Check out all of our grant opportunities by clicking the names of the grants below!
Organizations may receive more than one type of grant each calendar year but only one from each program.
Download a cheat sheet of all 2023 grant deadlines.
Berrien Community Foundation "For Good" Project Grants
The “For Good” Grants are open for two cycles per year and are available in two sizes: the "For Good" Major for up to $15,000 and the "For Good" Minor for up to $1,500. The "For Good" Minor has a shorter, simpler form geared toward organizations with a smaller request and the "For Good" Major is a standard-length grant application. These grants are made possible through donations to the BCF Community Endowment fund.
Deadline: February 28, 2023 & September 30, 2023
Alamar Nonprofit Sustainability Grant
This grant is a $75,000 grant paid over three years that is awarded annually to a Berrien County nonprofit organization. Successful applications will focus on keeping nonprofits healthy by finding sustainable ways to take care of their employees.
Deadline: The grant process begins with a letter of intent that is due on April 30, 2023. The award will be announced at our annual meeting in September.
Golden Acorn Classroom Mini Grants
We know that classroom teachers often use their own funds for special classroom projects or needs. This grant opportunity is open twice each year for Berrien County teachers. The grants are for up to $500. Applications are open year-round, except for one month intervals taken to process applications.
Deadline: February 15, 2023 & June 15, 2023
Stephen E. Upton Love Your Community Grant
Steve Upton is known for his charitable heart and love for Berrien County. This is a $50,000 grant awarded annually to a Berrien County nonprofit organization that can demonstrate how their program or project will "Love Your Community."
Deadline: The grant process begins with a letter of intent that is due on June 1, 2023. The award will be announced at the BCF Annual Meeting and Celebration in the fall.
William J. Deputy Grants
Open to municipalities in Harbor Country, this grant opportunity was provided by a life-end gift from William Deputy, who loved the Harbor Country area and wanted to see it grow and improve.
Deadline: May 15, 2023.
Heart of Cook Earth Day Environmental Grant
The Heart of Cook Earth Day Environmental Grant is a special program focused on projects that benefit the environment or raise environmental awareness. Special consideration is given for projects that have STEM involvement, or can demonstrate a lasting sustainability component, or supports ground water sustainability/protecting our water sources. Available to organizations in all of the Indiana Michigan Power service territory with preference given to Berrien County.
Deadline: March 14, 2023
Heart of Cook Grants
The Heart of Cook is the giving arm of DC Cook Nuclear Plant in Bridgman, Michigan. Each year Cook employees review applications to decide what projects and programs will earn recognition and funding through the Heart of Cook. The three primary funding areas for this grant are: furthering education, supporting human services and preserving the environment.
Deadline: February 14, 2023
Frederick S. Upton Foundation
Deadlines for the Frederick S. Upton Foundation grants are March 15, June 15 and October 15 each year. The grants are available to nonprofit organizations serving Berrien County, Michigan. One of the goals of the Foundation is encourage organizations and people to work together to improve both the economics and culture of Berrien County. The Berrien Community Foundation administers grants for the Frederick S. Upton Foundation.
Deadlines: March 15, June 15, October 15
Frederick S. Upton Foundation Big Idea Grant
The Big Idea Grant is a special grant program of the Frederick S. Upton Foundation. Each year the Foundation provides one $50,000 and one $25,000 grant to nonprofit organizations serving Berrien County. These grants support innovative programming and new ideas to enhance and serve our community.
Deadline: The grant process begins with a letter of intent that is due on April 12, 2023.
Vaccine Promotion Grant
The Berrien Community Foundation received a grant from Michigan State University to fund small nonprofit organizations interested in getting accurate information to the Black and Latinx communities in Berrien County about adult vaccination. The goal is for people to be equipped with good data and answer questions to make informed decisions about vaccinations. Now, the focus is on the COVID-19 vaccine, but this grant is to address COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy along with other important vaccines such as the flu vaccine, shingles vaccine and pneumonia vaccine.
Deadline: Applications will be received and accepted through May 31, 2023.
Carolyn's Kids
Carolyn’s Kids grant opportunities support programs in the Benton Harbor, St. Joseph and Stevensville areas that improve the lives of children and youth. This grant program is a reflection of Carolyn Hanson’s love for children and belief that helping to strengthen children is crucial to the future of our community and our world. These grants are for new or existing programs that meet the emerging and ever-changing needs of children. This grant is a partnership between the Hanson Family Foundation and the Berrien Community Foundation.
Deadline: May 31, 2023
Howard Facilities Program Endowment Grant
This grant was established by John E. N. and DeDe Howard to support programs held at facilities bearing the Howard name as of January 1, 2015.
Deadline: September 15, 2023
Howard Youth Endowment Program Grant
This grant was established by John E. N. and DeDe Howard to support programs for Berrien County youth at a St. Joseph area Howard facility or at the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library. Although other Howard facilities may be considered, priority consideration will be given to programs that take place within the Howard Facilities located in St. Joseph, MI and the Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library.
Deadline: September 15, 2023
Monday Musical Club
In order to fulfill our mission and expand our outreach to the community, Monday Musical Club is making grants available to schools and nonprofit organizations in Berrien County to support music instruction, programs, performances, or other purposes that would engage and educate people of all ages. Special consideration will be given to projects that support music education where it is not readily accessible; provide enhanced musical experiences to young musicians; and promote music appreciation and literacy in the community. The application should cite a specific project or event that would fulfill the grant requirements. General fundraising activities will not be considered. Grants are for up to $3,000.
Deadline for applications is January 31, 2024. Grants will be awarded by March 1, 2024.
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