Howard Youth Endowment Program Grant

The Howard Youth Endowment Program Grant is administered through the Berrien Community Foundation and was established by philanthropists John E. N. and DeDe Howard. The fund is intended to support initiatives that directly benefit youth residing in Saint Joseph and Benton Harbor, Michigan, particularly those within the 49085 and 49022 ZIP codes. The Howard family has contributed to the community through the development of several public-use facilities, and while use of these facilities is encouraged and viewed favorably in grant consideration, it is not a requirement for eligibility. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund programs and projects that enhance the lives of local youth through enrichment, service, recreation, and educational activities. The grant emphasizes community-based engagement and seeks to foster positive youth development outcomes. Projects may include structured programming such as arts education, recreational outings, service-learning projects, or community improvement initiatives that involve youth participants. The program is flexible in scope, allowing a variety of organizations and groups to propose initiatives that align with these goals. Funding can be used for programmatic expenses directly tied to youth engagement activities. While specific allowable and unallowable costs are not explicitly detailed, examples provided suggest that transportation, program materials, facility usage, and instructional services may be appropriate uses of funds. There is no mention of required cost sharing or matching funds, indicating that applicants are not obligated to contribute financially to receive support. However, proposals that demonstrate thoughtful use of resources and clear benefit to the target population are likely to be more competitive. Eligibility is centered on geographic and population criteria. Programs must serve youth who reside in the specified ZIP codes of Saint Joseph (49085) or Benton Harbor (49022). While the grant examples include nonprofit organizations, school-based groups, and informal youth initiatives, the exact eligible entity types are not explicitly restricted, suggesting a broad and inclusive approach. Projects may take place at Howard-supported facilities such as the Howard Ice Arena or Howard Family Trail, but this is not mandatory. The emphasis remains on serving the defined youth population rather than location alone. The application process requires interested applicants to access and complete the official grant application through the Berrien Community Foundation. While detailed submission steps are not outlined, applicants are expected to provide sufficient information about their proposed project, including purpose, target audience, and implementation plan. There is no indication of a multi phase application process such as letters of intent or pre-proposals, suggesting a single-stage submission. The deadline for submission is June 30, and no specific application opening date is provided. There is also no explicit information regarding award notification timing or project performance periods. However, given the structured annual deadline, the grant appears to operate on a recurring yearly cycle. Contact information is provided through the Berrien Community Foundation, including a physical address and phone number, allowing applicants to seek clarification or support during the application process. Overall, the Howard Youth Endowment Program Grant is a community-focused funding opportunity designed to empower organizations and groups to deliver meaningful programming for youth in Saint Joseph and Benton Harbor. By supporting a wide range of activities and maintaining flexible implementation parameters, the grant encourages innovative and impactful approaches to youth engagement within the specified service area.