In 2016, the Berrien Community Foundation announced a generous gift from Steve Upton that would allow the foundation to provide a grant of $50,000 each year to an outstanding non-profit organization serving Berrien County.
BCF is excited to announce the process to apply and urges non-profit organizations to begin thinking about the project or program they think will best demonstrate how they love the community.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our local non-profits to think about what they are currently doing and what they could accomplish with extra assistance to improve lives in Berrien County,” said BCF President Lisa Cripps-Downey. “While the initial deadline is a few months away, it is important for the planning process to start now.”
Winning projects will:
• Address a crucial community need
• Make a positive impact in the lives of Berrien County residents
• Demonstrate the ability to be a sustainable when funding is concluded
• Demonstrate collaboration
There is a two-step application process, Cripps-Downey explained. By June 1, agencies should submit a brief letter of intent with a project overview. Organizations selected to move on to the second step would be asked to submit a full grant application by Aug. 15. The winning program will be announced at the Berrien Community Foundation Annual Meeting Sept. 20 at the Heritage Museum and Cultural Center.
For a complete list of instructions to apply, visit the Berrien Community Foundation website at berriencommunity.org/lovecommunity.