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

June 1, 2026 (summer cycle) | October 1, 2026 (fall cycle) | December 1, 2026 (December cycle)

Up to $500 per project; typically one award per educator per calendar year.

Supports Berrien County educators with funding for innovative, in-class projects beyond standard curriculum needs.

Multiple applications from the same district are encouraged; field trips and routine costs are not funded.

--- ## Description The Golden Acorn Classroom Mini Grants, offered by the Berrien Community Foundation, are designed to empower creative teachers and school staff in Berrien County, Michigan. These grants fund imaginative, innovative in-school or in-class projects that go beyond standard classroom activities. The goal is to encourage inventive approaches to teaching and learning, supporting unique projects that would otherwise lack funding. Grants are not intended for routine expenses such as textbooks or field trips. Multiple educators from the same school or district may apply and receive awards. --- ## Due Dates - June 1, 2026: Golden Acorn Classroom Mini Grants application deadline (summer cycle) - October 1, 2026: Golden Acorn Classroom Mini Grants application deadline (fall cycle) - December 1, 2026: Golden Acorn Classroom Mini Grants application deadline (December cycle) --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $500 per project. - Educators may receive one award per calendar year. - Grant funds must be used for a specific, innovative classroom or in-school project. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be teachers or other school professionals (such as speech therapists, counselors, etc.) in Berrien County, Michigan. - Projects must be for in-school or in-class use and demonstrate imaginative or innovative approaches. - Routine expenses (e.g., textbooks, field trips) are not eligible. - Multiple applications from the same school/district are allowed and encouraged, but each educator may receive only one award per calendar year. --- ## Application Process - Identify a creative classroom project that aligns with the grant’s focus. - Obtain principal approval and upload a signed letter from your principal with your application. - Create an individual account on the Berrien Community Foundation’s grant application portal (GoApply). - Complete and submit the online application form by the relevant deadline. - Applications are accepted year-round except for brief intervals when the portal is closed for processing. [Apply Now](https://goapply2.akoyago.com/berrien/Identity/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=/berrien/opportunities) --- ## Additional Information - Grant winners and examples of funded projects are available on the foundation’s website for inspiration. - The foundation encourages multiple educators in the same district to apply. - Applications have moved to a third-party application portal; credentials can be the same as the main website. --- ## External Links - [Golden Acorn Classroom Mini Grants Information](https://www.berriencommunity.org/gaclassroom) - [Past Winners and Project Examples](https://www.berriencommunity.org/golden-acorn-classroom-mini-grant-winners) - [BCF Grants Overview](https://www.berriencommunity.org/grants) - [2026 Grant Deadlines and Guidelines (PDF)](https://www.berriencommunity.org/sites/berriencommunity/files/2026%20Grant%20Deadlines%20-%20Master.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Details | |----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [Contact Form](https://www.berriencommunity.org/contact-us) | | Phone | 269-983-3304 | | Address | 2900 S State St, Ste 2E, Saint Joseph, MI 49085 |

Golden Acorn Classroom Mini Grants

Sign in to see full grant listing