Berrien Community Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Berrien Community Foundation supports community development, nonprofit capacity building, education, arts and culture and human services in Michigan.
FUNDING AREAS: Community development, nonprofit capacity building, education, arts and culture, human services
IP TAKE: The application process for BCF’s various programs varies from one to the next, so review the guidelines carefully to secure funding for a local nonprofit program. This is otherwise an accessible funder.
PROFILE: Established in 1952, the Berrien Community Foundation (BCF) is a community foundation based in St. Joseph, Michigan. William Vawter and concerned business people created this foundation to benefit Berrien County residents and make grants to organizations that serve this area. The foundation aims to "connect the power of people who care with causes and organizations that strengthen our communities.” It funds local efforts for community development, nonprofit capacity building, education, arts and culture and human services.
The Berrien Community Foundation has various grant programs to channel the local giving of donors and support the communities in this area. BCF allows organizations to receive more than one type of grant per calendar year but only one from each program. The Berrien Community Foundation “For Good” Grants support major and minor projects through donations to the BCF Community Endowment Fund. Alamar Nonprofit Sustainability Grants are three-year grants that help nonprofits take care of their employees. Golden Acorn Classroom Mini Grants are available twice per year for local teachers, Stephen E. Upton Love Your Community Grants are awarded annually for projects and William J. Deputy Grants benefit Harbor County municipalities. There are additional opportunities with the Heart of Cook Grants, Frederick S. Upton Foundation Grants, Frederick S. Upton Foundation Big Idea Grants and Berrien Community Foundation "For Ever" Sustainability Grants.
Grants range between about $500 and $50,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on Berrien County in Michigan. Past local grantees include CJE SeniorLife, Eau Claire Public Schools and the Economic Club of Southwestern Michigan.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits for some of its grant programs. Each program has its own unique set of guidelines and deadlines. Grantseekers may mail their application materials to BCF for some grant programs, while it is required to make other application submissions electronically through BCF’s online system. Direct general questions to the staff at 269-983-3304 or via online form.
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