Dear Editor,
We want to thank all the respondents who participated in our 2023 Donor Survey earlier this year. It’s so helpful to know what our supporters think and perceive about Four County Community Foundation (4CCF), and we appreciate having this tool to guide our plans for the coming weeks, months and years.
Here’s a snapshot of the survey results:
• A majority of respondents said they first became connected with 4CCF through a friend, neighbor or co-worker. So thank you for spreading the good word to others and please, keep sharing!
• Nearly all the respondents said they give to 4CCF because it reflects their “beliefs and values.” We’re honored that you trust 4CCF to help make a difference in Lapeer, St. Clair, Macomb and Oakland counties.
• As for their thoughts on community needs that haven’t been adequately addressed, survey participants raised many concerns for children and youth-ranging from physical and mental health needs, including food security and the availability of child care, to supporting education and offering recreational options. Other responses covered issues like a lack of affordable housing and improving access to medical care.
These ideas confirm that there remains a need for 4CCF to continue with their initiatives like our Feeding Families Forever Fund and Mental Health Fund… For a Better Tomorrow. We remain committed to supporting education initiatives through our 21st Century Education Funds-one each for Almont, Armada, Capac, Dryden, Imlay City and Romeo.
Several of 4CCF’s funds have supported various recreation projects, including park improvement and development projects, and we welcome grant applications to further that work in our communities.
As for improving access to medical care, we would appreciate hearing directly from donors and community members as to what that means to them.
Also, if you know an individual or organization that’s wanting to address some of these community needs and has drummed up some innovative ideas, please encourage them to participate in our brand new Spark Grant.
Applicants-including individuals and nonprofit groups-can apply to present an in-person proposal to a panel of 4CCF committee members who will have a pool of $40,000 to award. Each pitch will also include a five-minute question and answer session involving the applicant and the panel of committee members.
Applicants will have the opportunity to complete a simple survey that captures their innovative idea. The 4CCF Spark review committee will invite a select number of finalists to a pitch night. Those finalists will be notified by Sept. 13 and will then participate in a Pitch Night on Sept. 28 at 5 p.m. at a location to be determined.
To request a Spark Grant application or to provide feedback on community needs, contact me at kdickens@4ccf.org or 810-444-8852.
— Kathy Dickens
Executive Director
Four County Community Foundation
