Heart of Cook Grants

The Heart of Cook Grants support non-profit organizations, schools, and government units in furthering education, enhancing human services, and protecting the environment within Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana. With funding priorities focused on skill development, community independence, and environmental restoration, the grants aim to foster local leadership and innovative solutions. Eligible applicants may submit one application per cycle, with particular attention given to measurable outcomes and projects addressing emerging community needs.

Guidelines & Funding Emphasis
Our three primary funding areas are:

• Furthering EducationSupporting Human ServicesPreserving and Protecting the Environment

The partnership of corporate contributions and employee initiatives typically results in improved outcomes.
Furthering education
To promote economic development and provide for a well-trained and available work force in the area, we will provide grants to programs that build work skills and to educational organizations and projects that supplement professional development for educators and volunteers. Projects that specifically target science and mathematical disciplines, as well as development in impoverished communities are given priority.
Human services
Strong families are the building blocks for successful communities and businesses. We will provide grants to programs and organizations that nurture children and youth, help foster independence for those in need, ensure safety and support of older individuals, and teach parenting skills.
Protecting the environment
We provide grants to organizations and projects supporting these types of environmental activities.

Eligibility

A non-profit organization (501(c)(3), units of government, religious organizations, or schools) may submit only one application during this cycle (i.e., one for either the long form or the mini grant form).

Ineligibility

In general, we do not provide grants to support: salaries and related costs (i.e., fringes, taxes); nonqualified organizations (e.g., for profit businesses, service clubs without nonprofit status (i.e., 501(c)(4)s, 501(c)(19)s, etc.—see four types that do qualify above); individuals, tickets for contests, raffles, or other activities with prizes; religious organizations (unless the request is for a non-religious activity that supports the overall community); fraternal organizations; capital campaigns, endowment funds, academic chairs or fellowships; debt-reduction campaigns; political or partisan organizations or events; sports tournaments or teams; trips or tours for individuals or groups; and talent or beauty contests.If an organization has received a grant from Heart of Cook for the last three consecutive years, the organization is not eligible to apply for funding for one year. We also cannot accept applications from high school robotics teams.