receiving funding?
Grant recipients must maintain a detailed, itemized expense record, submit original receipts for all funded expenses, and complete a brief reflection describing how the grant supported their professional goals. Failure to complete all required documentation by the stated deadline may result in a charge to the student’s account for the full award amount and a 12-month hold on future CLS funding eligibility.
Looking for a free option? Visit the Career Clothing Closet!
All Grinnell students—regardless of class year or financial need—are welcome to use the Career Clothing Closet. The Closet offers a wide selection of gently used professional attire donated by alumni, faculty, staff, and community members. Students can schedule a Career Clothing Closet appointment through Handshake or drop in during open hours.
