Grant applications are now available from The Heart of Cook Foundation, with a deadline of June 9.
The Heart of Cook is a grant program funded by Cook Nuclear Plant, part of Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), and administered by Berrien Community Foundation to assist nonprofit programs in Southwest Michigan (Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph counties) 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, particularly during uncertain times like we’ve seen over the past couple of years,” said Joe Callahan, member 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 what we’re able to provide.”
Kelly Ferneau, AEP’s executive vice president and chief nuclear officer, agreed.
“Generating safe, reliable carbon-free electricity is just one of the ways we want to impact the quality of life here. Last year, the Heart of Cook granted more than $67,000 to 25 very worthy organizations who are vital to meeting the many growing needs of Southwest Michigan. To me, this kind of passionate effort led by our employees is every bit as powerful in its impact.”
Grant applications and guidelines are available on 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 June 9, with winners being notified in late July/early 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.
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