Berrien Community Foundation offers many grant opportunities to nonprofits, schools, units of government and religious organizations who are doing good work in Berrien County. We also have a special grant program to help teachers and school staff fund projects!
We've highlighted our grant programs below. To learn more about them, click on the name of the grant.
Organizations may receive more than one type of grant each calendar year but only one from each program.
Download our Grants at a Glance guide!
Need to submit a
grant evaluation?
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: April 1, 2025 & October 1, 2025
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 May 1, 2025. 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: June 1 & December 1, 2025
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. 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: December 1, 2025
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 to 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, 2025; June 15, 2025; October 15, 2025
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 1, 2025.
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: July 1, 2025
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. Eligible programs serve Berrien County residents of any age as long as the program is held at one of the following places: John & Dede Howard Family Trail, John & Dede Howard Ice Arena, John E.N. Howard Band Shell, John & Dede Howard Skate Park; John & Dede Howard Auditorium at St. Joseph High School; Howard Performing Arts Center at Andrews University; Howard Music Hall in Hillsdale, Michigan; or the John and Dede Howard Recital Hall in Holland, Michigan.
Deadline: November 1, 2025
Howard Youth Endowment Program Grant
This grant was established by John E. N. and DeDe Howard to support projects or programs for Saint Joseph or Benton Harbor youth. While projects that happen at a Howard facility will be seen favorably, it is not a requirement to receive a grant.
Deadline: November 1, 2025
Heart of Cook Grants
This grant is made possible by the Heart of Cook Foundation, part of the Cook Nuclear Plant owned and operated by Indiana Michigan Power Company, an AEP company. There are two grant options: 1) mini grants for small projects requesting $100-$500 and 2) standard grant program for grants of $501-$10,000. Nonprofits doing work in Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana (La Porte, St. Joseph and Elkhart counties) are eligible to apply. Special consideration is given to project involving I&M employees.
Deadline: June 9, 2025
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, 2025. Grants will be awarded by March 1, 2025.
All Rights Reserved.