BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- Environmental protection and preservation, human services, and educational projects are the focus areas of the Heart of Cook Foundation grant program, which opened the application window this week.

“The Heart of Cook Grant program has always been important in helping sustain many of our community’s nonprofits,” said Bill Downey, chair of the employee advisory committee for The Heart of Cook.

“There are so many pressing issues, we need to do all we can to support the organizations that provide so much for those in need.”

Kelly Ferneau, AEP’s executive vice president and chief nuclear officer, agreed with Downey.

“It’s very important for the Cook Plant to be a good partner to the community in a way that goes beyond providing safe, clean, reliable electricity,” Ferneau said.

“The Heart of Cook program got its name because of the deep and personal commitment each of our employees has for the place they call home. The grants the program provides are just one small way we show our heart is always in the right place.”

Grant applications and guidelines are available online and must be submitted electronically through the Berrien Community Foundation’s website by June 9.

Winners will be being notified in late August, and a reception will be held in September.

Organizers say agencies that have received funding for three consecutive years will not be eligible to apply during this grant cycle.

The grant review committee, made up of Cook Nuclear Plant employees, gives "special consideration to projects that involve Indiana Michigan Power employees."

Applying organizations must have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt or equivalent status to qualify for funding.

Organizers say the Heart of Cook is a grant program funded by Cook Nuclear Plant, part of Indiana Michigan Power (I&M), and administered by Berrien Community Foundation to assist nonprofit programs within service territories of Southwest Michigan (Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph counties) and Northwest Indiana (La Porte, St. Joseph and Elkhart counties).

Anyone with questions about applying should contact BCF Program Director Susan Matheny at [email protected].