BCF Alamar Nonprofit Sustainability Grant

The Alamar Nonprofit Sustainability Grant is an initiative of the Berrien Community Foundation aimed at enhancing the long-term viability and employee well-being of nonprofit organizations serving Berrien County, Michigan. This competitive grant opportunity awards $75,000, distributed over three years, to a single nonprofit that presents a compelling, sustainable project focused on organizational stability and staff support. Established by an anonymous donor concerned about the demanding work conditions often faced by nonprofit employees, the grant underscores the importance of balancing mission-driven work with a strong internal foundation. It supports projects that creatively improve employee quality of life—such as through benefits, training, wellness resources, or staff capacity building—while promoting the organization’s long-term sustainability. To apply, interested nonprofits must first submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by May 1, 2025. The LOI should clearly describe how the proposed project will positively impact employees and contribute to sustainability. A select number of applicants will be invited to submit a full grant application in the second stage. The grant recipient will be announced during Berrien Community Foundation’s Annual Meeting & Celebration in October 2025. Past recipients of the Alamar Grant have used the funds in diverse and strategic ways. Examples include St. Joseph Today, which introduced health insurance and a retirement plan; OutCenter, which hired development staff to support organizational growth; Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation, which onboarded a fundraising professional to scale operations; and Court Appointed Special Advocates of Southwest Michigan, which invested in coaching, counseling, and training for stress management and burnout prevention. Applicants are encouraged to develop proposals that reflect both innovation and a deep understanding of their staff's needs and organizational trajectory. More details on the application process, LOI submission, and previous awardees are available at www.berriencommunity.org/alamar. For inquiries, applicants can contact the Berrien Community Foundation at 269-983-3304, or by visiting the foundation’s offices at 2900 S State St, Ste 2E, Saint Joseph, MI 49085.