The Joseph N. & Rosemary E. Low Family Foundation awarded $250,000 in grants to expand opportunities and support critical needs throughout Berrien County and beyond. The Low Family Foundation is a newly established family foundation fund of the Berrien Community Foundation.
The Low Family Foundation (LFF) awarded 22 grants to organizations that align with the values and interests of the Low Family Foundation’s founders: Joseph, Wilma and Rosemary Low. They were born and raised in the greater Niles area. New to the foundation giving were $5,000 We See You Grants to recognize and support the work of nonprofit organizations.
“Last year was the first time the Low Family Foundation awarded We See You Grants,” said Dr. John N. Low, chair of the Low Family Foundation, and son of Joseph and Wilma. “We are particularly excited to recognize and highlight all the institutions in and around Berrien County that are dedicated to addressing the physical, cultural and spiritual needs of our area. We hope that with recognition, the support of these fine organizations will continue to grow.”
The Low Foundation awarded We See You Grants to the following organizations:
- The Acorn Center for the Performing Arts (general support), Three Oaks, MI
- African American History & Literature Gallery (food pantry), Benton Harbor, MI
- Brandywine Community Schools (Keeping Our Bobcats Warm This Winter program), Niles, MI
- Caring Clothes Co-op (general support), New Carlisle, IN
- Ferry Street Resource Center (food pantry), Niles, MI
- Harbor Country Emergency Food Pantry (food pantry), Three Oaks, MI
- Meals on Wheels (meals for clients in southern Berrien County), Niles, MI
- Mosaic CCDA (Feel Good Fridge), Benton Harbor, MI
- Mount Calvary Baptist Church (food pantry), Niles, MI
- Neighbor by Neighbor (food pantry), Union Pier, MI
- New Carlisle Community Food Pantry (food pantry), New Carlisle, IN
- North Berrien Historical Museum (general support), Coloma, MI
- Our Lady Queen of Peace (food pantry), Bridgman, MI
- Redbud Area Ministries (food pantry, display racks, client financial assistance), Buchanan, MI
- Roti Roti Art Center (general support), Buchanan, MI
- Scott Club (general support), South Haven, MI
- The Soup Kitchen (general support), Benton Harbor, MI
- Water Street Glassworks (general support), Benton Harbor, MI
“The Low family’s decision to bring their charitable work to Berrien Community Foundation speaks to their deep commitment to the people of Berrien County,” said BCF President Lisa Cripps-Downey. “The grants they’re making are already strengthening organizations that reflect the values of the Low family. We are honored to help ensure their generosity continues creating meaningful impact across our community.”
In addition to We See You Grants, LFF awarded four major general-support grants to:
- Fernwood Botanical Garden, Niles, MI, $50,000
- Fried’s Cat Shelter, Michigan City, IN, $50,000
- Chicago History Museum, Chicago, IL, $50,000
- The History Museum, South Bend, IN $10,000
“Fernwood appreciates the ongoing support from the Low Family Foundation,” said Mary Krinock, executive director of Fernwood. “Their contributions to the community and specifically to Fernwood play a significant role in enabling our work at the garden. This generous donation will enhance our educational and horticultural programs and support the garden's overall operations."
By partnering with Berrien Community Foundation, the Low Family Foundation ensures its charitable mission will endure for generations. BCF provides administrative support, philanthropic expertise and deep knowledge of local needs as part of its leadership in managing more than $120 million in charitable assets on behalf of the community.
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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