[Berrien Community Foundation](https://www.berriencommunity.org)

July 1, 2026 (Full application deadline)

Two grants of $50,000 each; funds may be used for single- or multi-year projects.

Supports innovative programs improving the lives of children and youth in Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, and Stevensville, MI.

Open to nonprofits, schools, churches doing community work, and government agencies in eligible areas.

--- ## Description Carolyn’s Kids grants, a partnership between the Hanson Family Foundation and the Berrien Community Foundation, are designed to support new or existing programs that address the evolving needs of children and youth in the Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, and Stevensville areas of Michigan. The program reflects Carolyn Hanson's legacy and commitment to strengthening the future of the local community by funding initiatives that meet basic needs, enhance education, support mental and emotional well-being, ensure safety, and prepare children for the future. Emphasis is placed on collaborative and partnership-driven projects. --- ## Due Dates - July 1, 2026: Full application deadline (applications due by 11:59 p.m.) --- ## Funding Amount - Two grants of $50,000 each will be awarded annually. - Grants may support single- or multi-year projects (e.g., $25,000 per year for two years). - The $50,000 grant should constitute a significant portion of the overall project budget. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be one of the following: - 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations - Schools - Churches conducting community work - Governmental agencies - Projects must serve children and youth in Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, and/or Stevensville, Michigan. - Both new and existing programs are eligible. - Projects should demonstrate collaboration or partnership. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via [the Carolyn’s Kids application portal](https://goapply2.akoyago.com/BERRIEN/Identity/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=/BERRIEN). - The application deadline is July 1, 2026, by 11:59 p.m. - Applicants are encouraged to propose creative ideas that address the broad range of children’s needs. - Winning applications will be announced in September at the Berrien Community Foundation Annual Meeting. --- ## Additional Information - Funded programs should focus on at least one of the following: meeting basic needs, enhancing educational experiences, supporting mental/emotional well-being, ensuring safety, or preparing children for the future. - Projects may be single-year or multi-year. - Grant recipients will be required to complete a post-grant evaluation, including a budget form and outcome metrics. --- ## External Links - [Carolyn’s Kids Grant Application Portal](https://goapply2.akoyago.com/BERRIEN/Identity/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=/BERRIEN) - [Program Information and Guidelines](https://www.berriencommunity.org/ckapp) - [Berrien Community Foundation Grants Page](https://www.berriencommunity.org/grants) - [Special Grants Evaluation Form](https://www.berriencommunity.org/SpecialGrantsEvaluation) --- ## Contact Information | Contact | Details | |----------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | Berrien Community Foundation | 2900 S State St, Ste 2E, Saint Joseph, MI 49085 | | Phone | 269-983-3304 | | Contact Form | [Contact Us](https://www.berriencommunity.org/contact-us) |

Carolyn's Kids

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