Berrien Community Foundation is now accepting letters of intent for the $50,000 Stephen E. Upton Love Your Community Grant to start or expand projects and programs that are making a difference in Berrien County. The first step in the application process is to submit a letter of intent online by June 1.
“One thing all past winners have in common is that they are standing in the gap and providing services that can be life-changing,” BCF President Lisa Cripps-Downey said. “This grant opportunity, started by Stephen Upton to show his love for our community, is about ensuring nonprofits have the resources they need to continue making a deep impact locally.”
Letters of intent should give an overview of the proposed project, how it would have a positive impact on Berrien County residents and how it demonstrates love of community. For additional guidelines or to submit a letter of intent, visit www.berriencommunity.org/lovecommunity.
Emerge Innovation Hub was the latest nonprofit to receive the grant. Emerge has developed an ecosystem of entrepreneurs, financial institutions, businesses and business leaders to assist both emerging and experienced BIPOC entrepreneurs to develop sustainable business models to foster business growth and economic impact in their communities. Rising Kites Coffee is another past recipient of the Stephen E. Upton Love Your Community Grant. The nonprofit provides employment and job training opportunities to individuals with intellectual disabilities through their namesake coffee shop in downtown Bridgman.
“The (Love Your Community) grant was a transformative gift for our organization,” said Danielle Grandholm, executive director of Rising Kites. “It allowed us to open Rising Kites Coffee, which has become a hub for both community engagement and social impact. The funding directly supported the setup of our shop, including the purchase of necessary coffee equipment and renovations. This has not only provided a space for local connection but also enabled us to create job opportunities for individuals with disabilities here in Berrien County.”
The Stephen E. Upton Love Your Community Grant is open to nonprofits serving Berrien County. Winning projects will:
- Address a crucial community need,
- Make a positive impact in the lives of Berrien County residents,
- Demonstrate the ability to be sustainable when funding is concluded; and
- Demonstrate collaboration.
All letters of intent are due by June 1, 2025. To apply, visit www.berriencommunity.org/lovecommunity. A select number of applicants will move forward in the process and be asked to submit full grant proposals. The winning project will be announced at Berrien Community Foundation’s Annual Meeting in October.
