Applicants Sought for $75k Alamar Nonprofit Sustainability Grant

Berrien Community Foundation is now accepting letters of intent for the Alamar Nonprofit Sustainability Grant, a three-year, $75,000 investment designed to strengthen local nonprofits by supporting their staff and long-term stability.

Unlike traditional grants focused on programs or projects, the Alamar grant prioritizes the health and sustainability of nonprofit organizations themselves – helping them to better support staff, plan for the future and continue serving the community effectively.

“Nonprofits consistently show up for our communities, meeting local needs on a daily basis,” said Lisa Cripps-Downey, president of Berrien Community Foundation. “This grant is about investing in the people behind that work – ensuring that organizations have the capacity and stability to continue making an impact.”

Recent recipients include Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Southwest Michigan, who are using funding to address staff wellness and resilience, including training to prevent both staff and volunteer burnout. Rising Kites of Bridgman leveraged the grant to strengthen leadership capacity, including executive director support and long-term succession planning.

Nonprofits serving Berrien County residents are eligible to apply, which begins with a brief letter of intent submitted to Berrien Community Foundation. Letters must be submitted online by May 1, 2026. A select number of applicants will be asked to submit full grant proposals. The winning organization will be announced at BCF’s Annual Meeting in October.

For more information or to submit a letter of intent, visit www.berriencommunity.org/alamar.