Roscommon County General Fund

This Fund was established by in 1997 and supports various charitable projects and programs within Roscommon County.

The Roscommon County General Fund serves as a central source of financial support for a wide array of programs, organizations, and initiatives throughout the county. Over the years, this fund has provided critical resources to community nonprofits, schools, and local agencies, enabling them to deliver services that address both everyday needs and long-term community development. From funding food pantries and diaper banks to supporting educational programs and historical preservation, the General Fund ensures that essential projects can thrive and reach the residents who benefit most.

Through the Roscommon County General Fund, organizations across Roscommon County have been able to implement impactful projects that promote health, safety, education, and recreation. Grants have been awarded to groups such as the Roscommon County Food Pantry, St. Vincent dePaul – Prudenville, and local schools and libraries, providing funds for initiatives like equipment purchases, facility improvements, and educational programming. In addition, cultural and environmental projects, including community parks, nature preserves, and historical society initiatives, have also been supported, fostering civic engagement and enhancing the quality of life in the region.

The Roscommon County General Fund embodies the community’s commitment to collaborative growth and shared responsibility. By strategically distributing resources across diverse projects, it ensures that both urgent needs and innovative programs receive the support they require. Each grant, from small educational materials to large infrastructure improvements, reflects the fund’s mission to invest in people, promote equity, and cultivate opportunities for every resident of Roscommon County. Over decades, this sustained support has created a stronger, more resilient community where nonprofits, schools, and local government agencies can work together to make a meaningful difference.

Roscommon County General Fund Grant Recipients

2025 – ARK Association to Rescue Kritters – $1,256.00 for New Enclosure Miss Peeps.
Friends of Trestle Park – $1,765.00 for 2025 Free Summer Concert.
Roscommon County Emergency Management – $3,700.00 for Rescue Task Force Initial Equipment.
St. Vincent dePaul – Prudenville – $3,000.00 for Serving Neighbors in Need.

2024 – Northern Michigan Children’s Assessment Center – $2,500.00 for Training for Staff.
Roscommon County Genealogical Society – $1,500.00 for Shelving.
St. Vincent dePaul – Prudenville – $4,700.00 for Helping Neighbors in Need.
Houghton Lake Pickleball Club – $725.00 for HLPC Polywood Benches.
St. Vincent dePaul – Prudenville – $2,500.00 for Food Pantry.
Village of Roscommon – $1,000.00 for 2024 Rocktober Fest.
Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve, Inc. – $624.00 for Those Who Wander Should Not Get Lost – Gahagan Trail Wayfinding Updates.
Roscommon County Food Pantry – $2,500.00 for HOPE Spring 2024.
Houghton Lake Performing Arts Association – $1,000.00 for Houghton Lake Blues Festival.

2023 – Crawford Roscommon Child Protection Council – $2,748.00 for Kids Have Rights.
St. Vincent dePaul – Prudenville – $2,000.00 for Food, Shelter, and Warmth Program.
Roscommon County Food Pantry – $2,000.00 for Delivering Hope (Help Our People Eat).
Friends of the St. Helen Garden Pathways Park – $1,140.00 for Pollinator Garden.
Roscommon County Veteran Affairs – $1,000.00 for RCVA Summer Programming.
St. Vincent dePaul – Prudenville – $3,250.00 for 2023 Food and Shelter.
Roscommon County Animal Shelter – $300.00 for Snap, Trap, Return or Rehome.
Friends of Trestle Park – $1,000.00 for 2023 Free Summer Concert Series.
Roscommon County Food Pantry – $4,850.00 for Delivering Food & Hope to Our Neighbors.

2022 – Roscommon Area Historical Society – $1,000.00 for Fencing Replacement.
C.O.O.R. Intermediate School District – $1,454.00 for Rifton Support Station.
St. Vincent dePaul – Prudenville – $4,000.00 for Helping Neighbors in Need.
Roscommon County Food Pantry – $3,600.00 for Delivering Food & Hope to Our Neighbors.
Roscommon-Crawford Foster Closet – $3,079.28 for Clothing Storage & Organization.
St. Vincent dePaul – Prudenville – $2,500.00 for Diaper Bank, Food Pantry.
Roscommon County Food Pantry – $6,000.00 for Personal Care and Food for our Neighbors.
Crawford-Roscommon Conservation District – $2,575.00 for Water Hookup.

2021 – Roscommon County Animal Shelter – $2,670.00 for Ballistic Concealable Vests for ACO’s.
St. Vincent dePaul – Prudenville – $2,500.00 for Diaper Bank, Food Pantry.
Crawford-Roscommon Conservation District – $2,306.00 for Roscommon Community Garden Revitalization Project.
Nester Township Fire Department – $3,916.14 for Water/Ice Rescue Equipment.

2020 – C.O.O.R. Intermediate School District – $3,200.00 for Sensory Integration & Communication.
Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve, Inc. – $840.00 for MGNP Signage.
Gerrish Township – $720.00 for Advanced Child Airway Management Trainer.
Roscommon County Food Pantry – $1,000.00 for Commercial Freezer.
ARK Association to Rescue Kritters – $750.00 for Shelters/Perches/Shade Cloth.
C.O.O.R. Intermediate School District – $1,250.00 for Math in the Mail.
Kirtland’s Warbler Festival, Inc. – $90.00 for Kirtland’s Warbler GeoTrail.
Northern Michigan Children’s Assessment Center – $1,000.00 for Outreach and Prevention.
Roscommon County Literacy Council – $120.00 for Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
St. Vincent dePaul – Prudenville – $1,880.00 for Diaper Bank & Food Pantry.
We Care Shop – $1,000.00 for Personal Care & Baby Pantry.

2019 – Markey Township – -$500.00 for Cancel: Table & Chairs for Truman Gardner Park.
Markey Township – -$566.00 for Cancel: Mushroom Chairs for Truman Gardner Park.
Higgins Lake Foundation – $699.00 for Necessary Office Equipment.
St. Michael Catholic Church – $1,071.00 for Hygiene Kits.
Charlton Heston Academy – $1,500.00 for Patriot Player’s Stage.
River House, Inc. – $1,186.00 for Youth Survivor iCare Kits.
Roscommon County Animal Shelter – $260.00 for Speed Queen Dryer.
Good Shepherd UMC of the North – $297.00 for Good Shepherd Personal Care Project.
Roscommon Area Public Schools – $72.00 for RHS Higgins Lake Water Quality Sampling & Analysis Program.
St. Vincent dePaul – Prudenville – $2,281.00 for Diaper Bank & Food Pantry.
C.O.O.R. Intermediate School District – $142.00 for Circle of Parents Roscommon County.
Artesia Youth Park – $1,000.00 for Sponsor Bleachers.
Friends of Trestle Park – $1,870.00 for 2019 Summer Concert Series.
St. Vincent dePaul – Prudenville – $1,810.00 for Diaper Bank and Food Pantry.
Gerrish Township Police Department – $580.00 for Project “Tracks.”

2018 – St. Vincent dePaul – Prudenville – $2,000.00 for Diaper Bank & Food Pantry.
Houghton Lake Area Historical Society, Inc. – $500.00 for Repair of Roof on Houghton Lake Historical Playhouse.
Markey Township – $566.00 for Mushroom Chairs for Truman Gardner Park.
St. Michael Catholic Church – $2,500.00 for Hygiene Kits.
Roscommon Co. Sheriff’s Dept. – $2,500.00 for Legally Compliant Interview Room Technology.
Roscommon Area Recreational Authority – $82.00 for AuSable Room Chairs for AuSable River Center.
Houghton Lake Area Historical Society, Inc. – $500.00 for Blacksmith Shop/Gazebo Buildings.
County of Roscommon – $2,500.00 for Corrections Ballistic/Stab Vests.
St. Vincent dePaul – Prudenville – $1,655.00 for Diaper Bank, Food Pantry.
Big Brothers Big Sisters – Mid Michigan – $675.00 for Awareness.
Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Michigan – $500.00 for HOBY Michigan Leadership Seminar.
Markey Township – $500.00 for Table & Chairs for Truman Gardner Park.
We Care Shop – $1,780.00 for On-site Storage and Dumpster Rental.
Roscommon County Literacy Council – $40.00 for Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

2017 – County of Roscommon – $2,423.00 for Corrections Ballistic/Stab Vests.
Crawford Roscommon Child Protection Council – $1,047.95 for Darkness to Light Sexual Abuse Prevention.
St. Vincent dePaul – Prudenville – $2,500.00 for Diaper Bank and Food Pantry.
St. Vincent dePaul – Prudenville – $1,930.00 for Diaper Bank & Food Pantry.
Roscommon County DHHS – $685.00 for Pathways to Potential.
Houghton Lake Jaguars Football – $484.00 for Guardian Caps.
Roscommon Township – $1,748.00 for Skinner Park Toddler Play Area.
Northern Michigan Children’s Assessment Center – $115.00 for Child & Teen Body Safety Information.
Markey Township – $878.00 for Truman Gardner Park Backhoe & Police Car Rider.

2016 – St. Vincent dePaul – Prudenville – $1,652.00 for Diaper Bank & Food Pantry.
Roscommon County Food Pantry – $1,500.00 for Fall Food Fill Up.
St. Michael Catholic Church – $1,297.32 for Hygiene Kits.
Roscommon County Literacy Council – $487.00 for Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
Gerrish Township – $1,131.00 for Stop CO Poisoning.
Children’s Bereavement Network – $525.00 for Camp Live, Laugh, Love 2016.
Houghton Lake United Methodist Church – $1,500.00 for HLUMC Food Truck.
Roscommon County Habitat for Humanity – $1,990.00 for ReStore Expansion.

2015 – Our Lady of the Lake School – $1,000.00 for Playground Improvement Project.
Roscommon Co. Dept. of Veterans Affairs – $122.00 for Veterans Medical Transportation.
St. Vincent dePaul – Prudenville – $1,452.00 for Diaper Bank and Food Pantry.
Houghton Lake Area Historical Society, Inc. – $500.00 for Archive Protection Project.
Markey Township – $1,000.00 for Toddler Play Equipment.
Kirtland Community College – $750.00 for Kirtland Youth Theatre 2015–2016 Season.
Roscommon County Food Pantry – $1,000.00 for Protein Power.
Markey Township – $540.00 for Markey Memorial Park Benches.
Roscommon County Habitat for Humanity – $1,500.00 for ReStore Truck Improvement.
Northern Michigan Children’s Assessment Center – $100.00 for Parent Packets & Body Safety Information.
Houghton Lake Community Schools – $1,000.00 for Playground Project.
St. Vincent dePaul – Prudenville – $639.53 for Diaper Bank.

2014 – Roscommon Co. Dept. of Veterans Affairs – $2,135.00 for Veterans Medical Transportation.
Our Lady of the Lake School – $1,000.00 for Spanish Program.
New Connections, Inc. – $497.47 for Social Interaction – Bowling.
Huron Pines Resource & Conservation Development Council – $500.00 for Kirtland’s Warbler Festival – Printing & Promotion.
Houghton Lake Area Alano Club – $740.00 for Building Retrofit for Energy Conservation 2015 – Doors.
Roscommon County Habitat for Humanity – $1,500.00 for ReStore Parking Lot Improvement.
Lyon Township – $1,250.00 for Ball Field Bleachers and Benches.
Markey Township – $1,250.00 for Baseball Benches & Bike Racks.
Roscommon Area Youth Booster Club – $1,200.00 for Roscommon Archery Programs.
Roscommon County Animal Shelter – $315.00 for Purchase of Shelter Equipment (scale).
Roscommon County Habitat for Humanity – $865.87 for ReStore Visibility Project.
Northern Michigan Children’s Assessment Center – $700.00 for NM Children’s Assessment Center.
Roscommon County Literacy Council – $900.00 for Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

2013 – Roscommon County Habitat for Humanity – $2,147.00 for ReStore Improvements.
St. Vincent dePaul – Prudenville – $1,982.00 for Food Pantry.
Houghton Lake Area Historical Society, Inc. – $1,000.00 for Johnson Project Restoration.
Gerrish Township – $1,250.00 for Playground Improvements.
Markey Township – $1,133.00 for Memorial Park Concrete Work for Drinking Fountain.
Westminster Church of Detroit – $1,200.00 for Camp Westminster Scholarships for Roscommon County Residents.
Roscommon County Food Pantry – $1,000.00 for Restock the Food Pantry.
Houghton Lake Community Schools – $400.00 for Cross Country Team Warm-Up Bottoms.
Roscommon Youth Football League – $1,250.00 for Safety First (helmets).

2012 – Roscommon Area Historical Society – $78.00 for Printing of Brochures.
Houghton Lake Area Historical Society, Inc. – $215.00 for Roof Repair.
AuSable Free Clinic – $150.00 for Automatic External Defibrillator.
Roscommon Co. Sheriff’s Dept. – $1,200.00 for Evidence Collection Camera.
St. Vincent dePaul – Prudenville – $1,500.00 for Food Pantry.
Richfield Township Parks Department – $1,659.00 for Lake St. Helen Pier & Kayak Launch.
Markey Township – $500.00 for Phase 1 for New Park Development – Pavilion.
St. Vincent dePaul – Prudenville – $1,168.00 for Diaper Bank.

2011 – Houghton Lake Area Historical Society, Inc. – $800.00 for Log Building Restoration.
Roscommon County Food Pantry – $2,500.00 for Fill the Freezer Program.
Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation – $470.00 for Michigan Child ID Program in Roscommon County.
Kirtland Community College – $233.50 for Concrete Foundation for Equipment Shed.
Roscommon County Food Pantry – $1,500.00 for Produce by the Bushel.
Roscommon County United Way – $140.00 for Community Awareness & Technology – Digital Camera & Disk.
Roscommon County Genealogical Society – $500.00 for Microfilm Reader Digitizer.

2010 – St. Michael Catholic Church – $660.00 for Hygiene Kits.
Houghton Lake Community Schools – $500.00 for Keyboards for Choirs.
Markey Christian Ministries, Inc. – $1,150.00 for Village Beauty Shop for the Elderly.
Children’s Bereavement Network – $500.00 for Camp Live, Laugh, Love 2010.
Houghton Lake Community Schools – $476.00 for Ambassadors of Music European Tour.

2009 – Roscommon Area Recreational Authority – $601.00 for AuSable River Center Meeting Room Furnishings.
Houghton Lake Area Historical Society, Inc. – $550.00 for Accounting Modernization Project.
Roscommon County Food Pantry – $1,000.00 for Chest Freezer & Food for Families – Spring 2009.
Huron Pines Resource & Conservation Development Council – $300.00 for Adopt-A-Forest Project.

2008 – Houghton Lake Area Historical Society, Inc. – $1,000.00 for Carpet, Sound Panels, & Display Cases.
Houghton Lake Community Schools – $500.00 for Senior Center.
Roscommon Area Historical Society – $500.00 for Building Repairs.
Houghton Lake Community Schools – $1,000.00 for Safe & Drug Free After-Prom Party.
Roscommon County Habitat for Humanity – $2,000.00 for Equipment Purchases.

2007 – Roscommon County Sheriff’s Department – $1,000.00 for Boater Safety Equipment.
Northern Michigan Children’s Assessment Center – $500.00 for Training.
Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau – $1,000.00 for Historical Displays & Brochures.
Roscommon Area Historical Society – $500.00 for 5,000 Historical Brochures.
AuSable Free Clinic – $1,000.00 for Computers & Equipment.
Houghton Lake Area Historical Society – $1,000.00 for Restoration Project.

2006 – Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau – $1,000.00 for Fishing Brochures.
Houghton Lake Chamber of Commerce – $1,000.00 for Visitor’s Guide Brochure.
Roscommon Area Historical Society – $500.00 for Window Coverings.
Roscommon County Literacy Council – $1,000.00 for Books & Materials.
Roscommon County Habitat for Humanity – $1,000.00 for Office Equipment.

2005 – Roscommon Cooperative Nursery School – $500.00 for Carpet Replacement.
Roscommon High School – $200.00 for Softball Field.
Marguerite Gahagan Nature Preserve, Inc. – $500.00 for Deer Browsing Impact Study – Program Support.
Gerrish-Higgins Public Library – $429.40 for Summer Reading Program.
Roscommon Area Public Schools – $245.37 for Project Graduation – Program Costs.
Roscommon Area Public Schools – $500.00 for Extended School Day.
ARK Association to Rescue Kritters – $250.00 for Distemper Shots.

2004 – Roscommon Co. Sheriff’s Dept. – $500.00 for 911 Emergency Services Cell Phones.
Kirtland Community College – $200.00 for “Controlled Burn” Project Support.
Roscommon Rotary Club #2814 – $300.00 for Cub Scout Pack 3944 Adult Leader Training.
Roscommon Area Recreational Authority – $350.00 for AuSable River Center Equipment Purchase – Printer/Scanner.

2003 – Houghton Lake Community Schools – $500.00 for SADD – Strength in Numbers Project.
Roscommon County Food Pantry – $370.00 for Holiday Food Distribution Project.
ARK Association to Rescue Kritters – $380.00 for Cage Improvement Project.
Friends Helping Friends Foundation – $250.00 for Houghton Lake Brickscape Project.
MSU Extension – $400.00 for Archery Club Project.
Houghton Lake Area Historical Society, Inc. – $600.00 for The Playhouse Lobby & Entrance Project.

2002 – Roscommon County Genealogical Society – $300.00 to purchase a digital camera.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes – $400.00 to assist with cost of 2002–2003 “Survival Kits.”
Roscommon Area Historical Society – $500.00 for Gilmore House Museum Restoration.
American Youth Soccer Organization – $700.00 for Equipment Purchase – Mower Replacement.

2022 – Roscommon Township Receives Grant from RCCF

The Crawford-Roscommon Conservation District (CRCD) hopes to bring the joy of gardening back to residents of Roscommon County by fulfilling the Roscommon Community Garden Revitalization Project. Unfortunately, in 2020 the Roscommon Community Garden had fallen into decline, due to the social distancing restrictions and disrepair of the garden beds. Additionally, the garden has been facing the issue of an inadequate way to provide water to the garden. The CRCD is hopeful that a new grant awarded by the Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) will help revitalize the garden and bring faces, new and old, back to gardening.

The RCCF is thrilled to announce that the CRCD was awarded a grant of $2,306 to assist in the revitalization of the Roscommon Community Garden. Funding of this grant was provided by the Roscommon County General Fund. Ten new flower beds built of galvanized steel and cedar have been constructed by Kalkaska Raised Beds, a professional garden bed company. In addition to the new beds, the CRCD has been able to purchase an industrial strength garden hose and a hose bib extender. These items will allow the CRCD to create a shut of valve in the garden area, rather than rely on other means to provide adequate water for gardeners.

2021 – A.R.K. Receives Grant for Shelters, Perches, and Shade Cloth for Enclosures

The Roscommon County Community Foundation is thrilled to announce that the Association to Rescue Kritters (A.R.K) has been awarded a grant of $750.00 to assist with the Shelters/perches/shade cloth project. Funding for this project was provided by the Roscommon County General Fund.

The purpose of this grant is to provide adequate shelter for their education Birds of Prey. The perches will within the cages will provide the animals a “safe haven” within the cages. The shade cloth will offer additional seclusion for the birds as well. By better protecting the animals, the A.R.K. will be able to continue offering educational experiences to the public and offer more safety to the animals.

2020 – Roscommon County Literacy Council Receives Grant

The Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) is happy to announce that the Roscommon County Literacy Council recently received a grant of $1,000.00 for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Funding for this project was provided by the Morley Family Foundation Fund, the Roscommon County General Fund, and the Roscommon County Kellogg Youth Fund.

The purpose of this grant is to make it possible for all children under the age of five to receive one book per month upon enrollment into the free program. There are currently 545 children enrolled, with approximately 700 graduates since the program started 10 years ago. The Literacy Council hopes to keep increasing these numbers for both children and adults for years to come.

2020 – Roscommon County Animal Shelter Receives Grant for Speed Queen Dryer

The Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) is pleased to announce that the Roscommon County Animal Shelter has received a grant of $922.00 for a Speed Queen Dryer. Funding for the project was provided by the Morley Foundation Fund and the Roscommon County General Fund.

The purpose of this grant is to lighten the workload and save money on electric bills while creating more time to focus on the animals and other areas of work.

“We were literally having to take loads home to dry and we just couldn’t keep up,” said Shelter Director DeeDee Mendyk.

The Roscommon County Animal Shelter hopes that Speed Queen Dryer will cut laundry time in half so that they have more time and funds to make sure that every cat and dog has what they need.

2020 – Multiple Organizations Come Together For Gerrish Township Police Department

Story written by: Gerrish Township P.D.

Lt. Greg Patchin (Gerrish Twp. Police Department) wrote two grants last fall and were awarded funds through the Higgins Lake Foundation Community Grant program and the Roscommon County Community Foundation’s Morley Foundation Fund, Doug Allen Fire & EMS Fund and the Roscommon County General Fund.

The Gerrish Twp. Police Department and Fire/EMS Department, along with community partner organization ACT-NOW provided the additional funding needed for purchasing and installing a “TRACK” system on the Police Department’s existing Polaris Ranger off-road special response vehicle.  The tracks will allow for emergency response and rescues in difficult terrain not only during snowy winters but also on hills, uneven wooded areas and swampy marsh areas.  More traction would provide for greater stability and the vehicle will have more ground clearance to be able to clear deeper snow and standing water/mud.

This vehicle is available for use for the Gerrish Twp. Police Department and Fire/EMS Department for search and rescues, injuries or accidents in areas where ambulances cannot reach such as sledding hills and frozen water, and stand-by services at large community events as a patrol and transport vehicle.

The Ranger has been utilized in many incidents since it was obtained originally through a U.S. Smokeless Tobacco Company grant written by Chief Hill in 2007.  Additional equipment was added such as the Freedom Cab and the rear Stokes Carrier and Jump Seat.  Now, most recently with the addition of the Tracks System, this specialized vehicle becomes one of the only of its type in our County.  It will be available for call-outs to our neighboring agencies through mutual aid whenever necessary and will further benefit our community and visitors to our area.

The Gerrish Township Police Department would like to thank all of our donor partners and supporters in this project!

2019 – RCCF Awards Grant to Repair Houghton Lake Historical Society’s Roof

The Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) is excited to announce that it has awarded a grant of $500 to the Houghton Lake Area Historical Society for roof repairs on the Playhouse. This grant has been funded through the Roscommon County General Fund.

The Playhouse is a large building of historical significance that is used for many community events such as musical performances, other forms of entertainment, community meetings and banquets, and the weekly farmer’s market, among other uses. Repairing the roof allows for preservation of the building along with bringing valuable events to the community.

2018 – Roscommon Township Receives Grant from RCCF

The Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) is pleased to announce that they have awarded a $1,748.00 grant to Roscommon Township for the Skinner Park Toddler Play Area. The Roscommon County General Fund awarded the funds to support this grant.

With the funds granted, Roscommon Township was able to purchase additional equipment for their interactive play area specifically aimed for children five years old and younger. This grant aided with the purchase of a four-seat teeter, Calvin the caterpillar, a gator walk, and a generation swing for the park.

The goal of this project is to give parents a place they can bring their small children without worry of traffic and with age appropriate equipment. According to Chip McCullough, Park Committee Chair, “The true success would be the smiles on the children’s faces.”

2017 – Gerrish Township Receives Grant from RCCF

The Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) recently presented a $1,250.00 grant to Gerrish Township to purchase equipment for the Fire and EMS department. The Roscommon County General Fund ($1,131.00) and the Doug Allen Fire & EMS Support Fund ($119.00) awarded the funds to support this grant.

With the funds granted, the Gerrish Township Fire Department was able to purchase a device that measures the carbon monoxide levels in an individual. With this device, they will be better equipped to determine the amount of carbon monoxide a person has been exposed to if the department is called to their home due to a detector alarming. Brandon Rodgers said to June Allen, “We have already used the machine 6-12 times this year.” RCCF is pleased to hear that the carbon monoxide machine has already made an impact within our community.

2017 – Roscommon County Literacy Council Receives Grant Funding from RCCF

The Roscommon County Community Foundation recently awarded a $623.00 grant to the Roscommon County Literacy Council to assist with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program. Funding was awarded from the Roscommon County General Fund ($487) and the Morley Foundation Fund ($136).

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program provides one book per month for all children, birth to age five. This grant assisted the Literacy Council in providing books to children in the hopes of encouraging reading at an early age. The program goal is to increase literacy rates in our county.

2017 – Children’s Bereavement Network receives grant from RCCF

Camp Live, Laugh, Love (sponsored by the Children’s Bereavement Network) provides an annual weekend camp for children age 7-14 who have lost a loved one. Each child has their own “teen buddy,” who is an instant friend, and helps them through activities.

A $1,050.00 grant was provided to the Children’s Bereavement Network by the Roscommon County Kellogg Youth Fund ($525.00) and the Roscommon County General Fund ($525.00) of RCCF. This grant covered costs for one Teen Buddy, and eight adult volunteers from Roscommon County.

“Roscommon County Community Foundation has always been very supportive of our endeavor to provide camp for grieving children in the county,” Roberta Friday, President of CBN, says. “We are always grateful for the support we receive from RCCF and hope to get more Teen Buddies for our 2017 camp!”

2016 – Houghton Lake Area Historical Society Receives Grant from RCCF for Archive Protection Project

The Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) recently provided a $500.00 grant to the Houghton Lake Area Historical Society to assist with expenses associated with their Archive Protection Project. Grant funding was provided by the Roscommon County General Fund.

“We have been blessed to have come into possession of documents, pictures, books, diaries, and other historical items,” says Agnes Feldman of the HLAHS. In the past, these items have been stored in various places around the Historical Village and Playhouse. In order to better care for these items, the Historical Society has renovated an area that will be better equipped to preserve them. The area being used was once the male dressing room in the Playhouse, and was used for plays in the 1960’s. Grant funding helped to purchase new flooring and wall coverings, remove old, unusable plumbing, and updated some electrical and lighting. The updating of this room will provide an environment to help preserve the documents for future generations. “It is always a pleasure to provide funding to organizations that preserve our area’s rich history,” Suzanne Luck, Executive Director of RCCF, states.

2016 – Project H.O.P.E receives Grant Funding from RCCF

The Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) recently presented a $2,000.00 grant to Project H.O.P.E. to assist with the purchase food for the Protein Power project. The Roscommon County Kellogg Youth Fund awarded $1,000.00 and the Roscommon County General Fund awarded $1,000.00 to support this.

According to Project H.O.P.E. Coordinator LaWanda North, the use of the food bank grows during the summer months, due to the addition of school age children who typically receive free school meals. Project H.O.P.E. gives extra food to the families of these children to make up for the lack of school meals. The Protein Power grant will ensure that there will be food from the protein group, such as meat, eggs, and peanut butter, available to clients this summer.

2016 – RCCF Awards Grant Funding for Kirtland Youth Theatre 2015-2016 Season

The Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) recently granted $1,375.00 to Kirtland Community College – Kirtland Youth Theatre (KYT). The grant award, from the Roscommon County General Fund ($750) and the Roscommon County Kellogg Youth Fund ($625), assisted with the KYT 2015-2016 Season.

The Kirtland Youth Theatre has chosen curriculum-based programming for the 2015-2016 season. Throughout the season the Theatre performances will be covering subjects such as mathematics, social skills, life skills, literature, and science. Grant funding provided by RCCF will help cover the expenses of the performers’ visits to Kirtland Community College.

2015 – Northern Michigan Children’s Assessment Center receives grant for Parent Packets & Body Safety Information

The Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) recently provided a $1,725.00 grant to the Northern Michigan Children’s Assessment Center to purchase materials needed for their “Body Safety” program. Grant funding was provided by the Roscommon County Kellogg Youth Fund ($925), Marilyn Brown Memorial Fund ($260), Roscommon County General Fund ($100), and the Roscommon County Tobacco Settlement Fund ($440).

With the funding granted, NMCAC purchased body safety coloring books, books about body safety for parents to read to their children, and a parent brochure that provides guidance to parents on the topic of sexual abuse. NMCAC also purchased a banner and bracelets to use at outreach events, such as St. Helen’s National Night Out.

2015 – Building Projects Receive Grant Funding From RCCF

The Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) recently provided a $1,000.00 grant to the Houghton Lake Area Historical Society to assist with expenses associated with their Johnson Project Restoration. Grant funding was provided by the Roscommon County General Fund. The Roscommon County General Fund also provided a $740.00 grant to the Houghton Lake Area Alano Club, along with a $60.00 grant from The Morley Foundation Fund, to aid in retrofitting their building for energy conservation.

After being awarded this grant, the Historical Society was able to prepare the land and place support timbers for the placement of a historical cottage. This cottage can be described as, according to Agnes Feldman (President of the Historical Society), “a historic bunkhouse, which was part of the Johnson Rustic Dance Hall Complex. This bunkhouse once housed the bands and other entertainers who played at the Dance Hall.” Now that the ground has been prepared, the Historical Society looks forward to restoring and repairing the bunkhouse over the next year, so that they are able to open the building to the public.

The funding granted to the Alano Club greatly assisted their retrofitting project. The Alano Club is of pre-1960 construction, with no insulation, which makes heating the building very expensive. Using the funds granted by RCCF, two insulated windows and doors have been purchased, as well as wood framing, batt insulation, anchoring devices, and paint.

2015 – Roscommon County Animal Shelter receives grant from RCCF

The Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) recently provided two grants totaling $379.68 to the Roscommon County Animal Shelter to assist with their “Educate the Children on Pet Care” and “Educate the Public” programs. Grand funding was provided by the Roscommon County Kellogg Youth Fund ($58.88) and by the Morley Foundation Fund (320.80).

The Shelter is looking forward to beginning their “Educate the Children on Pet Care” program in the 2015-2016 school year. The goal is to educate children on the proper care and treatment of animals. During visits to the school, Shelter employees will provide educational videos for students to view.

In regards to the “Educate the Public” program, a television, along with other viewing equipment, have been purchased and installed in the Shelter waiting room. Videos educating the public on pet care are played throughout the day.

2015 – Markey Township Receives Grant from RCCF for Baseball Benches and Bike Racks

The Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) recently provided a $1,250.00 grant to Markey Township to assist with the purchase of baseball benches and bike racks for Markey Memorial Park. Grant funding was provided by the Roscommon County General Fund.

Markey Memorial Park is utilized by its surrounding communities and tourists alike. The new baseball benches provide a safer, more functional seating option for those using the baseball fields. The new bike racks will create a secure place for people to leave their bikes while using the park.

2015 – Lyon Township receives RCCF grant for Park 27 ball field bleachers and benches

The Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) recently provided a $1,250.00 grant to Lyon Township to assist with the purchase of ball field bleachers and benches for Park 27. Grant funding was provided by the Roscommon County General Fund.

Park 27 offers many ways to enjoy outdoor activities. The park has a baseball diamond, basketball court, volleyball area, horseshoe pits, hiking trails for skiing, snowshoeing and biking, as well as playground equipment and a pavilion.

Township officials are pleased that they can create a complete community recreation area for all to enjoy. Without grant funding from RCCF, “it would be extremely difficult to provide these amenities to parents, children, seniors, those with disabilities, and players.”

2015 – Roscommon Area Youth Booster Club receives grant for equipment for Roscommon Archery Club

The Roscommon Area Youth Booster Club (RAYBC) recently received a Grant totaling $2,400.00 from the Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) to purchase archery equipment for the Roscommon Archery Club.

The After-School Archery Program was so popular that they didn’t have enough equipment for the forty-plus elementary school students that wanted to participate last year. The RAC hopes to get more kids active and interested in outdoor activities.

Studies have shown that archery programs improve classroom performance and reduce drop-out rates. According to Brian Piccolo, RAC President, “The support of local community partners is essential to our efforts to get kids active, outdoors and hunting. Once again, thank you for your support.”

Grant Funding was provided by the Roscommon County General Fund and the Roscommon County Kellogg Youth Fund.

2009 – RCCF Awards Food Pantry Grant for New Freezer

The Roscommon County Community Foundation (RCCF) is thrilled to announce that the Roscommon County Food Pantry recently received a grant of $1,000.00 to assist with purchasing a new commercial freezer. Funding for the freezer was provided by the Roscommon County General Fund.

The purpose of this grant was to replace an old freezer that was not energy efficient and did not seal properly. The new freezer has provided more storage space, lowered their electric bill, and allows the pantry to better serve their clients of Roscommon County better. On average the food pantry serves 250 families a month and over 150 families with their monthly food truck.

To learn more about all of the funds at the Roscommon County Community Foundation please visit our Fund Directory.