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

June 9, 2026 (Annual full application submission deadline)

Mini-grants: $100–$500 | Standard grants: $501–$10,000 | One application per organization per year

Supports nonprofit projects in education, human services, and the environment in Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana.

Organizations funded three consecutive years must skip a year; high school robotics teams are not eligible.

--- ## Description The Heart of Cook grant program, established by the DC Cook Nuclear Plant and administered by the Berrien Community Foundation, provides competitive funding to nonprofit organizations working in the fields of education, human services, and environmental protection. The program targets projects benefiting communities in Southwest Michigan (Berrien, Cass, and St. Joseph counties) and Northwest Indiana (La Porte, St. Joseph, and Elkhart counties). The initiative seeks to strengthen local impact by supporting organizations that deliver meaningful services and projects, with a particular emphasis on those involving Indiana Michigan Power employees. --- ## Due Dates - June 9, 2026: Annual full application submission deadline Applicants are notified of funding decisions in late August, with awards distributed at a September reception. --- ## Funding Amount - Mini-grants: $100–$500 (for small projects) - Standard grants: $501–$10,000 - Organizations may apply for only one grant (mini or standard) per year. --- ## Eligibility - Must be a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) or equivalent tax-exempt status. - Projects must serve communities in Southwest Michigan (Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph counties) or Northwest Indiana (La Porte, St. Joseph, Elkhart counties). - Only one application per organization per year (either mini-grant or standard grant). - Organizations that have received funding for three consecutive years are ineligible to apply for one year. - High school robotics teams are not eligible. - Special consideration is given to projects involving Indiana Michigan Power employees. --- ## Application Process - All applications must be submitted online via the [Berrien Community Foundation application portal](https://goapply2.akoyago.com/berrien/Identity/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=/berrien/opportunities). - Review guidelines and eligibility before applying. - Decisions are communicated in late August; successful applicants are invited to a September awards reception. --- ## Additional Information - The Heart of Cook program is funded by Indiana Michigan Power’s Cook Nuclear Plant. - The grantmaking process involves Cook Nuclear Plant employees in the review and selection of recipients. - Previous recipients include a range of community organizations focused on education, youth, human services, and environmental initiatives. --- ## External Links - [Heart of Cook Grant Program Overview](https://www.berriencommunity.org/hoc) - [Application Portal](https://goapply2.akoyago.com/berrien/Identity/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=/berrien/opportunities) - [Berrien Community Foundation Home](https://www.berriencommunity.org) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Office | Email/Phone | Link | |---------------------|------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | Berrien Community Foundation | 269-983-3304 | [Contact Form](https://www.berriencommunity.org/contact-us) | | Susan Matheny (Program Contact) | susanmatheny@berriencommunity.org (from previous cycles) | |

Heart of Cook

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