Grant applications are now available from The Heart of Cook Foundation, with a deadline of July 1.
The Heart of Cook is a grant program funded by Indiana Michigan Power’s (I&M) Cook Nuclear Plant and administered by Berrien Community Foundation to assist nonprofit programs in Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana (La Porte, St. Joseph and Elkhart counties).
Environmental protection and preservation, human services, and educational projects are the focus areas of this grant program. The grant review committee, comprised of Cook Nuclear Plant employees, gives special consideration to projects that involve I&M employees. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) tax exempt or equivalent status to qualify for funding.
“The Heart of Cook Grant Program has always been important in helping sustain many of our community’s nonprofits,” said Bill Downey, chair of the employee advisory committee for The Heart of Cook. “Our committee takes these applications very seriously in an effort to do the most good with the dollars we provide, and we’re excited to review another crop of worthy projects this year.”
Shane Lies, AEP’s senior vice president and chief nuclear officer, agreed.
“Generating safe, reliable carbon-free electricity is certainly the most recognizable way we’re able to impact the quality of life here,” he said. “However, since its formation, our Heart of Cook program has delivered more than $1 million to numerous organizations who are vital to meeting the growing needs of Southwest Michigan. To me, this kind of engaging effort led by our employees is every bit as powerful in its impact.”
Grant applications and guidelines are available online at Berrien Community Foundation's website, www.berriencommunity.org/HOC. All grant applications must be submitted electronically through the Berrien Community Foundation’s website. The grant application due date is July 1, 2024, with winners being notified in late August and a reception to be held in September. Agencies that have received funding for three consecutive years will not be eligible to apply during this grant cycle. If you have questions about applying, contact BCF Program Director Susan Matheny.
Cook Nuclear Plant is owned and operated by Indiana Michigan Power, an AEP company, headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN. At full capacity, the 1,084-net MW Unit 1, and 1,194-net MW Unit 2 combined produce enough emission-free electricity for more than one-and-one-half million average homes. Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) and its approximately 2,000 employees serve more than 600,000 customers. More than 85% of its energy delivered in 2023 was emission-free. I&M has at its availability various sources of generation including 2,278 MW of nuclear generation in Michigan, 450 MW of purchased wind generation from Indiana, more than 22 MW of hydro generation in both states and approximately 35 MW of large-scale solar generation in both states. The company’s generation portfolio also includes 1,497 MW of coal-fueled generation.
For more information, visit www.indianamichiganpower.com or www.cookinfo.com.
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