Grant applications are again available for “The Heart of Cook” Foundation Fund. “The Heart of Cook” is a grant program funded by Indiana Michigan Power’s Cook Nuclear Plant and administered by the Berrien Community Foundation to assist nonprofit programs in southwest Michigan and northwest Indiana (La Porte, St. Joseph and Elkhart Counties).
“Every year we look forward to providing this funding opportunity to the nonprofits in our community,” said Joel Gebbie, senior vice president and chief nuclear officer. “The Heart of Cook Foundation is one way that we can say thank you and support the nonprofit organizations that serve our community so tirelessly throughout the year.”
Educational projects, human services programs that support families, and environmental protection and preservation projects are the focus areas for 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.
“In 2016, we provided more than $53,000 in funding to 29 nonprofit programs and special projects in educational and community-based agencies,” said Dave Lefor, employee advisory committee member. “That is a great way for Cook to continue to be an important community partner. So much good is accomplished when we work together.”
Grant applications and guidelines may be obtained by visiting the Berrien Community Foundation’s web site at berriencommunity.org/HOC. All grant applications must be submitted electronically through the Berrien Community Foundation’s website. The grant application due date is Monday, Feb. 6, with awards to be announced in May. Agencies that have received funding for three consecutive years will not be eligible to apply during this grant cycle. If you have questions about applying, contact Susan Matheny at susanmatheny@berriencommunity.org.
Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is headquartered in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and serves more than 580,000 customers in Indiana and Michigan. I&M, part of American Electric Power, is one of the largest electric utilities in the U.S., delivering electricity to more than 5 million customers in 11 states. For more information, visit indianamichiganpower.com or cookinfo.com.
The Berrien Community Foundation holds endowment and other funds for a number of nonprofit organizations in Berrien County. Through these funds the Community Foundation is able to support the ever-changing needs of Berrien County now and into the future. The Community Foundation’s Community Endowment and field of interest funds have provided funding to support a wide variety of services and agencies for more than 60 years.
For more information on the Berrien Community Foundation visit our website at BerrienCommunity.org or call (269) 983-3304.