It began so simply, with a hand holding a baby chick and the headline “Creation of Portland Foundation Announced.” That is how The Portland Foundation was unveiled to the community on the cover of the December 27, 1951 issue of The Graphic newspaper. Page three of the issue gave a more in-depth look at the Foundation’s Board of Trustees as well as an article explaining it being a “Means For Administering Gifts To Charitable Causes.”
The Foundation was created on December 17, 1951 with the adoption of a resolution by the Citizens Bank and the Peoples Bank. On January 8, 1952 two gifts of $1,000 each from The Jay Garment Company and the Haynes Milling Company created the first two charitable endowments.
To say that The Portland Foundation has flourished over its 75-year history would be an understatement. The Foundation has grown to assets of $64 million and 469 charitable endowments. It has awarded more than $23 million in grants and scholarships since 1951 to Jay County not-for-profit organizations and Jay County students pursuing post-secondary education degrees.
Today, just like in 1951, The Portland Foundation operates by its mission of enhancing the quality of life in Jay County. You, the donor, have given us the ability to carry out this mission through your gifts, and for that we are deeply grateful. Because of your gifts Jay County is a stronger community.
We are also grateful for the vision of our founders John J. Jaqua, Sr., W. Haynes Starbuck, and Hugh N. Ronald, Jr. When the Foundation was created, The Indianapolis Foundation was the only community foundation in Indiana.
Finally, we are grateful for current and past board members who have volunteered their time to shape the Foundation, and for the staff members who have carried out the mission.
So, as we celebrate 75 years and look forward to the 100th Anniversary, we are challenged to make The Portland Foundation even stronger for the Jay County community.