Portage Foundation Awards $133,000 in Grants

The Board of Trustees of the Portage Foundation recently awarded over $133,000 in grants to 23 area non-profit organizations. The awards reflected the foundation’s key funding priority areas and included support to existing programs and newly started organizations.   “The Portage Foundation began to award grants in 2000,” noted Janice Simmon-Mortimer, Executive Director, “and since that …

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Portage Foundation Appoints Heidi Johnson as Community Engagement Manager 

The Portage Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Heidi Johnson as the organization’s new Community Engagement Manager. In this role, she will work to advance the Foundation’s mission to foster community relationships, promote philanthropy, and impact causes in Portage County. 

Johnson brings a wealth of experience in community development and engagement, making her a strong fit for the Portage Foundation. With an extensive background working with and for various Portage County nonprofits, Ms. Johnson is poised to contribute to the Foundation’s efforts in supporting local community-focused organizations.

Janice Simmons-Mortimer Names as Head of the Portage Foundation

The Portage Foundation Board of Trustees has named Janice Simmons-Mortimer as Executive Director to lead the community foundation. Simmons-Mortimer will transition from her role as Outreach Manager for the foundation to begin her new leadership role on September 1, 2023.

“As a resident of Portage County, I see the many great things that are currently happening to make our area stronger as well as the challenges still to overcome. I am excited to lead such a wonderful community foundation that has a legacy of service and a desire to positively impact our local area,” said Simmons-Mortimer.

Grant Funding Opportunities for Local Non-Profits

Portage Foundation hosts Grant Writing Workshop as grant application period opens Local non-profit organizations can access program grant funding as the Portage Foundation opens its annual grant cycle. The foundation will kick off the application period by hosting a free Grant Writing Workshop open to all community members. The annual grant application period, which starts …

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Portage Foundation Awards Over $200,000 in Grants to Area Non-Profits

Wide array of programs will impact youth from all corners of Portage County The Board of Trustees for the Portage Foundation announced the awarding of over $200,000 in grants to local nonprofits supporting programs for area youth. The awards stem from a special grant cycle from the George L. and Genevieve D. Moore Trust at …

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Portage Foundation Hosts Non-Profit Conference

CORE 2023 Brings Local Non-Profit Organizations Together for Professional Development The Portage Foundation will be hosting a daylong conference on April 21, 2023, to help local non-profit organizations’ staff, boards and volunteers strengthen and develop key skills to build resiliency. The CORE 2023 conference is designed for non-profit groups of all sizes. The CORE 2023 …

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Roger J. Di Paolo Scholarships Announced

Two newly endowed scholarship funds were created through the Portage Foundation to honor the memory of Roger J. Di Paolo, lifelong county resident whose career in journalism and volunteerism in local civic organizations made him a household name within Portage County. The funds were established by Di Paolo’s husband, Timothy Krasselt, and son, Brian Di …

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Congratulations 2022 Scholarship Recipients

The Portage Foundation announced the names of scholarship recipients for 2022. This year’s awards totaled over $58,000 and represent the diverse nature of Portage County and its residents.   Many of the scholarships offer to students were from Endowed Funds created in the memory of Portage County residents. The Portage Foundation staff appreciates the trust that …

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