Golden Acorn Classroom Mini Grant Applications Due June 1
Berrien Springs elementary school students marvel at a chick hatching inside an egg incubator, which was purchased by dollars from a Golden Acorn Classroom Mini Grant from Berrien Community Foundation in 2024. The classroom project taught the life cycle of chickens.
Golden Acorn Classroom Mini Grant Applications Due June 1
Do you know a creative teacher with an innovative idea for the classroom? Berrien Community Foundation is now accepting applications for its Golden Acorn Classroom Mini Grants, offering up to $500 to support creative student-learning projects for Berrien County educators and school staff. The application deadline is June 1, 2026.
Golden Acorn Classroom Mini Grants are designed to bring creative, engaging learning experiences to life for local students. From hands-on science projects to literacy initiatives and school-wide events, these grants help educators turn great ideas into meaningful classroom impact.
Past grant-funded projects have included baby chick incubators for classroom science exploration, school unity events, art kits for gel printing, new books for classroom libraries, and even a “reading café” designed to make literacy more inviting and fun for students.
“We know our teachers often reach into their own pockets to fund special classroom projects,” said Lisa Cripps-Downey, president of Berrien Community Foundation. “This grant opportunity lets teachers do creative, innovative work without taking on that expense.”
Since 2000, Berrien Community Foundation has awarded more than 325 Golden Acorn Classroom Mini Grants, totaling more than $216,000 in support of local classrooms.
Educators and school staff are encouraged to apply. Applications and full grant guidelines are available at www.berriencommunity.org/GAclassroom.
Baby chicks stand inside a Berrien Springs elementary school classroom after hatching from an egg incubator, which was purchased by dollars from a Golden Acorn Classroom Mini Grant from Berrien Community Foundation. The classroom project taught the life cycle of chickens.
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.
