To Donate in memory of Stephen E. Upton, please click the button below.
The Stephen E. Upton Love Your Community Grant through the Berrien Community Foundation is available to nonprofit organizations serving Berrien County, Michigan. Each year, a grant of $50,000 will be awarded to a nonprofit organization that exemplifies the spirit of the Stephen E. Upton Love Your Community Grant. This grant program began in 2016 with a generous donation from Steve and Elizabeth Upton.
The winning organizations have served the community in so many ways but all have shown the kind of care and compassion that is synonymous with Steve and Elizabeth Upton.
The winning project 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
- Demonstrate collaboration
Award recipients to date include:
2024 - Emerge Innovation Hub
2023 - Rising Kites
2022 - Present Pillars
2021 - Carol's Hope
2020 - YMCA of Greater Michiana
2019 - Ferry Street Resource Center
2018 - Boys & Girls Club of Benton Harbor
2017 - Readiness Center
2016 - Therapeutic Equestrian Center
How to Apply:
Submit a letter of intent by June 1 by clicking this button:
This letter should be no more than two pages in length (double spaced) and contain the following:
- A brief overview of your agency
- The total amount requested
- An overview of the proposed project
- Why this project would have a positive impact on Berrien County residents
- How this project demonstrates love of community
- An estimate of the number of people who will be served
Going Forward
A select number of applicants will be asked to submit full grant proposals.
Agencies selected will receive a standard grant application due in August.
The winning project will be announced at the Berrien Community Foundation Annual Meeting in September.
For further information, contact the Berrien Community Foundation by clicking here.
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