Berrien Community Foundation to provide $200,000 in grants to local nonprofits

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. – The Berrien Community Foundation will provide $200,000 in general operations grants to local Berrien County nonprofits that are struggling due to COVID-19. The Foundation is a center of philanthropy in Berrien County that has helped support local programs for over 65 years.

“We know that many nonprofit organizations are struggling for survival right now,” said Lisa Cripps-Downey, Berrien Community Foundation President. “They have canceled fundraisers and stopped or altered services. Some have continued services without adequate funding.”

The Berrien Community Foundation usually has two competitions a year for its “For Good” grants while currently running a competition for its “For Ever” grants.

While providing $200,000 in “For Ever” grants, the Foundation will also provide $50,000 to $90,000 in grants for its “For Good” competition in September.

“We could not continue business as usual,” said Dr. Bob Harrison, BCF Board Chairman. “While we needed to hold some dollars for typical project grants, it was important for us to recognize the need for sustainability and to take measures to ensure Berrien County has a healthy nonprofit sector for years to come.”