Show your support for local educators and students by making a donation today!
Four County Community Foundation’s service area is home to standout school districts—they serve as social hubs in the community, educate students and provide all kinds of enriching experiences for families.
In a typical year, one-third of grant dollars awarded by Four County Community Foundation (4CCF) goes to our local school districts, but educational needs are increasing. That’s why, with a new school year just underway, the foundation is launching their “Standout Schools” giving campaign and drawing attention to their newly re-branded Education Funds.
Donors can easily give to any of 4CCF’s seven Education Funds and those dollars will then be available to school staff year-round through the Foundation’s competitive grant cycle. Educators, administrators and club leaders will be encouraged to apply for funding for a wide range of projects that enhance the learning experience for their students. Currently, individual Education Funds exist for Almont, Capac, Dryden, Imlay City, Memphis and Romeo school districts along with a general Four County Education Fund that’s available to any district within 4CCF’s service area. The funds are also capable of accepting gifts of appreciated stock, real estate, life insurance, commodities (including grain) and contributions from personal estates.
Since 1992, the Foundation has held seven school-based funds that provided mini-grants to classroom teachers at all age levels. Today, the purpose of those funds has been updated to go beyond just classroom projects and now includes funding for field trips, student clubs, and other initiatives that enhance learning, foster creativity, and build community within the schools.
Already in 2025, the Almont Community Schools Education Fund has granted dollars to the district for a staff retreat event at Skyline Camp and Retreat Center. In previous years, the Almont-specific fund has supported projects ranging from new choir robes for Almont Middle School students to the purchase of bat houses for an outdoor classroom at Orchard Primary.
“These grants have empowered our staff to think creatively and act boldly in support of their students,” said Almont Superintendent Kim VonHIltmayer.
“Teachers and program leaders have been inspired to identify areas of need and seek solutions through grant applications, knowing there is a trusted partner in 4CCF. This culture of innovation and initiative has helped build staff morale and a deeper sense of ownership in shaping student experiences and success.”
VonHiltmayer went on to say that donations to the Almont Community Schools Education Fund “would be an incredible boost to our staff’s future efforts…and reduce the barriers and competition sometimes associated with external grants, allowing more educators to access the resources they need to provide the most impactful experience for every student.”
In Imlay City, district-specific dollars have been granted to support a Math & Science Day at Borland Elementary, facilitate a ‘One School, One Book’ project at Imlay City Middle School, and much more.
“Grants from Four County Community Foundation have made a remarkable difference in the lives of Imlay City Middle School students, opening doors to opportunities that many would not otherwise have experienced. The One School, One Book grant played a vital role in fostering a community of readers during our March is Reading Month celebration,” said teacher and grant recipient Kristyn Kurka.
“Through the One School, One Book initiative, every student received their own copy of the same book to read, discuss, and enjoy together. This shared reading experience united students across grade levels, sparked hallway conversations about plot twists and favorite characters, and helped even reluctant readers see themselves as part of our school’s reading community.”
To show your support for our “Standout Schools” and donate to one of 4CCF’s Education Funds, visit 4ccf.org or call the Foundation at (810) 798-0909.
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 4ccf.org or call (810) 798-0909.