Portage Area Community Fund

The Portage Area Community Fund (PACF), established in 2016, operates as a regional giving partner of the Madison Community Foundation. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life for present and future generations within the greater Portage area. Governed by an advisory committee composed of local residents, PACF manages its grantmaking responsibilities with a clear community-focused lens, prioritizing projects that demonstrate tangible benefits for the local population. PACF grants are specifically intended for institutions serving residents within the Portage School District area. To qualify, applicants must possess valid 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. Grants may be awarded for general support of an organization’s mission, for specific programs, or for capital needs such as construction or equipment. However, PACF does not support endowments, re-granting programs, multi-year funding, religious activities, individuals or informal groups, political efforts, or travel expenses. The fund also does not award legacy grants, meaning it avoids supporting the same program in consecutive years. The areas of interest for PACF funding include civic and cultural enrichment, natural and historic preservation, parks and recreation, community development, youth and educational resources, and any project addressing general community needs. Applications that align with these thematic areas are more likely to be favorably reviewed. Preference is given to projects that are new or are expansions of successful initiatives rather than repeated, ongoing efforts. The grant cycle closes on August 31 of each year. Applications must include a completed form, a narrative of no more than one page, and a detailed project budget. In addition, applicants must submit proof of nonprofit status and a current list of the organization’s board members. Applications may be submitted either by mail or email. The fund generally awards between $200 and $1,000 per grant, with total annual distributions around $3,000. Organizations may only receive one PACF grant within a 12-month period. Applications will not be considered if incomplete. All required materials, including the budget and proof of 501(c)(3) status, must be submitted to the designated contact: Sandy Gunderson, located at 2900 Forest Hill Drive, Portage, Wisconsin 53901-1283. Submissions may also be sent via email to sandragunderson@gmail.com. Applicants are encouraged to describe the nature and impact of their project, how the funding will be utilized (excluding salaries), and to indicate if they are willing to accept partial funding. The evaluation process is overseen by the PACF Advisory Committee, which uses both the stated priorities and alignment with eligibility and spending criteria to guide award decisions. Given the limited annual funds and focus on new or significantly modified projects, PACF’s support is best suited for organizations with innovative or impactful ideas for serving the Portage community within the coming year.

Ensure application includes 501(c)(3) proof, board list, and detailed narrative. No legacy grants allowed.