Thanks to the For Good Grant program from the Berrien Community Foundation, St. Joseph Today will be able to help local businesses succeed following the stress of the pandemic through their Love Local initiative. That’s just one example among the $100,000 in For Good Grants headed out the door this year from the Berrien Community Foundation program.
The foundation recently awarded more than $100,000 in For Good Grants to organizations as they resume programming and push to innovate themselves through the challenges that COVID-19 has produced.
By way of example, St. Joseph Today Executive Director Amy Zapal says, “With support from the Berrien Community Foundation’s For Good Grant, St. Joe Today will be able to create new programming to support area businesses and recreate events that have been successful in the past,” adding, “BCF’s help will be a driver in restarting the local economy and provide much-needed help for post-pandemic recovery. St. Joe Today is grateful for the incredible work and vision of the Berrien Community Foundation.”
While many organizations seeking For Good Grants are gearing up to return to a business-as-usual reality, some nonprofits sought For Ever Operational Sustainability Grants in the latest grant cycle to cover basic operating expenses. Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra is a For Ever Operational Sustainability Grant recipient.
SMSO Executive Director Sue Kellogg says, “This past year has been brutal for Arts Organizations everywhere,” and adds, “The generosity of BCF will allow us to offer free ‘Pop Up’ concerts to the community featuring SMSO musicians this summer as well as orchestra concerts at Silver Beach showcasing our four music director finalists!”
As concerts and pop-up events are being scheduled, the For Ever Operational Sustainability Grant dollars will create a cushion for the organization as they continue to recover from the revenue lost due to the shutdown.
BCF President Lisa Cripps-Downey says, “We are pleased to partner with so many service agencies to make Good happen in Berrien County,” while adding, “There’s a lot of excitement and hope for the rest of 2021 and we gladly support these programs as they reimagine and restart programs.”
Community volunteers reviewed all grant applications as requests covered a broad range of community needs including the arts, children, community development, education, environment, health, seniors, and youth leadership and development. Also reviewing grants is T.E.A.M. (Teens Exhibiting Able Minds), the youth advisory committee for BCF made up of high school students from across Berrien County.
Grant recipients are:
For Good Grants:
- Acorn Center for the Performing Arts — to convert outdoor space into a music venue.
- Berrien County Conservation District — to support farmers’ water testing requirement.
- Calling All Colors — to resume in-person programming.
- Chikaming Open Lands — to construct improvements in their nature preserves.
- Eau Claire Public Schools — to purchase percussion and drumline equipment.
- Fernwood Botanical Garden — for the holiday light show.
- Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan — to make membership more accessible to girls in northern Berrien County.
- LifePlan — for family support outreach in housing communities in Niles.
- St. Joseph Today — to support community events and placemaking.
- YMCA of Greater Michiana — for a summer day camp in Niles.
- Youth Development Company — for supplies for after-school programming.
For Good Grants awarded by T.E.A.M.:
- Berrien County Historical Association — for history projects to be done in academic environments.
- Berrien County Youth Fair — to update an LED roadside sign.
- Saint Joseph Rocket Football — for medical equipment and scholarships.
- Water Street Glassworks — for students to learn glassblowing.
For Ever Operational Sustainability Grants:
- Community Healing Centers/Carol’s Hope
- Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra
- Shadowland on Silver Beach
There are two grant cycles for For Good Grants, and applications for the next round are due by September 30th. For questions or more information, you can contact BCF Project Manager Susan Matheny at susanmatheny@berriencommunity.org.
The Berrien Community Foundation is a center of philanthropy in Berrien County holding endowment and other funds to support programs and projects throughout Berrien County. These Community Foundation funds support the ever-changing needs of Berrien County now and into the future. With more than $70 million in assets, The Foundation provides grants and scholarships plus opportunities for individuals across the County to fulfill charitable intentions through life-end giving and estate planning. For information about BCF call 983-3304 or visit http://www.berriencommunity.org.
