Berlin Township fire department members have started training with their forcible entry door simulator and will soon welcome neighboring departments to join them.
In the last quarter of 2025, Four County Community Foundation awarded more than $91,000 to schools, government agencies and nonprofit organizations for projects focused on public safety, the performing arts, mental health and much more.
As for public safety investments, 4CCF dollars were used to purchase a forcible entry door simulator for the Berlin Township Fire Department.
Berlin Township Firefighter and EMT Brian Schoenherr said the new simulator is allowing department members to explore different techniques and tools to aid them in entering locked doors in the event of a fire or other emergency.
“Spending too much time attempting to gain entry can allow fire to spread and create a greater risk of injury or death. A person’s life is at risk every second they are stuck inside a home, either from flame or smoke inhalation,” he said.
“The door, built by Firehouse Innovations, has become an excellent training tool for our department. I have received calls from other departments asking when we will have our next training with it because they would like to attend.”
Grants for performing arts projects included Macomb Symphony Orchestra’s Magic of Music Memory Café. This event will provide social engagement for people with dementia by leveraging the power of music to counter the social isolation they can experience.
Among the mental health-related projects to receive grants were the printing and distribution of Thumb Community Health Partnership’s children’s behavioral health materials in Lapeer County and Almont Middle School’s hosting of juggler Nick Thomas for an assembly where he spoke to students about overcoming mental barriers and finding motivation.
Those receiving other school-based awards were Capac Community Schools’ Blue and Gold Stories, a district video podcast that will share the stories of current and former students. Using grant funds, Krause Elementary School in Armada will purchase cardio drumming equipment and the Romeo High School Esports Club will be obtaining gaming consoles, controllers and gaming gear that will allow members to participate in a statewide league.
One of the Foundation’s first-time grantees was Offering Alternative Therapy With Smiles (O.A.T.S.) Therapeutic Riding Program, an equestrian nonprofit based in Ortonville. They’ll use funds to add new equipment needed to expand participation to more special needs riders.
Four County Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee reviews a portion of the youth-based grant applications received each quarter. In the fourth quarter of 2025, this group of middle and high school reviewers approved requests from Capac Jr/Sr High School’s National Honor Society for a Leadership & Team Building Event; Romeo High School SERVE for their Senior Center Dinner; Almont High School’s Easy Access Period Supply Program to purchase hygiene products and a dispenser and Orchard Primary School MoCI P.O.P. Practicing Our Potential for popcorn business equipment, among others.
The review process for 2026 first quarter applications is currently underway. 4CCF’s grant portal is now accepting new applications for quarter 2. Submissions are due by April 1 at 11:59 p.m. Learn more about the grant process at https://www.4ccf.org/grantees/ 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.
