Community Grants Program

Community Grants Program

Geographic Scope: South Berrien and Cass Counties, Michigan

Overview: The Michigan Gateway Community Foundation awards competitive grants to nonprofit organizations and public agencies serving the region. The most recent grant cycle (February 2026) awarded $148,477.75 across multiple funds.

Funding Sources

Grants are distributed through several MGCF funds including:
• Youth Fund
• Youth Advisory Council Fund
• Buchanan Area Fund
• Niles Area Fund
• Cass County Community Fund
• Donor-advised funds
• Field-of-interest funds

Focus Areas

• Education and youth development
• Arts and culture
• Housing stability
• Services for vulnerable populations
• Youth well-being and mental health support
• Enrichment, engagement, and belonging programs
• Basic needs and skill-building opportunities

Eligible Applicants

• Nonprofit organizations
• Public agencies
• Schools and libraries
• Youth-serving organizations
• Community nonprofits

Recent Grant Recipients (February 2026 Cycle)

Junior Achievement ($3,000), Michiana Chamber Orchestra ($7,365), Buchanan Community Schools ($5,000), Buchanan Music Boosters ($7,000), City of Niles Help 4 Homes ($15,642.35), Ronald McDonald House Charities ($5,000), Lory's Place Grief Healing & Education Center ($10,912.90), The Salvation Army ($10,000), Roti Roti Art Center of Buchanan ($13,516), United Way of Southwest Michigan ($6,000), Cass County Land Bank Authority ($8,980), Buchanan Area Senior Center ($10,000), LaSalle Council of Boy Scouts of America ($7,000), Cultural Arts Everywhere ($4,000), Edwardsburg Public Schools ($4,476.50), Heritage Southwest Intermediate School District ($10,000), One Buchanan ($585), Buchanan Community Schools tennis Program ($20,000)

Contact Information

• Phone: 269-695-3521
• Email: info@mgcf.org
• Address: 107 W. Front Street, Buchanan, MI 49107
• President/CEO: Michael Rowland

About the Foundation

Founded in 1977, the Michigan Gateway Community Foundation connects donors, organizations, and communities in southern Berrien and Cass Counties through philanthropy, partnerships, and endowment building. Mission: To foster a community for good—forever.