BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- The Berrien Community Foundation announced they're accepting letters of intent for the $50,000 Stephen E. Upton Love Your Community Grant to start or expand projects and programs making a difference in the county.

“One thing all past winners have in common is that they are standing in the gap and providing services that can be life-changing,” BCF President Lisa Cripps-Downey said. “This grant opportunity, started by Stephen Upton to show his love for our community, is about ensuring nonprofits have the resources they need to continue making a deep impact locally.”

BCF officials say the first step in the application process is to submit a letter of intent online by June 1.

The Stephen E. Upton Love Your Community Grant is open to all nonprofits serving Berrien County.

Officials say the winning projects should address a crucial community need, make a positive impact in the lives of Berrien County residents, demonstrate the ability to be sustainable when funding is concluded, and demonstrate collaboration.

You can submit your letter of intent and learn more about BCF on their website.

Officials say a select number of applicants will move forward in the process and be asked to submit full grant proposals.

The winning project will be announced at BCF's Annual Meeting in October.