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TEAM Provides Grants
TEAM (Teens Exhibiting Able Minds), the Foundation’s youth advisory committee, recently recommended a total of $23,000 in grants. This included support for Berrien County Council for Children's Assessment Center ($5,000), Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor's Teen Center ($4,000), Child and Family Services of Southwestern Michigan's National Safe Place ($5,000), Hospice at Home's Lory's Place ($4,000), the Readiness Center's Michigan Adventures ($3,400), and Water Street Glasswork's Fired Up! ($1,600). TEAM’s mission is to involve youth in a philanthropic process that will develop their life-long values and skills of generosity, leadership, and caring. This youth advisory committee is made up of individuals from 14 to 18 years old from all Berrien County schools who desire to address urgent community needs of youth. TEAM's grants focus on development of positive youth decision-making skills, positive entertainment for youth, drug abuse prevention/awareness, and teen sex/pregnancy prevention. Present TEAM members include: Derrick Atkins (Co-Vice Chair), Kyle Bartoszek, Chase Cundiff (Co-Vice Chair), Julia Diefenbach, Tracy Giannola, Marsalis Leonard, Valerie Miller, Nellie Petlick, Megan Polfus (Co-Chair), and Michael Smiy (Co-Chair). Adult advisors are Carol Oehlhaffen, also a BCF member, and Anne Mc Causland, BCF Program Director. The Foundation is actively seeking additional TEAM members for the 2008-2009 school year. TEAM’s goal is to have members from every school district in Berrien County. Youth interested in joining TEAM or those interested in recommending a youth may contact Anne Mc Causland, Program Director, at 983-3304, ext. 2. Activities resume in the fall. In 1989, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation provided funding to support a vision of youth empowerment and grantmaking through the Michigan Community Foundation’s Youth Project (MCFYP). The Berrien Community Foundation received part of this funding to start an endowment to benefit youth-serving organizations in Berrien County. Since that time TEAM has awarded over $1 million in grants and participated in many service projects to enhance the quality of life for youth today and into the future. The Berrien Community Foundation was established in 1952 as an innovative means by which any concerned individual could put charitable dollars to work for the benefit of Berrien County and beyond. For more information about the Berrien Community Foundation, please call 983-3486 or visit www.berriencommunity.org.
======================================================= GRANTS AWARDED TO AREA AGENCIES BY “THE HEART OF COOK”
"The Heart of Cook” grant recipients for 2008 were announced by Indiana Michigan Power’s Cook Nuclear Plant during a recent reception at the Curious Kids’ Museum. Grants totaling over $52,500 were provided to 40 area nonprofit organizations. More than 70 funding requests were received this year. “The Heart of Cook” is a grant program administered by the Berrien Community Foundation targeted to assist educational, human services, and environmental projects and programs in Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana. The grant review committee, comprised of Cook Nuclear Plant employees, gives special consideration to agencies and projects that involve I&M employees. “We are proud to support these nonprofit organizations. The work they do is invaluable and we are behind them 100 percent.” said Mike Rencheck, senior vice president and chief nuclear officer. “We also see this as a way to give back to a community that has given so much to us in terms of support. Congratulations to all of the 2008 Heart of Cook grant recipients.”
Arlo accepts the check for Canine Companions for Independence during the reception held for the 2008 recipients of grants from the Heart of Cook, the charitable program of the Indiana Michigan Power's Cook Nuclear Plant.
Organizations receiving grants of $501-$5,000 were American Cancer Society Relay for Life, Benton Harbor-St. Joseph YMCA, Berrien County Council for Children, Berrien County Health Department, Berrien County MSU Extension's Best Friends 4-H Club, Berrien County Shrine Club, Blossom Trials Youth Foundation, Boy Scouts of America Troop 603, Bridgman Fire and Rescue Department, Friends of St. Joseph River's, Gateway, Hospice at Home, I'm Saving Myself, Junior Achievement of Michiana, Lakeshore Public Schools-Lakeshore Band Program, Niles Community Schools Industrial Education Program, Public Safety Education - Little Squirt, Therapeutic Equestrian Center, Upton Middle School's Upstream, Volunteer Center of Southwest MI, and Well of GRACE Ministries. Organizations receiving grants of $500 and under were Animal Aid of Southwest Michigan, Berrien Area Hockey Association, Benton Harbor Public Library, Benton Harbor SERVE Project, Berrien County Youth Fair-Rabbit Division, Berrien County Intermediate School District-Lead Testing Project, Bridgman Lions Club, Canine Companions for Independence (CCI), Cub Scout Pack 419, Emergency Shelter Services Inc., Grace Christian School, Hands Up Ministry, Helping Partially Disabled, Inc., Lake Michigan Division-U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Lakeshore High School Electric Race Car Team, Lupus Alliance, Senior Nutrition Services, Inc.-Region IV, Southwest Michigan Steelheaders, and Watervliet North Elementary School. Grant applications for 2009 will be available next January by contacting the Berrien Community Foundation at www.berriencommunity.org. Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN and its 2,650 employees serve more than 580,000 customers in Indiana and Michigan. I&M, part of American Electric Power, is one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, delivering electricity to more than 5 million customers in 11 states. For more information visit www.indianamichigan power.com or www.cookinfo.com ======================================================= Berrien Community Foundation Scholarship Applications Available
The Berrien Community Foundation is pleased to announce that the 2008 applications are available for its various scholarship programs. Generous donors make these programs possible. Berrien County graduating high school seniors are encouraged to visit www.berriencommunity.org (Scholarship Page) for a complete list of available scholarships and to determine which programs may be applicable to them. Applications for many of the scholarships programs are available for downloading on this Web page. Berrien County high school counseling offices will receive a limited number of hard copies of these applications around February 1, so students may check there as well. Students attending colleges and universities are also encouraged to visit the Foundation's Scholarship Page for applicable scholarship applications at this level. Applications are due March 8, 2008. Decisions will be announced in early May. Please contact 983-3304, ext. 2 with specific questions about the scholarship applications.
======================================================= Grants Available from "The Heart of Cook”
Grant applications for $100 and above are again available from Indiana Michigan Power’s Cook Nuclear Plant. “The Heart of Cook” is a grant program administered by the Berrien Community Foundation targeted to assist with educational, human services, and environmental nonprofit projects and organizations in Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana. “Cook employees volunteer thousands of hours to community organizations and events each year,” said Mike Rencheck, senior vice president and chief nuclear officer. “‘The Heart of Cook’ grant program is just one more way we can express our pride and appreciation for living and working here and also support volunteerism among our employees.” The funding focus for “The Heart of Cook” grants program is educational projects, human services programs that support families, and environmental protection and preservation projects. The grant review committee gives special consideration to agencies and projects that have involvement or leadership by Cook employees. 501(c)(3) tax exempt or equivalent status is required. “In 2007, we contributed $55,000 to fund 38 nonprofit programs and special projects in area schools, the arts, and community-based agencies,” said Rick Tinkle, chair of the employee-driven advisory committee. The deadline to apply is February 11, 2008 with awards to be announced in May. Grant applications may be obtained by visiting the Berrien Community Foundation's web site at www.berriencommunity.org. For additional information or questions about the applications, please call 269-983-3304, ext. 2. =======================================================Berrien Community Foundation Grants Over $144,000
The Berrien Community Foundation recently awarded over $144,000+ in grants to Berrien County nonprofit organizations. Grants were provided in the areas of building spirit of community/arts & culture, nurturing our children, youth leadership and development, general support, healthful living, and Golden Acorn mini grants for classroom projects. After due diligence research by the Foundation staff, committees of knowledgeable volunteers in these focus areas reviewed the grant applications and made recommendations to the Foundation's Board for approval. “Our grants are intended to support wide range programming in Berrien County from providing adaptive art tools for special needs students in the County classrooms to family friends for older adults,” said Dr. Nanette Keiser, Berrien Community Foundation president. “It is very critical that the Foundation funds these various organizations in Berrien County as they accomplish their missions.” Building the spirit of community/arts & culture grants focus on developing and planning for our communities, encouraging community cohesiveness via arts and cultural events, promoting various activities that encourage diversity and inclusion, and/or promoting access to services and information. Grants totaling $28,000 were made to the Berrien County Intermediate School District's Arts for All ($10,000), Cornerstone Alliance's Women's Business Center ($5,000), Harbor Arts' Opera at the Acorn ($3,000), and the Krasl Art Center's ArtTouch ($10,000). Nurturing our children grants total $38,600 and encompass parent support and education, positive activities for families and children, community support and involvement, mentoring, and drug abuse/prevention and awareness. The Berrien County Council for Children's Assessment Center received $9,000 and the Capstone Family Center's Strong Families/Safe Children program $8,500. The Curious Kids' Museum was awarded $10,000 for the Ground Water Climbing Wall, part of its new facility planned for below the bluff. The Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan received $1,100 for its humane educational program for pre-school-middle school aged children while the Salvation Army's Kindermusik's program received $10,000. TEAM (Teens Exhibiting Able Minds), the Foundation’s youth advisory committee, focuses on programs to strengthen the youth in Berrien County through education, drug abuse prevention, positive entertainment choices, and teen pregnancy reduction. This group recommended a total of $20,200 in grants, including support for the Benton Harbor School Resource Officer "SHOP with A COP" program ($3,200) and the Children's Music Workshop's Fall 2007 and Spring/Summer 2008 productions/workshops ($2,000). The Girl Scouts of Singing Sands Council's Girl Scout Activity Center ($7,000) and the READY Martial Arts Program ($8,000) were also supported.
Derrick Atkins (l), TEAM Co Vice Chair; Kyle Bartoszek, and Marsalis Leonard, members of TEAM, confer about several grant applications
General grants totaled $37,900 with $30,000 being set aside for a collaborative GED/literacy project in 2008. The Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra's Young People's Concert received $7,900. The Healthful Living Endowment grants support programs that create a healthier lifestyle for youth and seniors in Berrien County. The Region IV Area Agency on Aging's Family Friends for Older Adults was awarded $8,000. Thirty-seven teachers across Berrien County received a total of over $11,800 in Golden Acorn classroom mini grants. Ranging from $100-$500 each, these grants enhance classroom activities throughout Berrien County. The Berrien Community Foundation was established in 1952 as an innovative means by which any concerned individual could put charitable dollars to work for the benefit of Berrien County and beyond. For more information about giving through the Berrien Community Foundation to support the grants described here, please contact Dr. Nanette Keiser, President, at 983-3486 or visit www.berriencommunity.org. ======================================================= The Berrien Community Foundation Elects New Trustee and Officers
Lois Ashbrook, Bridgman, was elected a Berrien Community Foundation Board Trustee at the September 12 Annual Board Trustee & Members Meetings. The Board also elected its officers for 2007-2008—Greg Vaughn (Benton Harbor), Chair; Sharon Vargo (Benton Harbor), Vice Chair & Treasurer; and Robert Gottlieb (St. Joseph), Secretary. “We are very pleased to have Lois Ashbrook, an outstanding community volunteer, join our Board as a Trustee,” said Board Chair Greg Vaughn. Nadra Kissman, New Buffalo, completed her 12 years on the Board and was thanked for her service during those years. Joanne Sims, Lakeside, who will remain on the Board, was thanked for her 2 years as Board Chair.
Board Officers: Greg Vaughn, Sharon Vargo, Robert Gottlieb (l to r) Lois Ashbrook holds a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Eastern Michigan University. Lois and her husband, Jim, are the owners of Taylor Rental Party Plus. She has owned this operation for 32 years—renting construction equipment, tools, and party rentals. Community involvement has been through the Exchange Club where she helped form the Capstone Child Abuse Prevention Center in 1994 and served on their board for 6 years. She has also served as the local Exchange Club President and President of the Exchange Michigan District that oversees 38 clubs.
Lois Ashbrook
The Berrien Community Foundation was founded by William Vawter and other local leaders in 1952. Its mission is to build permanent endowments and other funds, provide donor services and grants, and to serve as a facilitative community leader in Berrien County. For more information, please contact Dr. Nanette Keiser, President, at 269-983-3486 or visit www.berriencommunity.org.
=======================================================Berrien Community Foundation Honors Golden AcornGrantee Award Recipients
The Berrien Community Foundation announced the four 2007 Golden Acorn Grantee Award recipients during its 55th annual celebration held on September 12th at the Heritage Center. Donors, volunteers, fall 2006/spring 2007 grantees, and community partners were recognized during this event as well. The Foundation’s Golden Acorn Awards have evolved over time from honoring teachers to nonprofit organizations. Berrien County teachers are still recognized via the annual Golden Acorn Classroom minigrant program. "With the increasing pressures facing nonprofits, we believe that it is very appropriate for the Foundation to honor their efforts through the Golden Acorn Grantee Awards," shared Dr. Nanette Keiser, Foundation President, "We consider this our special way to recognize these organizations and their programs that have so much impact in our County." The Foundation's four primary grant committees each identified a program funded during the fall 2006 cycle that best exemplified the committees' criteria based on the originally submitted grant applications and updates provided by the programs. The four Golden Acorn Grantee Award recipients were then recognized at the 55th annual celebration where they were given the opportunity to describe their programs. They also each received an additional $1,000 grant for their previously funded programs. Calling All Colors of Southwest Michigan's Middle School Pilot Program received the Building a Spirit of Community/Arts & Culture Golden Acorn Grantee Award. This program promotes cultural diversity in elementary and now middle school students of Benton Harbor, Lakeshore, and St. Joseph. It provides hundreds of Berrien County students with opportunities to share and interact.Catholic Family Services of Southwest Michigan received the Nurturing Our Children Golden Acorn Grantee Award for the A Great Start for Berrien County Families program. This program provides services to more than 2,000 young families and engages more than 250 community volunteers and 15 AmeriCorps members. Activities and goals include reducing abuse and neglect, teaching parenting skills, and helping families develop strong support networks. This year's Lifelong Learning Golden Acorn Grantee Award recipient was the YWCA of Berrien County. The YW is providing national accredited training for all Child Development employees through its Educational Excellence for Child Development Caregivers program. The program's goal includes increasing the quality and expertise of staff involved with the implementation of the child-centered, early childhood brain researched curriculum. TEAM (Teens Exhibiting Able Minds) awarded the Youth Leadership and Development Golden Acorn Grantee Award to R.E.A.D.Y. (Recipient: Reclaiming, Equipping, And Directing Youth, Inc.)'s Martial Arts Program. This program promotes healthy youth, improved school grades, discipline, and leadership for youth in Benton Harbor. Over 300 students benefit from this program.The Berrien Community Foundation was founded by William Vawter and other local leaders in 1952. Its mission is to build permanent endowments and other funds, provide donor services and grants, and to serve as a facilitative community leader in Berrien County. For more information, please visit www.berriencommunity.org and/or contact Dr. Nanette Keiser, President, at 269-983-3486.
Representing the Golden Acorn Grantee Awards Recipients: Willa Butler, Cornelia Breja, Michael Kim (Catholic Family Services), Grandmaster Al Smith (R.E.A.D.Y.), Doug McCoy, Janet Trumbley (Calling All Colors of SW MI), Jenny Miner, Linda Stibal (YWCA of Berrien County) (l to r) =======================================================
The Berrien Community Foundation Appoints New Members
The Board of Trustees of the Berrien Community Foundation recently appointed 19 new members: Margaret Adams, Kenneth Ankli, Saundra Johnson Austin, Lisa Bartoszek, Lisa Cripps, Bill Downey, Dr. Kenneth Edwards, William Hanley, Jay Jollay, Sarah Jollay, Patricia Leonard, Phil Maki, Hon. Mabel Mayfield, Donna Metz, John Proos, Jr., Michelle Seymour, David Slavicek, Joseph Wasserman, and William Westerbeke. With these additions, there are now 133 members of the Foundation. These new appointments by the Foundation's Board of Trustees are in recognition of the time, resources, and energies these 19 individuals contribute to their greater Berrien County communities. Members act as ambassadors for the Foundation, are the critical core of its volunteer base, elect the Board of Trustees, appoint its auditor, and generally support the Foundation’s efforts in Berrien County. “We are very honored to have these 19 outstanding community volunteers join us as members,” said President Dr. Nanette Keiser, “Their community perspectives and insights will be very valuable to us as we fulfill our mission to serve Berrien County”. The Berrien Community Foundation is celebrating its 55th year and was founded by William Vawter and other local leaders. Its mission is enhance the quality of life in Berrien County and build a spirit of community through building permanent endowments and other funds, providing donor services and grants, and serving as a facilitative leader in the County. For more information, please call 269-983-3486 or visit www.BerrienCommunity.org.
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Council on Foundations Recognizes the Berrien Community Foundationfor Compliance with National Standards of ExcellenceThe Berrien Community Foundation is being recognized for having organizational and financial practices that are in accordance with the National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations. The Council on Foundations and leaders of the community foundation field created the National Standards to aid community foundations in establishing legal, ethical, and effective operational practices that would show the foundations’ transparency and financial responsibility in light of the increased public scrutiny of foundation practices.“Adopting and adhering to these standards of excellence is the best way we can demonstrate our ongoing commitment to maintaining the trust of the donors, volunteers, grantees, and communities we serve,” said Dr. Nanette Keiser, President, Berrien Community Foundation. "These standards support our mission of building a spirit of community and enhancing the quality of life in Berrien County and beyond." Intended both as a blueprint for internal organizational development and as a tangible set of benchmarks for external assessment of performance, the 43 National Standards address six key areas of community foundation operations:
In order to achieve Confirmation of Compliance with the National Standards, the Berrien Community Foundation underwent an extensive review of their organizational and financial policies and procedures. The Council on Foundations, a Washington, DC-based nonprofit membership association, is responsible for reviewing community foundations’ practices and confirming compliance with National Standards, utilizing experienced community foundation practitioners. The Berrien Community Foundation was established in 1952 as an innovative means by which any concerned individual could put charitable dollars to work for the benefit of Berrien County and beyond. For more information about the Berrien Community Foundation, please contact Dr. Nanette Keiser, President, at 983-3486 or NanetteKeiser@BerrienCommunity.org or visit www.berriencommunity.org.
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Berrien Community Foundation 2900 South State Street, Suite 2 East St. Joseph, MI 49085 Phone: 269.983.3304 Fax: 269.983.4939 Email: bcf@BerrienCommunity.org |
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