Our Latest Grants Award $85,800 to the Local Community!

Four County Community Foundation recently completed its fourth quarter competitive granting cycle.  In all, fourth quarter grants from six funds totaled $85,882.92! The Four County Community Fund awarded $38,000 to three non-profit organizations providing food, clothing, and shelter to our most vulnerable neighbors.  The Immanuel Congregational, United Church of Christ, MCREST, and POBLO International all provide programs to bring meals and crisis housing to people in need in northern Oakland and Macomb counties. 21^st Century Education Fund grants were awarded to Capac Jr/Sr High School and Romeo Middle School.  21^st Century funds help classroom teachers with programs that may not be covered fully by the school’s budget.  Capac received funds to purchase photography equipment.  Classes will use the equipment to take quality photos for the annual yearbook.  RMS will purchase leveled, high-interest reading materials for students in the Middle School. Healthy Senior – Healthy Youth Fund grants totaled over $18,000.  The following non-profit agencies received funding:

• The Polly Ann Trailways Management Council for improved ADA accessible parking and rest areas in northern Oakland County
• The Charter Township of Macomb to provide a lift to improve pool access for senior and disabled swimmers
• The Lions Visually Impaired Youth Camp (Bear Lake) for construction of a sunshade structure and improved docking and lifeguard areas at the camp
• The Ray Township Public Library to provide “Healthy Girls Healthy Goals,” a program for teen girls

The W.K. Kellogg Youth Fund, which awards grants as determined by our Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), awarded $18,000 this quarter.  The big jump in funding came from the Grant Tank program, which encouraged students come up with ways to improve their classroom or school campus.  The YAC was astounded by the number of quality grant requests they received!  All seven student-driven programs received funding to improve their schools!

• Romeo Middle School plans to update and improve the RMS Courtyard, a place for everyone to enjoy being outside while at school
• Imlay City High School theater groups will purchase lighting and sound equipment to improve their stage productions
• Almont Middle School Grade 6 geography class plans to purchase a number of globes and maps, so students will be able to work in small groups as they explore political boundaries, land relief, populations, and capitals around the world
• Capac Jr/Sr High School is turning an unused room into the “Spear-It!” store, a place for students and the community to purchase spirit wear
• Almont High School art students will take a field trip to the DIA to experience the immersive Vincent Van Gogh exhibit
• Imlay City High School music department will purchase instruments and music to form its own Mariachi Band
• Almont Middle School will purchase the equipment needed to produce and distribute quality video productions
• Finally, though not a “Grant-Tank” request, the YAC also awarded Dryden Jr/Sr High School funds to provide a fun and safe graduation night for Dryden’s Class of 2022

Two other organizations received fourth quarter funding from 4CCF.  Seven Ponds Nature Center encourages schools to expand the learning classroom by taking a field trip or inviting a traveling naturalist to visit.  The grant to Seven Ponds will offset transportation costs and program fees for several local school districts.  The Imlay City Historical Commission received a grant to offset the publishing costs of So Many Stories to Tell, a 500-page historical narrative about Imlay City. Four County Community Foundation awarded over $135,000 in competitive grants in 2021.  Local non-profit organizations may apply at quarterly cycles ending January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1.  Foundation committees review each request and convene to discuss the projects.  To learn more about applying for a grant from Four County Community Foundation, visit 4ccf.michigangiving.org to learn the basics.  Call the office or email for more information.  We help our community grow!