Lisa from Berrien Community Foundation joins us to talk about the new grant program sponsored by Carolyn Hanson called Carolyn’s Kids, where non-profits could be awarded one of two $50,000 grants to support children’s programming in Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, or Stevensville areas! Head to berriencommunity.org/grants to apply.
“Carolyn’s Kids” Grants at Berrien Community Foundation Celebrates Love of Kids
New grant program will provide $100,000 in funding
Carolyn Hanson has a heart for children and wants to make sure their needs are met in our community. The newest grant program at Berrien Community Foundation, Carolyn’s Kids, is a partnership between Carolyn Hanson and the Berrien Community Foundation that will award two $50,000 grants to programs that support the needs of children.
“The children truly are the future,” said Carolyn Hanson. “I care so much about what happens to our kids. I’m so honored, proud and humbled that I can be part of doing something to help kids.”
What started as a casual conversation resulted in Carolyn’s Kids.
“We were talking about the needs in the community, and I could see Carolyn’s passion to help children,” said BCF President Lisa Cripps-Downey. “So, we decided to put something together that could use both of our resources and would result in a way to make the lives of children better. It’s a great partnership and I’m really excited to see what this can do for children.”
The grant opportunity is available to non-profit organizations, schools, churches doing community work and government organizations. The program will award two, $50,000 grants to support children’s programming in the Benton Harbor, St. Joseph or Stevensville areas.
Carolyn’s Kids will look for programs that improve the lives of children by:
- Meeting basic needs
- Enhancing educational experiences
- Addressing mental and emotional well being
- Contributing to their safety and security
- Preparing them for the future
“The criteria intentionally reflect a very broad range of ways to positively impact the lives of children,” Cripps-Downey said. “I encourage organizations to be creative and come to us with ideas. It can be supporting an existing program or trying something completely new.”
Applications are now available through the Berrien Community Foundation website at www.berriencommunity.org/grants. Applications are due Tuesday, May 31. The winning applications will be announced in September at the Berrien Community Foundation Annual Meeting.
The Berrien Community Foundation is a center of philanthropy in Berrien County holding endowment and other funds to support programs and projects throughout Berrien County. These Community Foundation funds support the ever-changing needs of Berrien County now and into the future. With more than $90 million in assets, the Foundation provides grants and scholarships plus opportunities for individuals across the County to fulfill charitable intentions through life-end giving and estate planning. For information about BCF, call 269-983-3304 or visit www.berriencommunity.org.
