Heart of Cook Grants

The Heart of Cook grant program was established in 2003 by the DC Cook Nuclear Plant as a means to contribute to local communities while actively involving plant employees in the process of philanthropy. As one of the major employers in Berrien County, Michigan, DC Cook uses this initiative to support and uplift local nonprofit efforts. The program is administered by the Berrien Community Foundation, a trusted organization known for managing regional grantmaking processes. The grant supports nonprofit projects in the areas of education, human services, and environmental improvement. Its scope is geographically focused on Southwest Michigan and Northwest Indiana, specifically targeting Berrien County, Michigan, and La Porte, St. Joseph, and Elkhart counties in Indiana. Grants are awarded through a competitive application process and are aimed at nonprofit organizations serving these regions. The Heart of Cook program offers two funding tracks: mini-grants and standard grants. Mini-grants are intended for small-scale initiatives and range from $100 to $500. Standard grants provide more substantial support, offering between $501 and $10,000. Organizations are permitted to apply for only one grant per year and cannot apply for both a mini-grant and a standard grant simultaneously. Additionally, any organization that has received Heart of Cook funding for three consecutive years must sit out one year before reapplying. High school robotics teams are explicitly ineligible for this funding. All grant applications must be submitted electronically through the Heart of Cook’s green grant process, reflecting their commitment to sustainability. The application deadline for the current cycle is June 9, 2025. Applicants will receive notification of funding decisions by late August, and a formal reception for award distribution will take place in September. The grant has historically supported a diverse range of organizations, including public service departments, youth organizations, libraries, educational institutions, and community development groups. This diversity in funding reflects the program’s broad commitment to community enhancement in eligible regions.