At the Community Foundation, we manage over 300 funds dedicated to enhancing life in Portage and Waushara counties. We connect donors in Central Wisconsin with causes they care about most, driven by the belief that giving together invests in our communities for generations. If you’d like to support an existing fund, explore the options below to find one that matches your interests—or reach out to learn about personalized giving opportunities.
The purpose of the fund is to support the mission and programs of Partnering Together. The mission of Partnering Together ensures individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity have access to coordinated, compassionate, and effective services to improve their lives.
To fulfill the charitable wishes of Pete Meronek.
Peter Zimmerman spent 14 years as a social worker before returning to school to earn his master’s degree in counseling. This decision led him to spend years as a guidance counselor and support system for students navigating their own educational paths. The Peter Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship for Education Honors his commitment by supporting US Citizens pursing a degree in education at UWSP. Because Peter knew firsthand that it’s never too late to go back to school, traditional and non-traditional students alike are encouraged to apply.
Peter Zimmerman found himself at home in nature. Whether he was hiking, fishing, or hunting, Peter believed in protecting and caring for the land around him. As a school counselor, he brought that same sense of consideration to his students. The Peter Zimmerman Memorial Scholarship for Conservation honors that legacy by supporting US citizens pursing a degree in conservation at UWSP’s College of Natural Resources.
This scholarship was created in the spring of 2008 in the memory of Peter and will be awarded to a Portage County resident who meets the scholarship application criteria. A documented physical / learning disability is one of the criteria.
To meet the charitable goals of the family.
To support the fundraising efforts, development, construction and maintenance of the Plover River Crossing Trail.
To promote and develop mountain biking trails, facilities, and opportunities at Standing Rocks County Park and the greater Stevens Point Area.
This scholarship fund provides annual scholarships to Portage County graduating seniors (One Male / One Female) who participated in cross country and/or on the track team as a distance runner and are pursuing a post-secondary degree.
Distributions from the fund will be used to promote and deliver programming to the Stevens Point area community on expanding individual’s potential through innovative teaching techniques and technology.
To provide support for the maintenance of the Portage County Historical Society Beth Israel Synagogue.
To support the mission and operations of the Portage County Historical Society. The mission of the Portage County Historical Society is to tell the stories of Portage County through education and preservation.
To provide support for the operation and maintenance the Portage County Historical Society Firehouse #2 in Stevens Point.
To support the operation and maintenance of the Portage County Historical Society Heritage Park.
To provide support for the operation and maintenance of the Portage County Historical Society Rising Star Mill facility in Nelsonville, WI.
To provide support to the Portage County Historical Society for the publishing of books, categorize collections including computers and archival supplies, and researching the history related to Portage County.
Distributions from the fund shall be used to encourage research in the local history of Portage County and of Stevens Point, Wisconsin through an award that is made to any individual, student, organization, or group who fulfills the research standards.
The mission of the Portage County Literacy Council is to help adults that live and/or work in Portage County develop the basic math and English literacy skills necessary to achieve economic self-sufficiency and community integration.
The purpose of this fund is to provide program support for the Portage County Literacy Council.
The mission of the Portage County Library is to enrich our community by connecting people and offering free and equal opportunity for lifelong learning and enjoyment.
The purpose of this fund is to support the ongoing needs of the Portage County Public Library.
To support Portage County charitable work that foster restorative justice efforts that focus on the rehabilitation of offenders through reconciliation with victims and the community at large.
To provide grants to the UWSP College of Natural Resources for student scholarships and to fund projects which promote hunting, fishing and wildlife conservation in Portage County.
To promote and support projects that advocate or improve Greater Prairie Chicken or grassland habitat in Central Wisconsin.
To provide geo-history opportunities to the Wautoma Area School District.
To honor Darlene Rause’s love for her community and the people in it.
To provide scholarships to Portage County residents. Scholarships may be renewed for a total of 4 years for students meeting eligibility requirements. Special consideration for minority students and first-generation college students.