The Berrien Community Foundation is now taking applications for the Carolyn’s Kids grant program, an initiative dedicated to improving the lives of children throughout the Benton Harbor, St. Joseph, and Stevensville areas.
BCF Program Manager Susan Matheny tells us Carolyn Hanson started the grant program a few years ago, making $100,000 available each year.
“The Carolyn’s Kids program really reflects Carolyn Hanson’s just huge heart for kids, for children, just wanting people to be creative and create meaningful programs that help kids feel safe, supported, and valued,” Matheny said.
Matheny says the $100,000 is typically awarded as two $50,000 grants that can go to nonprofits, schools, religious organizations doing community work, and local governments serving children.
“We’ve had the Ready for Schools Reach Out and Read. It’s an early literacy program. Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Michigan’s Child Abuse Prevention Education Efforts. And another really great one was the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Southwest Michigan’s Workforce Development Initiative.”
Matheny says organizations are encouraged to think boldly about how they can positively impact children when submitting applications for Carolyn’s Kids grants. More specifically, they’re looking for things that can meet basic needs, enhance education experiences, advance emotional or mental well-being, contribute to safety, or help kids prepare for the future.
The deadline to apply is July 1 and the application can be found at the Berrien Community Foundation’s website. The winning organizations will be announced in October at BCF’s Annual Meeting.
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