Southwest Michigan Cares Fund asks area nonprofits affected by Covid to apply for funding
The fund was created by local donors and businesses in March 2020 to respond to pandemic needs and recovery in Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties.
The Southwest Michigan Cares Fund—in partnership with Berrien Community Foundation, the Greater South Haven Area Community Foundation, and United Way of Southwest Michigan—is asking nonprofits that have incurred costs or lost revenue due to COVID-19 to apply for funding.
Applications for funding are available at southwestmichigancares.org under General Operations Grant.
Applications are due by January 14, 2022.
A maximum of $5,000 per nonprofit can be requested.
Throughout the pandemic, charitable nonprofits have continued to serve their communities, often at an increased need. According to the Michigan Nonprofit Association, over a year into the pandemic, small nonprofits reported that financial support generated through annual fundraising events was down 53% and individual donations were down 46%. With donations cut in half, many of Michigan’s small nonprofits find themselves in dire need of financial assistance with only three to six months of operating cash on hand.
As the COVID-19 crisis was first developing, the Southwest Michigan Cares Fund was formed to help area nonprofits support the basic needs of the region’s residents during the pandemic and the ongoing financial impact on those nonprofits.
In 2020, the Southwest Michigan Cares Fund raised $1,104,780 and distributed $677,104 to 72 different organizations across Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties. Nearly a quarter of the funds went to food-related expenses and nearly half to mortgage/rent and utilities assistance. More than 41,000 individuals were served throughout the three counties across age, race, and gender.
The funders meet remotely with nonprofits to assess the changing situation and quickly make funding available to address community needs associated with the crisis. Disbursements are made for both emergency response and long-term recovery.
ABOUT BERRIEN COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
The Berrien Community Foundation is a center of philanthropy in Berrien County holding endowment and other funds to support programs and projects throughout Berrien County and beyond. For more than 65 years, BCF has helped concerned individuals establish their own charitable giving legacy and achieve their charitable goals. BCF works to connect the power of people who care with causes and organizations that strengthen our communities. Learn more at berriencommunity.org.
ABOUT GREATER SOUTH HAVEN AREA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
The Greater South Haven Area Community Foundation is dedicated to enriching the quality of life in the greater South Haven area by securing its future through endowments. Together we can address the current and future needs of the greater South Haven area for generations to come. Learn more at southhavencf.org.
ABOUT UNITED WAY OF SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN
United Way of Southwest Michigan fights for the Health, Education, and Financial Stability of every person in every community. We have the influence and relationships to make sustainable change a reality. By harnessing resources from corporate, nonprofit, and public partners, we provide immediate assistance to our most vulnerable populations while addressing the root causes of our community's longstanding challenges and changing lives for the better. To join the fight—through giving, advocacy, and volunteering—visit uwsm.org.
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