2026 Grant Applications Now Available from Heart of Cook Foundation
2026 Grant Applications Now Available from Heart of Cook Foundation
Grant awards will focus on environment, human services and educational projects
Grant applications are now available from The Heart of Cook Foundation, with a deadline of June 9.
The Heart of Cook is a grant program funded by Cook Nuclear Plant, part of Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), and administered by Berrien Community Foundation to assist nonprofit programs in Southwest Michigan (Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph counties) and Northwest Indiana (La Porte, St. Joseph and Elkhart counties).
Environmental protection and preservation, human services and educational projects are the focus areas of this grant program. The grant review committee, comprised of Cook Nuclear Plant employees, gives special consideration to projects that involve I&M employees. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt or equivalent status to qualify for funding.
“The Heart of Cook Grant Program has always been important in helping sustain many of our community’s nonprofits, particularly during uncertain times like we’ve seen over the past couple of years,” said Joe Callahan, member of the employee advisory committee for The Heart of Cook. “Our committee takes these applications very seriously in an effort to do the most good with what we’re able to provide.”
Kelly Ferneau, AEP’s executive vice president and chief nuclear officer, agreed.
“Generating safe, reliable carbon-free electricity is just one of the ways we want to impact the quality of life here. Last year, the Heart of Cook granted more than $67,000 to 25 very worthy organizations who are vital to meeting the many growing needs of Southwest Michigan. To me, this kind of passionate effort led by our employees is every bit as powerful in its impact.”
Grant applications and guidelines are available on Berrien Community Foundation's website, www.berriencommunity.org/HOC. All grant applications must be submitted electronically through the Berrien Community Foundation’s website. The grant application due date is June 9, with winners being notified in late July/early August and a reception to be held in September. Agencies that have received funding for three consecutive years will not be eligible to apply during this grant cycle. If you have questions about applying, contact BCF Program Director Susan Matheny at susan@berriencommunity.org.
Cook Nuclear Plant is owned and operated by Indiana Michigan Power, an AEP company, headquartered in Fort Wayne, IN. At full capacity, the 1,084-net MW Unit 1, and 1,194-net MW Unit 2 combined produce enough emission-free electricity for more than one-and-one-half million average homes. Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) and its approximately 2,000 employees serve more than 600,000 customers. More than 85% of its energy delivered in 2023 was emission-free. I&M has at its availability various sources of generation including 2,278 MW of nuclear generation in Michigan, 450 MW of purchased wind generation from Indiana, more than 22 MW of hydro generation in both states and approximately 35 MW of large-scale solar generation in both states. The company’s generation portfolio also includes 1,497 MW of coal-fueled generation. For more information, visit www.indianamichiganpower.com or www.cookinfo.com.
Berrien Community Foundation is a center of philanthropy in Berrien County with over $120 million in assets. The Foundation works with donors to help them achieve their charitable giving goals and create their individual charitable legacies through current and life-end giving and estate planning. BCF also provides grants for programs and projects addressing critical, ever-changing community needs and a robust scholarship program for Berrien County students. For information about BCF, call (269) 983-3304 or visit www.berriencommunity.org.
