A Community Foundation is a charitable organization created by and for a community of people. It is supported by local donors and governed by a board of private citizens who work toward the greater good of the citizens in the community. Funds come from a variety of sources, including bequests and living trusts, and are invested in perpetuity. The investment earnings are then distributed to worthy organizations or causes.
The Portage Foundation was established in 1997 from the assets realized through the sale of the Greater Portage Area Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice. The Foundation was created to build a permanent source of income to meet community charitable needs and the philanthropic needs for our donors. The Portage Foundation is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) public charity and has more than $8 million in assets.