Good news for local nonprofits doing incredible work: the $50,000 Stephen E. Upton Love Your Community Grant is now open, ready to support projects that make Berrien County an even better place to call home.
Organizations serving Berrien County can get started by submitting a short letter of intent, providing a brief overview of their group and the proposed project, by June 1.
“One thing all past recipients have in common is that they step in to meet needs in our community,” Berrien Community Foundation President Lisa Cripps-Downey said. “This grant exists because Steve Upton truly loved this community – and that spirit continues to support nonprofits doing meaningful, life-changing work right here at home.”
That love for the community didn’t start with the grant – it was a defining part of Steve and Elizabeth Upton’s lives. Known for their kindness, generosity and deep commitment to Berrien County, Steve’s legacy - and Elizabeth’s ongoing commitment - live on through opportunities like this one.
The most recent recipient, Samaritan Counseling Center, used the grant to expand access to youth mental health care locally.
“This grant allowed us to expand our youth counseling,” said Kim Forsey, executive director of Samaritan Counseling Services. “(Now) kids across Berrien County can see a professionally licensed counselor in a matter of days, not weeks, so they feel heard, helped and are given hope when they need it the most.”
The Stephen E. Upton Love Your Community Grant is open to nonprofits serving Berrien County. Winning projects will:
• Address a crucial community need,
• Make a positive impact in the lives of Berrien County residents,
• Demonstrate the ability to be sustainable when funding is concluded; and
• Demonstrate collaboration.
To apply, visit www.berriencommunity.org/lovecommunity. A select number of applicants will be asked to submit full grant proposals, with the final award announced at Berrien Community Foundation’s Annual Meeting in October.
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