BCF- For Good Grants

The Berrien Community Foundation's "For Good" Grants support community projects in Berrien County, Michigan. These grants are available in two sizes: Major grants ($1,501-$15,000) and Minor grants (up to $1,500). Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) entities, schools, and government or religious organizations. The foundation prioritizes programs that are innovative, sustainable, and address critical local needs while fostering collaboration among community groups.

The Berrien Community Foundation's "For Good" Grants
The “For Good” Grants will be open for two cycles per year and will be available in two sizes:

• the "For Good" Major, ($1,501-$15,000) the "For Good" Minor, (up to $1,500)

The "For Good" Minor has a shorter, simpler form geared toward organizations with a smaller request and the "For Good" Major is a more standard length grant application. Organizations can receive one grant per calendar year.
Grants are reviewed in the following areas each year:

• Arts

Arts & Humanities: Programming that opens opportunities for more residents to participate in and experience the arts in our community. Supports historical preservation programs and projects.
Children
Nurturing Our Children: Programs that help provide nurturing to the young children of our community.
Community Improvement and Special Needs
Community Development: Addresses emerging community needs and issues that will help aid in the long-term overall planning and development of Berrien County.
Education
Quality Education: Programs to enhance and encourage continuing quality education.
Environment
Environmental and Animal Protection: Programs to protect and enhance understanding of our environment and for the humane treatment of animals.
Health
Healthful Living: Programs to enhance the health of Berrien County residents and educating people to make healthy choices.
Seniors
Senior Empowerment: Programs to improve the quality of life for Berrien County senior citizens.
Youth Leadership and Development
Youth Leadership and Development: Programs that enhance the quality of life for Berrien County youth while helping them to make positive life choices and encourage positive peer pressure.
Youth Leadership and Development grants are reviewed by our Youth Advisor Committee TEAM (Teens Exhibiting Able Minds). These grant applications require a presentation to the committee. TEAM is most interested in programs that promote positive decision making skills and encourage positive peer pressure. Specifically, programs that address:
Drug abuse and alcohol prevention and awarenessTeen sex and pregnancy preventionPositive entertainment and recreation for youth such asSummer programs, Extra curricular programs, After-school programsMental and physical health issues in youth such asDepression and suicide, Bullying, Obesity

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for a Berrien Community Foundation For Good Grant organizations must: be a 501(c)3, school, government organization or religious organization doing community projects Be serving communities in Berrien County, MichiganOrganizations who have received an award for three calendar years in a row are required to take a year off from applying.

Ineligibility

The Berrien Community Foundation typically DOES NOT fund:Annual fundraising campaigns;Routine operating expenses;Religious or sectarian purposes;Political purposes;Existing obligations or debts/liabilities;Grants to individuals;Endowment funds;Efforts which will require a commitment for long-term financial support; andTravel for groups such as school classes, clubs or sports teams.Low priority is given to capital campaigns