Administered by Berrien Community Foundation, the Joseph and Rosemary Low Family Foundation announces the recent investment of $100,000 in grants to 17 nonprofits in Berrien County and beyond who enrich communities through education, culture and care.
The Low Family Foundation’s annual “We See You” grants support nonprofit organizations whose meaningful work makes communities stronger, more connected and more vibrant. The grants recognize organizations doing often behind-the-scenes work to strengthen their communities. This year’s recipients represent a broad range of missions, from the arts, education and historic preservation to housing stability, food security, disability services and neighborhood development.
Among the Berrien County recipients is The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts, which received a grant to help make arts experiences more accessible and inclusive. A cultural cornerstone of Harbor Country for more than two decades, The Acorn presents music, theater, comedy, film and educational programming while serving as a gathering place for the community.
Also receiving support is the Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation, which was awarded a grant for its youth-focused placemaking initiative, Outside the Lines Summer Camp. Through the program, young people learn architecture, design and community development by completing hands-on projects. This year, participants will design and build community salt boxes to be placed throughout Benton Harbor to provide residents with access to salt during snow and ice events while giving youth practical skills and an opportunity to create a lasting community asset.
“Once again, in 2026, the Low Family Foundation is honored and excited to continue to award ‘We See You’ grants to support to support local organizations with good people doing great things,” said Dr. John H. Low, chair of the Low Family Foundation. “We congratulate the recipients and express gratitude for everyone working to make Michiana better for all of us.”
The 2026 “We See You” grant recipients are:
- Acorn Center for the Performing Arts: Supporting accessible and inclusive community arts programming, education and outreach in Harbor Country.
- Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation: Supporting the Outside the Lines Summer Camp and a youth-led project to design and build community salt boxes throughout Benton Harbor.
- Berrien Artist Guild, Inc./Box Factory for the Arts: Providing general operating support to sustain staff, leadership and programming at the St. Joseph arts organization.
- Brandywine Education Foundation: Supporting digital and social media development to increase the foundation’s visibility and student impact.
- Cornerstone Alliance: Supporting the Riverview Drive Project, an initiative to reimagine Benton Harbor’s riverfront as a welcoming, inclusive and world-class waterfront destination.
- Emergency Shelter Services: Helping meet the continued needs of the Berrien County shelter, including food and utility costs that keep the facility operating.
- Ferry Street Resource Center: Providing direct client assistance to low-income individuals and families, including help with utilities, food, transportation and emergency needs.
- Great Lakes Expungement Network: Supporting outreach, client education materials and local clinic operations that help residents overcome barriers created by past criminal records.
- Historic New Carlisle Incorporated: Supporting an intern who will help catalog and digitize the organization’s archival collection and make local history more accessible to the public.
- Lake Michigan College: Supporting the Lake Michigan College Jazz Festival, including artist travel and residency expenses, student clinics, community outreach and free public performances.
- Northern Indiana Historical Society/South Bend History Museum: Supporting general operations and the upcoming First Peoples, First Settlers: Indiana’s Interwoven Roots exhibit exploring Native American and early pioneer history in the St. Joseph River Valley.
- Rising Kites: Supporting the purchase of a commercial flower cooler to expand Rising Kites Flowers into a year-round program offering employment and skill-building opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
- The Salvation Army: Supporting the Mishawaka School Feeding Program, which provides nutritious weekend meals to children experiencing food insecurity.
- Spinal Cord Injury Association of Northern Indiana: Providing client-centered assistance to individuals living with spinal cord injuries and their families.
- South Haven Scott Club: Supporting operations, building maintenance, programming and accessibility efforts at the historic cultural and educational landmark.
- The Region of Three Oaks Museum: Supporting restoration of the museum’s recently donated historic building on South Elm Street in Three Oaks.
- Water Street Glassworks: Providing general operating support for arts education, visiting artists and the organization’s specialized glass studios in Benton Harbor.
Established in 2023, the Low Family Foundation honors the legacies of Joseph, Wilma and Rosemary Low, whose lives and service to their communities inspired a deep commitment to giving back. Joseph, a veteran, attorney and advocate for thousands, grew up on a farm south of Niles. Wilma and Rosemary Low were veterans and members of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. To learn more about the Low Family Foundation, visit www.berriencommunity.org/lowfoundation.
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