Emergency Project Grant

The Emergency Project Grant from the Berrien Community Foundation, in collaboration with United Way of Southwest Michigan, is a responsive funding initiative designed to support immediate and urgent community needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant opportunity is targeted at programs that can quickly address gaps in services over a 2 to 4-week timeframe. The primary aim is to facilitate emergency relief by supporting organizations providing essential services such as food pantries, child and baby supplies, shelter support, and assistance for homebound seniors. This grant program is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, religious organizations conducting community service activities, and schools that are similarly engaged in community work. All applicants must be serving populations within Berrien, Cass, or Van Buren counties in Michigan. While previous grantees of either the Berrien Community Foundation or United Way of Southwest Michigan may proceed directly with their application, new applicants are required to submit additional documentation including their IRS Determination letter, latest 990 or audit, and an operating budget. Applicants will be contacted directly if these documents are needed. The application process is accessible online through a portal that requires the creation of a user account, enabling applicants to save and return to their submissions as needed. Detailed instructions are provided to ensure applicants understand how to properly submit their applications and receive confirmation. Tips include saving login credentials, utilizing the "Save Draft" feature, and considering drafting responses in a Word document before pasting into the application form. Grants will be reviewed and awarded on a bi-weekly basis, and this rolling process will continue until the COVID-19 crisis subsides or the funders issue a formal closure notice. There is no defined opening or closing date, emphasizing the urgency and flexibility of the funding mechanism in response to evolving needs during the pandemic. For assistance or inquiries, applicants can contact Susan Matheny at susanmatheny@berriencommunity.org or Amanda Drew at amanda.drew@uwsm.org. The foundation’s physical office is located at 2900 S State St, Ste 2E, Saint Joseph, MI 49085, and can also be reached by phone at 269-983-3304.