Howard Youth Endowment Program Grant

The Howard Youth Endowment Program Grant is administered by the Berrien Community Foundation, a philanthropic organization serving residents of Berrien County, Michigan. This grant opportunity was established by long-time community advocates John E.N. and DeDe Howard to support meaningful programs and projects for youth in the communities of Saint Joseph (ZIP code 49085) and Benton Harbor (ZIP code 49022). The foundation’s goal is to empower local youth through community engagement, education, recreation, arts, and service projects that foster personal growth and strengthen the broader community. The grant specifically supports initiatives designed for youth residing in or attending school in Saint Joseph and Benton Harbor. Eligible projects may occur at one of the Howard-named facilities—such as the John & Dede Howard Ice Arena, John & Dede Howard Family Trail, Howard Band Shell, Howard Skate Park, or the Howard Auditorium at St. Joseph High School—but this is not a requirement for funding. The fund prioritizes positive community impact, youth engagement, and the enhancement of local spaces, whether or not a Howard facility is utilized. Examples of funded projects include service initiatives by student groups, arts programming for at-risk youth, recreational outings, and neighborhood clean-ups led by teens. The foundation encourages creative and well-planned projects with strong organizational backing. This grant is open to a range of entities, including nonprofit organizations, schools, faith-based groups, and government agencies, all of which must demonstrate a strong connection to the target communities. Applicants are expected to submit a complete application through the Berrien Community Foundation’s grant portal by the annual deadline of November 1. Applications generally open several months in advance, allowing ample time for preparation. The Foundation advises applicants to follow directions carefully, ensure application materials are clearly written and properly formatted, and secure all required signatures well before the deadline. While the grant does not explicitly state the funding amount, awards are determined based on the merit of the project, its alignment with the grant purpose, and the available funds. There is no stated requirement for matching funds. Applicants are encouraged to clearly outline their program goals, timelines, and expected outcomes to strengthen their proposals. For additional assistance or to speak with a grant program professional, applicants can contact the Berrien Community Foundation at 269-983-3304. The mailing address is 2900 S State St, Ste 2E, Saint Joseph, MI 49085. More information and access to the online application can be found at www.berriencommunity.org/HowardYouth.

Follow directions carefully; submit clean documents; plan early; get required signatures in advance