For Good Minor Grant

The “For Good Minor” grant is one of two funding tiers offered through the Berrien Community Foundation’s “For Good Grants” program, which supports community-serving organizations across Berrien County, Michigan. This smaller-scale grant opportunity is designed for nonprofits, government agencies, schools, and religious organizations undertaking community-focused projects with more modest funding needs. With a maximum award of $1,500, the For Good Minor grant features a streamlined application process, making it more accessible for organizations with limited administrative capacity or smaller budgets. This program operates on a biannual cycle, with application deadlines on March 1 and August 1. Organizations are allowed to receive only one For Good Grant (either Major or Minor) per calendar year, and those that have been awarded funding for three consecutive years are required to pause for a year before reapplying. Projects funded through this program must serve Berrien County residents, and start dates for the proposed activities must be at least two months after the application deadline—June 1 or later for spring cycles and October 1 or later for fall cycles. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, government entities, and religious groups conducting community service initiatives. The application process requires fewer documents compared to the Major grant tier. Required uploads include a project budget form and a signed grant signature form, both of which must be submitted in PDF format. Applicants may also submit one optional page of supplemental information. These materials help the Foundation evaluate the feasibility and potential impact of the proposed project. The Foundation evaluates proposals across a wide range of categories, including arts, children, education, environment, health, seniors, youth development, and community improvement or special needs. Funding is generally reserved for initiatives that are creative, solution-oriented, and sustainable without ongoing dependence on Foundation funding. Proposals that involve collaboration, mobilize community support, or provide a pathway to securing additional funding are viewed favorably. While general operating support is eligible under certain hardship conditions, the applicant must justify the need and offer a sustainability plan. The Foundation does not typically fund political activities, religious proselytization, endowment contributions, existing debts, individual applicants, or holiday-specific initiatives. Annual fundraising drives and capital campaigns are also low priorities. Applicants are encouraged to save login information, draft responses offline before submitting them online, and follow best practices for completing the grant application via the portal system. Interested applicants may contact the Foundation directly by phone at 269-983-3304 for assistance. This grant is part of the Foundation’s broader commitment to strengthening local organizations and improving quality of life for residents of Berrien County through responsive, community-driven philanthropy.

Answer questions offline; Save draft often; Write down login info