Supporting Community Needs and Student Assistance in Portage County
The LGBTQ+ Fund of the Portage Foundation was established in 2025 in response to the closure of on-campus support centers due to recent legislation. Recognizing the impact these closures have had on students and local residents, the Foundation created this fund to provide meaningful, local support.
The Purpose of the Fund
This fund exists to serve the Portage County community—students, young adults, families, and local organizations—by helping meet essential needs with timely and practical support. It is designed to support:
Nonprofit Programs and Services
Grants to local organizations that offer resources, education, or outreach for LGBTQ+ individuals and families in Portage County.
Emergency Assistance for Students
Short-term financial aid for LGBTQ+ college students facing immediate needs related to food, housing, medical care, or transportation.
“This is about more than one campus. It’s about the community as a whole. When needs arise, we want to be a place people can turn to for help.”
Janice Simmons-Mortimer
Executive Director, Portage Foundation
FAQ
Why It Matters
The closure of campus-based multicultural and LGBTQ+ centers has left many without access to basic resources. The LGBTQ+ Fund helps ensure that individuals do not face hardship alone. Whether it’s a student at Kent State, NEOMED, Hiram College, or a community member seeking support, the fund is here to respond.
Get Involved
We welcome members of the community to join us in our mission to inspire, impact and engage. Hosting a fundraiser for this fund? Let us know! Want to be considered for the LGBTQ+ Advisory Board? Please complete our application.
How You Can Help
Your support makes this work possible.
- Donate to help grow the fund and extend support to more individuals and organizations.
- Partner with Us if your organization offers relevant services or seeks funding.
- Volunteer or Advise by joining the fund’s advisory group to help guide decision-making and respond to requests for support.
Student Emergency Grants
We’ve designed a process to provide emergency assistance grants using the best practices of other organizations doing similar programs. Students must have completed at least one semester of high education study, be currently enrolled, have demonstrated financial need, and not have received more than two previous emergency grants. Application can be found here.
Still have more questions?
Please feel free to contact our office to have your questions answered.
LGBTQ+ Fund of the Portage Foundation
Make a Gift Today
All donations to the LGBTQ+ Fund go directly toward grantmaking and emergency assistance within Portage County. To contribute, click below or contact us directly.