The Berrien Community Foundation recently awarded more than $137,000 in grants to several Berrien County nonprofit organizations.

Building a spirit of community/arts and culture grants totaling $42,000 were provided to the American Red Cross-Berrien County, $4,000; Berrien County Cancer Service, $6,000; Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Berrien and Cass, $5,000; Gateway, $8,000; Hospice at Home-Lory’s Place, $6,000; New Buffalo Railroad Museum, $3,000; and Region IV Area Agency on Aging, $10,000.

Nurturing our children grants totaled $32,325. These included grants for the Calling All Colors of SW MI, $3,325; Children’s Music Workshop, $2,500; Citadel Dance and Music Center, $5,000; InterCare Community Health Network, $8,500; Krasl Art Center, $6,500; and Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra, $6,500.

TEAM (Teens Exhibiting Able Minds), the Foundation’s youth advisory committee, recommended a total of $23,000 in grants to the board for approval. This included support for Boys Scouts of America-SW MI Council, $6,000; Helping Our Youth Achieve, $3,500; Reclaiming, Equipping and Directing Youth (R.E.A.D.Y.), $7,000; and Therapeutic Equestrian Center,  $6,500.

Lifelong learning commitments totaled $35,500. Grants were allocated to the Curious Kids’ Museum, $10,000; Legal Aid of Western MI, $2,500; Lest We Forget, $3,000; Planned Parenthood Mid and South Michigan, $5,000; Renaissance Enterprises Co., $5,000; and Sarett Nature Center, $10,000.

Seven Berrien County school districts received a total of more than $5,000 in Golden Acorn classroom mini-grants for 11 teacher projects. Ranging from $100 to $500 each, these grants enhance classroom activities throughout the county.

In a given year, the foundation provides about $2.5 million in grants from its 270 funds to benefit Berrien County.

“Our grants support many programs in Berrien County that range from in-home nursing services for cancer patients to therapeutic riding program for individuals with special needs and cognitive disabilities,” said Nanette Keiser, Berrien Community Foundation president. “We believe it is very important that the Foundation supports these Berrien County organizations as they accomplish their missions.”

The Berrien Community Foundation was established in 1952 as an innovative means by which any concerned individual could put charitable dollars to work for the benefit of Berrien County and beyond. For more information, call 983-3486 or visit  www.berriencommunity.org.