Grant Details

The Berrien Community Foundation was established in 1952 by William Vawter and a group of concerned business people, much like the rest of the community foundation movement that started in the Midwest. The Foundation is an innovative means by which concerned citizens can put charitable dollars to work for the benefit of Berrien County residents. The mission of the Berrien Community Foundation is to connect the power of people who care with causes and organizations that strengthen our communities.

The foundation provides the following grant opportunities:

Berrien Community Foundation "For Good" Grants: The For Good” Grants are open for two cycles per year and are available in two sizes: the "For Good" Major and the "For Good" Minor. The "For Good" Minor has a shorter, simpler form geared toward organizations with a smaller request and the "For Good" Major is a more standard length grant application. Grants are reviewed in the following areas: 

• Arts
• Children
• Community Improvement and Special Needs
• Education
• Environment
• Health
• Seniors
• Youth Leadership and Development

Stephen E. Upton Love Your Community Grant:  Each year, a grant will be awarded to a non-profit organization that exemplifies the spirit of the Stephen E. Upton Love Your Community Grant. The winning project 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
• Demonstrate collaboration

Golden Acorn Classroom Mini Grants: Many teachers would like to do extra projects but funding can stand in the way. The mini grant is for a specific program or project.

William J. Deputy Grants: The William J. Deputy Fund is an endowment fund established in 2008, to support projects and programs in the Harbor Country area. Bill Deputy was a member of the New Buffalo Yacht Club and New Buffalo Harbor Commission. He was a quiet philanthropist who cared about the growth of his community and the people who lived there. Bill particularly had a heart for the waterfront areas but also wanted to support projects that benefit all the communities of Harbor Country.

Heart of Cook Grants: In 2003 DC Cook Nuclear Plant started "The Heart of Cook." This competitive grant program is a way for one of Berrien County's largest employers to give back to the community while involving their employees in the process. The Heart of Cook also provides scholarships for the next generation of engineers as part of the Berrien Community Foundation's Scholarship Program.

The Berrien Community Foundation administers the program which targets grants that assist educational, human services, and environmental non-profit projects in Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana (La Porte, St. Joseph, and Elkhart Counties). The three primary funding areas are:

• Furthering Education
• Supporting Human Services
• Preserving and Protecting the Environment

Frederick S. Upton Foundation: The mission of the Frederick S. Upton Foundation is to uphold and perpetuate the wishes of its founder:

• To love your community
• To be aware and perceptive as to what is needed - economically and culturally - to improve and enrich the quality of life of its inhabitants
• To work together as family members and trustees, serving others through the Foundation with wisdom and compassion

Frederick S. Upton Foundation Big Idea Grant: The Big Idea Grant is a special grant program of the Frederick S. Upton Foundation. The mission of the Frederick S. Upton Foundation is to uphold and perpetuate the wishes of its Founder:

• To love your community
• To be aware and perceptive as to what is needed – economically and culturally – to improve and enrich the quality of life of its inhabitants
• To work together as family members and trustees, serving others through the Foundation with wisdom and compassion