Four County Community Foundation (4CCF) is pleased to announce the return of their Spark Grant program for a second year. Applicants—both individuals and nonprofit groups—can apply to present an in-person proposal to a panel of 4CCF committee members followed by a five-minute question and answer session.
The panel has a pool of $50,000 to award and is most interested in proposals that are truly innovative and seek to meet an unmet community need in 4CCF’s service area.
The Spark Grant format is intended to feel more accessible and interactive than a traditional grant application process but is more focused in the type of projects it funds like that of Union Food Group’s. One of four proposals awarded in 2023, the Shelby Township-based business partnered with the Hispanic Service Center in Imlay City to offer reduced-cost Spanish-language food safety training. This project met a need for local entrepreneurs who feel more comfortable receiving ServSafe training in their native language. According to the Census Bureau, more than one-third of new businesses created in 2023 were owned by Latinos.
“This grant gave us a chance to make a real change,” Union Food Group’s Ana Marin said.
“Believe in your idea and make the first step!”
The 2024 Spark Grant program will proceed as follows:
- Phase 1: Now-August 31
Applicants will have the opportunity to complete a simple survey that captures their innovative idea. A link to the survey can be requested by emailing kdickens@4ccf.org.
- Phase 2: September 13
The 4CCF Spark review committee will invite a select number of finalists to a pitch night. Those finalists will be notified by Sept. 12.
- Phase 3: September 26
Finalists will participate in Pitch Night on Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. at the 4CCF office in Romeo
Four County Community Foundation is committed to serving the current and emerging needs of our local community. The foundation serves portions of Lapeer, St. Clair, Macomb and Oakland counties. To learn more about Four County Community Foundation, visit www.4ccf.org or call (810) 798-0909.
For more information about the Spark Grant, contact 4CCF Executive Director Kathy Dickens at kdickens@4ccf.org or 810-444-8852.