Howard Facilities Program Endowment Grant

The Howard Facilities Program Endowment Grant Application is administered by the Berrien Community Foundation and was established through the philanthropy of John E. N. Howard and DeDe Howard. The fund is designed to support community programming that takes place specifically within facilities bearing the Howard name. These facilities are located across several communities and include spaces dedicated to arts, recreation, education, and public gatherings. The intent of the grant is to activate these venues by funding programs that directly benefit residents of Berrien County, Michigan, regardless of age group. The primary purpose of this grant is to encourage the use of designated Howard facilities by supporting meaningful, accessible, and community-oriented programming. Eligible activities must take place at one of the named locations, such as the Howard Performing Arts Center at Andrews University, the John and Dede Howard Ice Arena, or the Howard Family Trail. The funding is not intended for general organizational operations but is instead focused on specific events, programs, or activities that engage the public within these venues. Funding can be used for a variety of program-related expenses associated with hosting activities in the approved facilities. While specific allowable cost categories are not explicitly defined, examples suggest support for transportation, program supplies, instructional costs, and event-related expenses. Illustrative examples include senior citizen groups attending concerts, youth groups hosting educational and recreational activities, and schools using the trail system for environmental education. These examples demonstrate the grant’s flexibility while reinforcing its requirement that activities be tied directly to the Howard facilities. Eligibility for this grant includes nonprofit organizations, schools, churches, and government entities. All applicants must be organizing programs that serve Berrien County residents and must host those programs at one of the specified Howard-named facilities. The grant emphasizes inclusivity across age groups and program types, provided that the core requirement of location and community benefit is met. There is no indication of required matching funds or cost-sharing obligations. The application process requires interested organizations to access and complete the official application through the Berrien Community Foundation. While detailed submission components are not outlined, applicants are expected to provide sufficient information about their proposed program, including its purpose, audience, and use of the facility. The foundation serves as the central administrative body and point of contact for inquiries, providing both an address and phone number for assistance. The grant operates on an annual cycle with a clearly stated deadline of June 30. No specific information is provided regarding application opening dates, review timelines, or award notification schedules. However, the recurring nature of the deadline suggests an annual funding cycle. Organizations interested in applying should plan their program timelines accordingly to align with this submission date and ensure eligibility for consideration.