Four County Community Foundation Grants

Four County Community Foundation (4CCF) is a regional philanthropic organization dedicated to supporting charitable efforts within its defined service area across four Michigan counties: Lapeer, Macomb, Oakland, and St. Clair. The foundation fosters progressive initiatives that benefit local communities through education, health, and broader community projects. With a longstanding commitment to community advancement, 4CCF partners with IRS-recognized tax-exempt organizations, schools, and local government agencies to drive local impact. The foundation places an emphasis on equity and operates its grant programs without discrimination based on age, race, religion, sex, disability, or national origin. The foundation operates a competitive quarterly grant cycle with deadlines on January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1 each year. Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on the deadline day through the online portal hosted on Foundant. New applicants are required to create an account using an email and password. 4CCF also provides step-by-step instructions and a video tutorial to support applicants unfamiliar with the system. Foundation staff are available for consultation to determine project alignment and answer questions about the application process. 4CCF offers grants for progressive projects in three core areas: education, health, and community, which includes programming for both youth and adults. Priority is given to initiatives not currently addressed by existing community resources, those that encourage the generation of matching or additional funds, and projects that encourage collaboration between organizations. The foundation particularly values proposals that demonstrate a direct benefit to communities within its service area, which includes 17 specific townships spanning the four counties. Eligibility for grant funding is limited to individuals (through designated scholarship funds), IRS-recognized nonprofit organizations, schools, and governmental bodies located within the foundation’s service area. The foundation explicitly excludes funding for sectarian religious programs, ongoing operating budgets, wages, or for projects that fulfill basic municipal or educational functions. Furthermore, funding will not be awarded to initiatives that are already completed or for multiyear durations—most awards are structured as one-year grants. The grant review process is carried out by committees and the Board of Trustees, who evaluate applications based on alignment with the foundation’s priorities, geographic relevance, and the proposed impact of the project. Applicants are advised to ensure their proposals are clearly focused and demonstrate a benefit to one or more of the eligible townships. The foundation encourages early engagement with staff to increase the chances of successful applications. For more information or to inquire about project eligibility and fit, applicants can contact the foundation office via phone at (810) 798-0909 or by email at [email protected]. While awards are made quarterly, planning and early submission are advised due to the foundation’s competitive review process and emphasis on strategic community benefit.