The world is made up of all sorts of people. We’ve heard before that some people watch things happen, some make things happen, and far too many just stand around wondering what happened. The communities of Berrien County are extremely fortunate to have the Berrien Community Foundation to help make things happen, and there’s no better component of that organization at getting to the heart of the matter than the team from Indiana Michigan Power Company’s Cook Nuclear Plant at Bridgman.
They even created “The Heart of Cook” Foundation Fund years ago in order to be able to assist a broad array of non-profit organizations all at the same time. They’re gearing up to do it again this year under the auspices of the Berrien Community Foundation where applications are now being accepted for donations from “The Heart of Cook” Foundation Fund.
Grant applications are available for the grant program funded by Indiana Michigan Power’s Cook Nuclear Plant and administered by the Berrien Community Foundation to assist nonprofit programs in Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana (La Porte, St. Joseph, and Elkhart Counties).
Joel Gebbie, who serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Nuclear Officer for Cook says, “We are pleased to provide this funding opportunity to the organizations that help our community to be a great place to live and raise a family.” He adds, “The Heart of Cook Foundation is one way that we can say thank you for the important services these organizations provide to us throughout the year.”
Educational projects, human services programs that support families, and environmental protection and preservation projects are the focus areas for this grant program. The grant review committee, comprised of Cook Nuclear Plant employees, gives special consideration to projects that involve I&M employees. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) tax exempt or equivalent status in order to qualify for funding.
Bill Downey is an employee advisory committee member. He says, “In 2017, we provided more than $52,000 in funding to 36 non-profit programs and special projects in educational and community-based agencies.” He notes, “Cook takes its job of being a community partner very seriously. We know that when we work together there is no limit to what we can achieve.”
Grant applications and guidelines may be obtained by visiting the Berrien Community Foundation’s web site at this link: http://www.berriencommunity.org/HOC
All grant applications must be submitted electronically through the Berrien Community Foundation’s website. The grant application due date is February 9, 2018, with awards to be announced in May. Agencies that have received funding for three consecutive years will not be eligible to apply during this grant cycle.
If you have questions about applying, contact Susan Matheny at susanmatheny@berriencommunity.org or by calling 269-983-3304.
Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) is headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN and serves more than 580,000 customers in Indiana and Michigan. I&M, part of American Electric Power, is one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, delivering electricity to more than 5 million customers in 11 states. For more information visit indianamichiganpower.com or www.cookinfo.com.
The Berrien Community Foundation works to be the center of philanthropy in Berrien County. BCF holds endowment and other funds that help to fund programs and projects throughout Berrien County. Through these funds the Community Foundation is able to support the ever-changing needs of Berrien County now and into the future. The Foundation holds over $48 million in assets providing grants and scholarships throughout the County.
The Foundation also provides opportunities for individuals to fulfill their charitable intentions through life-end giving and estate planning. For more information on the Berrien Community Foundation visit our website at www.BerrienCommunity.org or call (269) 983-3304.
