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

October 1, 2026

Up to $10,000 per grant; typically one-year projects.

Supports projects that strengthen communities and improve quality of life in Harbor Country, Michigan, with a focus on local well-being and the waterfront.

Only municipalities in designated Harbor Country communities may apply.

--- ## Description The William J. Deputy Endowment Fund provides annual grant support for projects that enhance community well-being and the environment in Harbor Country, Michigan. Established in honor of Bill Deputy, an advocate for the region’s waterfront and communities, the fund is dedicated to initiatives that benefit local residents and the unique character of Harbor Country. The grants are administered by the Berrien Community Foundation and are intended to foster positive, lasting impact within the eligible municipalities. --- ## Due Dates - October 1, 2026: Application deadline for the William J. Deputy Grants --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum grant request: **$10,000** - Typical grant duration: **One year** - Grant funds are intended for projects that can be completed within the funding period. --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** Only municipalities located in Harbor Country are eligible. These include: - Grand Beach - Harbert - Lakeside - Michiana - New Buffalo - New Troy - Sawyer - Three Oaks - Union Pier - Municipalities are encouraged (but not required) to partner with other agencies or nonprofits to implement projects. - Non-municipal organizations cannot apply directly but may participate as partners. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted online via the [Berrien Community Foundation grant portal](https://goapply2.akoyago.com/BERRIEN/Identity/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=/BERRIEN). - New applicants must create and verify an organizational account; approval by BCF is required before accessing the application. - Applicants must complete and upload the required [Project Budget Form (DOCX)](https://www.berriencommunity.org/sites/berriencommunity/files/Grants/Project%20Budget%20Form.docx) as part of the submission. - Applications can be started under "Opportunities" in the portal and saved as drafts under "Submissions" > "In Progress." - Only one application per municipality per grant cycle is permitted. --- ## Additional Information - Projects should focus on strengthening the community and/or enhancing the local environment, especially the waterfront. - Partnership with local agencies or nonprofits is encouraged to broaden project impact. - For questions on eligibility or application requirements, contact the Berrien Community Foundation. --- ## External Links - [William J. Deputy Endowment Fund Program Page](https://www.berriencommunity.org/deputy) - [Berrien Community Foundation Grants Overview](https://www.berriencommunity.org/grants) - [Grant Application Portal](https://goapply2.akoyago.com/BERRIEN/Identity/Account/Login?ReturnUrl=/BERRIEN) - [Project Budget Form (DOCX)](https://www.berriencommunity.org/sites/berriencommunity/files/Grants/Project%20Budget%20Form.docx) --- ## Contact Information | Type | Details | |-----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | Phone | 269-983-3304 | | Online Contact | [Contact Form](https://www.berriencommunity.org/contact-us) | | Address | 2900 S State St, Ste 2E, Saint Joseph, MI 49085, USA |

The William J. Deputy Endowment Fund

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