Low Family Foundation awards $150K in grants to local nonprofits

Donations will support Humane Society, Fernwood Botanical Garden, and more

Apr. 15, 2026 at 7:00am

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print depicting a repeating pattern of donation envelopes in shades of neon pink, yellow, and blue, conceptually representing the impact of the Low Family Foundation's philanthropic support.The Low Family Foundation's generous grants to local nonprofits highlight the power of charitable giving to transform communities.Niles Today

The Joseph and Rosemary Low Family Foundation has announced $150,000 in grants to four nonprofit organizations in the region, including the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan, Fernwood Botanical Garden, the Chicago History Museum, and WNIT Public Television. The foundation was established in 2023 by the Lows, who wanted to support impactful community projects.

Why it matters

The Low Family Foundation's grants provide crucial funding to local nonprofits that serve the community in a variety of ways, from animal welfare to public television. These donations can make a significant difference in the organizations' ability to fulfill their missions and expand their reach.

The details

The grants include $50,000 each for Fernwood Botanical Garden and the Chicago History Museum, $25,000 for the Humane Society of Southwest Michigan's cat patio project, and $25,000 for WNIT Public Television. The foundation is also accepting applications for its $5,000 'We See You' grants, with a deadline of June 1.

  • The Low Family Foundation was established in 2023.
  • The grant recipients were announced on April 15, 2026.

The players

Joseph and Rosemary Low Family Foundation

A charitable foundation established in 2023 by the Lows, who wanted to support impactful community projects.

Susan Matheny

The president of the Berrien Community Foundation, which administers the Low Family Foundation's grant program.

Dr. John Low

The chair of the Low Family Foundation.

Humane Society of Southwest Michigan

A nonprofit animal welfare organization that received a $25,000 grant for its cat patio project.

Fernwood Botanical Garden

A nonprofit botanical garden in Niles, Michigan that received a $50,000 grant.

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What they’re saying

“'Mr. Low practiced law all his life, and he and his family really just wanted to support projects that were going to benefit the community.'”

— Susan Matheny, President, Berrien Community Foundation

“'In these challenging times, the foundation is honored to support these organizations for the impact they make in their community.'”

— Dr. John Low, Chair, Low Family Foundation

What’s next

The Low Family Foundation is currently accepting applications for its $5,000 'We See You' grants, with a deadline of June 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The Low Family Foundation's generous grants demonstrate a commitment to supporting the vital work of local nonprofits and strengthening the community. By investing in organizations like the Humane Society, Fernwood Botanical Garden, and public television, the foundation is helping to make a tangible difference in people's lives.