$100,000 in new grants for organizations throughout Southwest Michigan have been announced by the Joseph and Rosemary Low Family Foundation.
The Berrien Community Foundation, which administers the program for the Low Foundation, says these annual “We See You” grants support nonprofits whose work makes communities stronger, more connected, and more vibrant. The BCF’s Susan Matheny told us earlier this year the Low Foundation is chaired by Dr. John Low in honor of his family.
“They were established in 2023 through a really generous donation and work of Joseph and Rosemary Low,” Matheny said. “Mr. Low practiced law all his life, and he and his family really just wanted to support projects that were going to benefit the community.”
16 organizations are receiving support in this latest round of Low Foundation grants.
The grants recognize organizations doing often behind the scenes work to strengthen their communities. The Berrien Community Foundation says this year’s recipients represent a broad range of missions, from the arts, education and historic preservation to housing stability, food security, disability services and neighborhood development.
Dr. John H. Low says the Low Family Foundation is “honored and excited to continue to award We See You grants to support to support local organizations with good people doing great things,” adding he thanks all the recipients for “working to make Michiana better for all of us.”
The full list of grant recipients:
Acorn Center for the Performing Arts: Supporting accessible and inclusive community arts programming, education and outreach in Harbor Country.
Benton Harbor Community Development Corporation: Supporting the Outside the Lines Summer Camp and a youth-led project to design and build community salt boxes throughout Benton Harbor.
Berrien Artist Guild, Inc./Box Factory for the Arts: Providing general operating support to sustain staff, leadership and programming at the St. Joseph arts organization.
Brandywine Education Foundation: Supporting digital and social media development to increase the foundation’s visibility and student impact.
Cornerstone Alliance: Supporting the Riverview Drive Project, an initiative to reimagine Benton Harbor’s riverfront as a welcoming, inclusive and world-class waterfront destination.
Emergency Shelter Services: Helping meet the continued needs of the Berrien County shelter, including food and utility costs that keep the facility operating.
Ferry Street Resource Center: Providing direct client assistance to low-income individuals and families, including help with utilities, food, transportation and emergency needs.
Great Lakes Expungement Network: Supporting outreach, client education materials and local clinic operations that help residents overcome barriers created by past criminal records.
Historic New Carlisle Incorporated: Supporting an intern who will help catalog and digitize the organization’s archival collection and make local history more accessible to the public.
Lake Michigan College: Supporting the Lake Michigan College Jazz Festival, including artist travel and residency expenses, student clinics, community outreach and free public performances.
Northern Indiana Historical Society/South Bend History Museum: Supporting general operations and the upcoming First Peoples, First Settlers: Indiana’s Interwoven Roots exhibit exploring Native American and early pioneer history in the St. Joseph River Valley.
Rising Kites: Supporting the purchase of a commercial flower cooler to expand Rising Kites Flowers into a year-round program offering employment and skill-building opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
The Salvation Army: Supporting the Mishawaka School Feeding Program, which provides nutritious weekend meals to children experiencing food insecurity.
Spinal Cord Injury Association of Northern Indiana: Providing client-centered assistance to individuals living with spinal cord injuries and their families.
South Haven Scott Club: Supporting operations, building maintenance, programming and accessibility efforts at the historic cultural and educational landmark.
The Region of Three Oaks Museum: Supporting restoration of the museum’s recently donated historic building on South Elm Street in Three Oaks.
Water Street Glassworks: Providing general operating support for arts education, visiting artists and the organization’s specialized glass studios in Benton Harbor
