They call them the Heart of Cook grants, and nothing could be more true than that name. The men and women of the Cook Nuclear Plant at Bridgman work all year toward a key time of year when they begin to take applications for grant dollars that help fund some of their favorite charities and non profit organizations across the region.
Their philanthropy is notable as they spread their goodwill throughout Michigan’s Great Southwest and into Northwest Indiana every year working to make a difference in the communities that they call home.
Today, the Berrien Community Foundation, which administers “The Heart of Cook” Foundation Fund, has announced the opening of the grant application process for 2020. The program is funded by Indiana Michigan Power’s Cook Nuclear Plant to assist nonprofit programs in Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana ( in La Porte, St. Joseph, and Elkhart Counties).
Educational projects, human services programs that support families, and environmental protection and preservation projects are the focus areas for the Heart of Cook 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 to qualify for funding.
Joel Gebbie, Senior Vice President & Chief Nuclear Officer at the Cook Plant, says, “Every year we look forward to providing this funding opportunity to the non-profits in our community,” and adds, “The Heart of Cook Foundation is one way that we can say thank you and support the non-profit organizations that serve our community so tirelessly throughout the year.”
Bill Downey, Cook’s Employee Advisory Committee Chair says, “In 2019, the Heart of Cook provided more than $65,000 in funding to 38 non-profit programs and special projects in educational and community-based agencies,” and notes, “We love that we can partner with the community in this way and we’re looking forward this year to helping more organizations do the incredible things they do.”
Grant applications and guidelines may be obtained by visiting the Berrien Community Foundation’s web site at the link below beginning today, January 9, 2020. All grant applications must be submitted electronically through the Berrien Community Foundation’s website. The grant application due date is February 10, 2020, 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, you can contact Susan Matheny by email at susanmatheny@berriencommunity.org. Here is the link to the application process:
http://www.berriencommunity.org/HOC
The Cook Nuclear Plant is owned and operated by Indiana Michigan Power, headquartered in Fort Wayne. At full capacity, the 1,084-net MW Unit 1 and 1,194-net MW Unit 2 combined produce enough electricity for more than one and one half million average homes. Indiana Michigan Power is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Electric Power, one of the largest electric utilities in the United States, delivering electricity and custom energy solutions to nearly 5.4 million customers in 11 states. For more information visit indianamichiganpower.com or www.cookinfo.com.
The goal of the Berrien Community Foundation is to connect needs with resources in the community. Working with individuals, corporations and other foundations, BCF creates endowments and other funds that support the ever-changing needs of Berrien County now and into the future.
BCF’s Community Endowment and field of interest funds, and donor advised funds have provided funding to support a wide variety of services and agencies for over 65 years. For more information on the Berrien Community Foundation and how you can create your own legacy of giving, visit our website at www.BerrienCommunity.org or call (269) 983-3304.
