BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- The Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary Foundation announced three organizations as their 2025 grant recipients.

The grants are partially funded through the annual Great Pumkin Raffle.

Local charitable organizations that align with the club’s goals and its mission are encouraged to apply during the annual application process in April.

The foundation's goal is to “serve the youth within the geographical area of the Benton Harbor School District.”

The following charitable organizations were awarded grants:

• The Benton Harbor Library Literacy Project - $1,250 grant funds will be used by the library to purchase and distribute books to youth residing within the geographical boundaries of the Benton Harbor area schools. The funds will also support interactive events, library field trips, and family-focused activities held in city parks. Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotarians will actively participate in and support these activities.
• Educational Toys for the Needy & Aide - $1,000 used in partnership with the Women’s Auxiliary Club, these funds will support ongoing efforts to combat and prevent functional illiteracy from an early age through auxiliary members’ mentoring with books, and other educational toys and materials.
• Junior Achievement - $2,240 will support young people in our community by equipping them with the knowledge and skills needed to achieve economic success, plan for their futures, and make informed academic and financial decisions.

Foundation officials say their mission calls on them to actively seek to understand the needs of young people and the broader community.

Their aim is to find the most effective ways to support and uplift youth  through initiatives that promote literacy, numeracy, personal development, and the overall enrichment of their lives in the Benton Harbor community.