Fund Category: Unrestricted Funds

To provide support to charitable causes in Jay County. The fund was established in 1989 BY Suzanne A. Joiner as a living memorial to her parents. Mr. and Mrs. Abromson were local business and civic leaders and both served as Foundation trustees. Category: Unrestricted Funds

To provide support to charitable causes in Jay County. The fund was established in 1996 by Richard W. Ashton as a memorial to his parents. Mr. Ashton worked as a salesman and Mrs. Ashton was a homemaker. Category: Unrestricted Funds

To provide support to charitable causes in Jay County. The fund was established in 2010 by Margaret Baggs. Mr. and Mrs. Baggs were responsible for the creation of the nature trails at Weiler-Wilson Park in Portland. Category: Unrestricted Funds

To provide support to charitable causes in Jay County. The fund was established in 1955 by Mr. Baird. He was the owner of the Baird Funeral Home and was one of the Foundation’s first trustees. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2016 by the will of Nancy Ball.  This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the directions of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Category  Unrestricted Funds.

Established in 2008 by the of Helen Barrenbrugge Estate. The fund shall be used for general public purposes of Jay County and the surrounding community. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2018 by Berne Ready Mix. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 1980 by Mr. Bimel’s will. Mr. Bimel’s family owned the Bimel Spoke and Wheel Factory. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2006 by The Portland Foundation’s Board of Trustees as a vehicle for past and present trustees to show their financial commitment to the Foundation. Category: Unrestricted

Established in 2014 by Bollenbacher & Associates, LLC, a local CPA firm. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2012 by the Friends of Pete Brewster. The fund is to support causes held dear to Mr. Brewster. Category: Unrestricted Funds.

Established in 2002 by John and Carole Brigham. John is a retired banker and former Foundation trustee. Carole is a retired nursing professor at Ball State University. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2014 as a fund of The Dunkirk Foundation by The Dunkirk Foundation Board of Directors in honor of Board President Brenda Brumfield.  This unrestricted fund shall provide support as directed by the Board of Directors.  The fund was transferred to The Portland Foundation in 2023 when The Dunkirk Foundation merged with The Portland […]

Established in 2000 by Maxwell Naas through the Naas Family Charitable Endowment. Mr. Bynum was a longtime executive at Naas Foods, Inc. in Portland. Category: Unrestricted Funds.    

Established in 2007 by the Mary Jane Calhoun Estate. Mr. Calhoun was a local pharmacist for many years. He first became associated with Syphers Brothers Drug Store in 1929 and became a partner in 1950. The store later became known as Calhoun Drugs when Lawrence and his wife, Mary Jane, took over complete ownership. The […]

Established in 2024 by Rich and Carducci. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Established in 2024 by John and Diane Coldren. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Established in 2001 by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees with gifts received towards the Endowment’s $2 million challenge match under Lilly Endowment’s  GIFT V Initiative. Category: Unrestricted Funds.

Established in 2024 by Compass Wealth Solutions, a local financial/investment planning firm. Annette R. Alexander President, created the firm in March of 2021. The unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Established in 1980 by Mr. Hall as a living memorial to his wife, Corinne, a longtime civic leader. Mr. Hall, a former Portland Forge President, was also a civic leader. Category: Unrestricted Funds.

Established in 2015 by the will of Kathleen J. Cue. Mrs. Cue had worked at the Haynes Milling Company, Mutual Security, and the Jay County Genealogy office. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2014 by James & Claudia Cull and Bill & Mary Davis. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Jim is a 1964 graduate of Portland High School.  A Portland Foundation scholarship helped pay for his degree in chemical engineering. Claudia is […]

Established in 2024 by Patsy Elick. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Established in 2022 by Gary Fifer in memory of his parents. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the directions of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Category: Unrestricted Fund.

Established in 2013 by the Ted Fleming Estate as a memorial to himself and his sister. Alma owned the Jay County Abstract Company and Ted was an employee of the company. Category: Unrestricted.

To provide support to charitable causes in Jay County. The fund was established in 1975 by Mrs. Marian F. Abromson in memory of her father, James Fleming, a local attorney and civic leader. Category: Unrestricted

Established in 2009 by Linda and  Phil Frantz as an unrestricted fund in honor of her husband. Phil is a former trustee and president of the Portland Foundation and is a retired attorney; Linda is a retired kindergarten teacher and their children are Jill DeHoff and Andy Frantz.

Established in 2014 by Ron and Loni Freeman.  This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.  The Freemans are longtime Jay County residents and Ron is a former member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, where he served as board president. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2019 by Barbara L. Garringer. The fund will provide operating support for the Jay County Historical Society.

Established in 2019 by Barbara L. Garringer. The fund will provide operating support for the Jay County 4-H Clubs.

Established in 1976 through the will of Mr. Geeting, a Madison Township farmer who asked that his gift would especially benefit children. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 1955 at First Financial Bank by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees as a depository of memorial gifts made by individuals, corporations and other contributors and is used for general purposes of the Foundation. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 1955 at First Merchants Bank by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees as a depository of memorial gifts made by individuals, corporations and other contributors and is used for general purposes of the Foundation. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 1996 at First Financial Bank by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees as a depository of gifts that are not directed to a specific fund and is used for general purposes of the Foundation. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 1996 at First Merchants Bank by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees as a depository of gifts that are not directed to a specific fund and is used for general purposes of the Foundation. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2008 by Gene & Jane Gillum.  Gene was a physician in the community for nearly 40 years.  Jane worked alongside her husband as the office manager for his practice. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 1999 by the will of Mrs. Saffer. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2024 as an unrestricted fund by Lt. Col. Jeremy and Jennifer Gulley, desiring to support grants, scholarships, and activities promoting the cause of veterans, patriotism, and the civic engagement of youth. Jeremy is a long-serving Jay County school administrator, a combat veteran, and a former trustee and president of The Portland Foundation. Jennifer […]

Established in 1981 as an advised fund by Vadia Hall, daughter of Portland Foundry co-owner L. G. Holmes and widow of Donald A. Hall, former Portland Forge President and civic leader. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 1981 by Mr. Hall’s family. Mr. Hall was a former President of the Portland Forge. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2017 by the will of Dorothy H. Hamma. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of Foundation’s Board of Trustees.  Category: Unrestricted Funds.

Established in 2006 by Margaret Hardy as a memorial to her husband. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2024 by Carol Hedges. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Jim served as Mayor of Portland from 2002-2004.

Established in 2024 by Kaleb and Brittany Hemmelgarn.  This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. The Hemmelgarns are lifetime Jay County residents and Kaleb is a Board member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, where he serves as board Vice President.

Established in 2024 by Larry and Maria Hiatt. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Established in 2024 by Larry and Maria Hiatt. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organization under the direction of The Foundation’s  Board of Trustees.

Established in 2019 by Bill and Becky Hinkle in memory of their families and Cheryl D. Hinkle.  This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.  The Hinkle’s are active in the community and Bill is a former member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees […]

Established in 2016 by the will of Eva Houser. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations and scholarships under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.  Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2002 by Barry and Elizabeth Hudson, local civic and business leaders. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2023 by Chuck and Susan Huffman. This fund is to provide funds in perpetuity benefiting Jay County. The Huffmans choose to make this an unrestricted fund to that the Foundation would have the discretion in years to come to address community needs that may not exist today or that the Huffmans may not […]

Established in 2024 by Dean and Jennifer Inman. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Established in 2018 by Doug and Lori Inman. This unrestricted endowment will  provide support to Jay County organizations under the directions of the  Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Lori retired as Director of Nursing at Parkview Regional Medical Center’s Women and Children’s Hospital and Doug is the longtime Executive Director of The Portland Foundation.  Category: Unrestricted […]

Established in 2018 by Rusty and Elizabeth Inman. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.  Elizabeth is a Jay County Corporation elementary teacher and Rusty is the Executive Director of the John Jay Center for Learning. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2018 by the families of Doug, Dean, and Rusty Inman in honor of their parents.  This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.  Roger and Bev are retired owners of Inman Roofing and Inman U-Loc Storage. They are volunteers for the Jay […]

Established in 2018 by Roger and Bev Inman in honor of their parents Lawrence and Violet Inman and Russell and Catherine Myers. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the  Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 1999 upon the death of Mr. Jaqua, co-founder of the Foundation. Mr. Jaqua was the former president of the Citizens Bank and a civic leader in Portland. Mrs. Jaqua was a longtime civic leader. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2024 by Jay County Ag Week Committee. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County Organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Established in 2024 by the Jay County Heart Foundation. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Established in 2019 by Dean and Margie Jetter.  This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. The Jetters are active in the community and Dean is a former member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.  Category:  Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2010 by the Ruth Joos Estate. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2019 by Rex and Carolyn Journay. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organization under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. The Journays are active in the community and Rex is a member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.  Category:  Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2008 by the will of Bob W. Leggett. The fund shall be used for unrestricted charitable purposes. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 1992 by the Foundation board. The trust was funded with additional money from Lilly Endowment’s GIFT Initiative. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 1993 by the Foundation board. The trust was funded with additional money from Lilly Endowment’s GIFT Initiative. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2005 by the will of Jim Luginbill. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2005 by The Graphic Printing Co., Inc. in memory of three-term Portland Mayor, Jim Luginbill. A World War II veteran, Mayor Luginbill spearheaded economic development efforts to bring hundreds of jobs to Jay County Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2025 by Robert C. and Joyce A. Lyons. This unrestricted endowment will provide support as directed by the Board of Directors of the Foundation for programs or activities that fulfill charitable or other exempt purposes.

Established in 2002 by MainSource Bank. The Foundation traces its relationship with the bank back to 1951 when the first trust was established with Peoples Bank. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2001 by their children, Mary May Geeting, Paul M. May, Ruby May Geeting, and Ralph F. May. Mr. and Mrs. May were lifetime residents of Jay County and were Madison Township farmers. Mr. May was a community leader and serves on the Jay County Fair Association Board of Directors. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in  2018 by Cindy Denney in memory of her grandchildren.  This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of  Trustees. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2024 by Kent and Annemarie McClung. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. The McClung’s are longtime Jay County residents.

Established in 2023 by Sheron McClung. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Established  2022 by Mary McCord in memory of her husband. This unrestricted endowment will  provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Category: Unrestricted Funds.

Established in 2019 by the Ray C. McKinley Family Foundation and The McKinley Educational Foundation. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Ray and Roger McKinley were Jay County natives who went to successful careers in Nebraska and California, respectively. Category: Unrestricted Funds.

Established in 2019 by Nancy Rivera and Janice Caudill as a memorial to their parents.  This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.  Mr. and Mrs. McLaughlin were lifelong Jay County residents and were active in the community. Category: Unrestricted Funds.

Established in 2024 by Mike, Pat, and George Medler. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. The Medlers are longtime Jay County residents. Mr. and Mrs. Medler were active volunteers for many community organizations.

Established in 1997 by Meshberger Brothers Stone Corporation in honor of its employees and as a thank you to its Jay County customers. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2023 by Doug S. Milligan upon the death of his wife Judith Elaine Milligan. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Judy was a loving and caring elementary school teacher in Portland for many years, and was also a member of […]

Established in 2002 by Greg and Marianne Moser, local industrialists and civic leaders. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 1984 by Mr. & Mrs. Naas, both civic leaders in the community. Mr. Naas was a former Foundation Trustee as well as former president of Naas Food. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2024 by an Anonymous Donor. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organization under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Established in 2024 by Trent and Sarah Paxson. This unrestricted endowment will provide support as directed by the Board of Directors of the Foundation for programs or activities that fulfill charitable or other exempt purposes.

Established in 1983 by Mrs. Pearson’s family as a memorial to her concern for the improvement of quality of life. Mrs. Pearson was a longtime retail clerk. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2019 by Rob and Lexie Penrod.  This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.  The Penrods are owners of Williamson, Spencer and Penrod Funeral Home and Rob was a former member of  the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Category: Unrestricted Funds.

Established in 2003 by James Peterson in celebration of Jackie’s life as a wife and mother. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2021 by the Will of Beverly Pressler. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Category: Unrestricted Funds.

Established in 2024 by Deb Price and Brian Williamson. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Established in 2013 by the Glen Pyle Estate as a memorial to himself and his parents. Glen was a magician and performed as “Gomer the Clown,” visiting Fort Wayne area nursing homes and hospitals. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 1978 by Mrs. Raunecker’s father, Maxwell N. Naas, in memory of his daughter who died in 1977. Mrs. Raunecker was an active community leader who worked especially with children. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2018 as a fund of The Dunkirk Foundation by Greg Retter and Connie Retter in memory of their grandparents Roy and Marjorie Retter and their parents Johnny and Lois Retter.  This unrestricted fund shall provide support as directed by the Board of Directors.  The fund was transferred to The Portland Foundation in 2023 […]

Established in 2018 by Jack and Connie Ronald. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.  Jack was retired as the President and Publisher of The Commercial Review newspaper at the time of his passing in April 2022 and Connie is an environmental consultant. […]

Established in 1994 from the proceeds received from the Sara E. Ronald Charitable Remainder Unitrust. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2025 by Gary and Cindy Schmiesing. This unrestricted endowment will provide support as directed by the Board of Directors of the Foundation for programs or activities that fulfill charitable or other exempt purposes.

Established in 2018 by Jerald and Julia Schwomeyer. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Jerald was a retired employee of John Deere and Julia is a retired teacher.  Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2023 by St. James Lutheran Church. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County Organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. St. James Lutheran Church held services in Salamonia From 1855-2022.

Established in 2024 by Rebecca Stafford in memory of her daughter. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Established in 2012 by the will of Elizabeth Starbuck. Miss Starbuck was a retired banker, whose family established the Peoples Bank (now First Financial Bank) in Portland. Her estate gift of $4.9 million is the largest gift ever received by the Foundation

Established in 2024 by Barbara Street. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Established in 2021 by Robert Study in honor of his siblings.  This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Category: Unrestricted Funds.

Established in 2015through the remainder of the June Shawver Study Charitable Gift Annuity. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Category: Unrestricted Funds.

Established in 2002 by Robert “Bud” Study as a memorial to his wife. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2017 by Robert Study as a memorial to his parents. Mr. Study was a custodian in the Noble School and Mrs. Study was a teacher in several schools in Jay County. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2002 by a trust created upon Mr. Stultz’s death in 1985. A Jay County native, Fred was a longtime Jay County farmer who was also active in local politics. He sold a portion of his land holdings for the creation of the Jay County Conservation Club. Category: Unrestricted Funds.

Established in 2001 by Joseph Suhr, and his four daughters, Dawn D. Suhr Greenwood, Valerie L. Suhr Aspy, Julie B. Suhr, and Jodi M. Suhr Trippany in celebration of Marlene’s life as a wife and mother. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 1958 by Mr. Suman’s will. Walter was an employee of the Creamery Package Co., a manufacturer of wooden butter tubs in Portland. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2024 by Troy and Krista Muhlenkamp. The purpose of the Fund shall be tp provide support as directed by the Board of Directors of the Foundation for programs or activities that fulfill charitable or other purposes.

Established in 2024 by Roger and Charlene Theurer in memory of their daughter Mandy .   This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees in Mandy’s memory.

Established in 2003 by Glen and Martina Theurer. Glen was a retired telephone company employee and Martina was a retired nurse. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 1998 by the will of Betty Kovaluk in memory of her parents. Mr. Thomas was trust officer at Citizens Bank for many years. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 1969 by Miss Timmonds’ sister, Carrie Estelle Timmonds. Katherine was a longtime librarian in the community. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2024  by Mark and Marianne Valentine. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organization under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. The Valentines are longtime Jay County residents and Mark is a member of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Established in 1983 by Mr. Lou Wasmuth as a living memorial to his interest in the welfare of Portland. He was a longtime community leader and former owner of Portland Motor Parts. Lou asked that when funds were used that his wife Eula and son Alex be recognized. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2018 by Rob and Mindy.  This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Rob and Mindy are owners of WPGW Radio, and  Mindy is retired from teaching Physics at Jay County High School. They both are active volunteers for many community organizations. […]

Established in 2018 by Rob and Mindy Weaver in honor of their son. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the direction of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Kyle is an optometrist in Fort Wayne, IN. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2018 by Rob and Mindy Weaver in honor of their daughter. This unrestricted endowment will provide support to Jay County organizations under the directions of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Libby is a surgeon in  Charlottesville, VA Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 2005 by Epsilon Phi Chapter of Delta Theta Tau Sorority in memory of Barb, who was served as the managing editor of The Commercial Review and was an active member of Jay Civic Theatre and Delta Theta Tau. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 1999 by Maxwell Naas through the Naas Family Charitable Endowment. Mrs. Williams was a longtime friend of the Naas family. Category: Unrestricted Funds

Established in 1952 by the Jay Garment Company. This is one of the first two original trusts of The Portland Foundation and the first to be funded. The trust was established as a memorial to Mr. Williams and Mr. Easterday, founders of the Jay Garment Company. Both men were business and civic leaders. The trust […]

Established in 1996 by John G. and Gretchen Young in honor of John’s father, R. Dwighht Young, a businessman and civic leader. Category: Unrestricted Funds