Frederick S. Upton Foundation Big Idea Grant
Funding Amount
US $25,000 - US $50,000
Deadline
April 1, 2027
174 days left
Grant Type
Foundation
Can we apply?
Check your organization against each line. Taken from the listing; confirm with the funder's guidelines.
Eligible organizations
- 501(c)3 non-profit agencies, schools and government organizations
Geography
- In Berrien County
- Serving Berrien County
Required status
- 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
Not eligible / not funded
- Not eligible: Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 nonprofits, schools, and government organizations, while capital building grants are excluded.
- Not eligible: Funding for capital building grants will not be considered.
Overview
The Frederick S. Upton Foundation Big Idea Grant offers two annual grants of $50,000 and $25,000 to nonprofit organizations in Berrien County. This program encourages innovative ideas and collaborative efforts to enhance community services. The Foundation, rooted in the philanthropic spirit of its founder, Frederick Upton, aims to improve the quality of life in the area. Eligible applicants include 501(c)3 nonprofits, schools, and government organizations, while capital building grants are excluded.
The Berrien Community Foundation provides grant services for the Frederick S.
The Big Idea Grant is a special grant program of the Frederick S. Each year the Foundation provides one $50,000 grant and one $25,000 grant to nonprofit organizations serving Berrien County. These grants support innovative programming and new ideas to enhance and serve our community in a Big way.
Eligibility
This funding opportunity is open to 501(c)3 non-profit agencies, schools and government organizations.
Ineligibility
Funding for capital building grants will not be considered.
What Berrien Community Foundation Inc actually gave
Source: IRS Form 990, 2025
- Grants in 2025
- 201
- Total given
- $9.24M
- Median grant
- $18K
- Range
- $5,290–$872K
- By dollars: Michigan 76%, Ohio 6%, Indiana 4%. Top recipient cities: Benton Harbor, MI; St Joseph, MI; Stevensville, MI.
- 46% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.
- 31% of recipients were new grantees, not repeat recipients.
Example grants
St Joseph Community Park Foundation · St Joseph, MI
General support, kaleidoscope playground at kiwanis park
$872K
Curious Kids' Museum · St Joseph, MI
General support, capital campaign, curious kids' museum on main street, outdoor garden…
$578K
The University of Toledo Foundation · Toledo, OH
Capital campaign
$575K
New Buffalo Area Schools · New Buffalo, MI
Gelli printmaking art project, empowering young students: access to feminine hygiene…
$365K
Project Hope - the People to People Health Foundat · Washington, DC
General operations
$350K
Focus Areas & Funding Uses
Fields of Work
- Nonprofits
- Community development
- Capacity building
Categories
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