The Portage Foundation

10/14/2026

GOOD FOOD. GREAT CAUSE. TWO CHANCES TO GIVE BACK!

Mark your calendars for our upcoming Dine to Donate fundraisers! Enjoy a delicious meal at one of these local favorites and help the Portage Foundation support grants, scholarships, and community projects right here in Portage County.

Thursday, October 22 | 4–9 PM
Raising Cane’s in Kent & Streetsboro
Mention code RCFUND96 or Portage Foundation when ordering online, in the app, or in person.

Wednesday, October 28 | 10:30 AM–9:30 PM
Bibibop Asian Grill in Kent
Tell them you’re supporting the Portage Foundation when you order!

IMPORTANT: You MUST mention the Portage Foundation when ordering at Bibibop for your purchase to count toward our fundraiser! At Raising Cane’s, be sure to use code RCFUND96 for online ordering, or mention Portage Foundation when ordering in person.

So, skip the cooking, grab a bite, and make your meal mean a little more. Every order is a chance to give back to the community we call home!

10/11/2026

Ravenna’s story started in 1799 with Benjamin Tappan Jr., and a newly restored Ohio Historical Marker along Route 14 at West Branch State Park keeps that story in front of the community.

We’re proud that a Portage Foundation grant helped make the restoration possible, alongside the Portage County Historical Society, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio History Connection, the Army Corps of Engineers, and a park ranger who noticed the marker needed care.

Join the Historical Society for the public rededication on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 2 p.m. at 6549 N. Chestnut St., Ravenna.

Preserving our history is part of building our community’s future. Want to learn how you can be a part of maintaining a legacy in our community? Let's talk!

On Oct. 17, the Portage County Historical Society will rededicate an Ohio Historical Marker that honors Benjamin Tappan Jr., the founder of Ravenna. See link below ⬇️

📸 Provided by the Portage County Historical Society

10/08/2026

This is CatGPT. Seriously.

Visiting Hope Town Ohio is always a highlight of any day. And not just because they have cute kitties running around. Thanks to Ted St. John for hosting Leadership Portage County this afternoon...and keep doing the good work!

10/08/2026

Today we’re celebrating DAF Day, a day to recognize donor advised funds and the neighbors who use them to make a lasting difference in our community.

Thanks to our fundholders, we’ve awarded over $300,000 in grants and scholarships, supporting local nonprofits, students, and families, including children who count on our local nonprofits for food when they aren't in school.

A donor advised fund is a simple, flexible way to give. You contribute, receive a tax benefit, and recommend grants to the causes you care about, on your timeline.

Thank you to every fundholder who turns generosity into impact.

Curious about opening a fund? Reach out or visit http://portagefoundation.org to learn more

10/06/2026

What do Goldfish Crackers have to do with the Portage Foundation? More than you might think!

The wheat used to make Goldfish Crackers is grown by farmers in communities across Portage County, like Deerfield, Randolph, Atwater, Mantua, Hiram, Garrettsville and Edinburg.

That wheat is harvested locally, purchased by Deerfield Ag Services, and shipped to Star of the West Milling Company in Willard, Ohio, where it’s turned into flour. From there, the flour travels directly to the nearby Pepperidge Farm bakery—where it becomes one of America’s favorite snacks!

Want to know if your Goldfish might have a Portage County connection? Check the manufacturing code next to the expiration date. WO means the crackers were made in Willard, Ohio.

So what does this have to do with the Portage Foundation? Deerfield Ag Services was started by Boyd Wallbrown. Following his passing, his daughter (and Portage Foundation Vice President) Beth Padisak and her siblings established the Boyd and Joan Wallbrown Agricultural Innovation Scholarship at the Portage Foundation, awarded annually to Portage County students pursuing careers in agriculture.

From Portage County fields to your snack bowl, local agriculture—and local philanthropy—make an impact!

10/02/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who supported the Portage Foundation’s 2nd Annual Experience Portage County Online Auction!

Whether you placed a bid, donated an item, shared the auction, checked out the unique experiences, or simply followed along, we’re grateful for your support and enthusiasm. Your participation helps us continue our work to inspire, impact, and engage the Portage County community.

And special thanks to the Madonio family/Brimfield Insurance/The Madonio Animal Trust for pulling together the Bog package as well as donating that HUGE dog lovers basket! We appreciate you!

Thank you for being part of the Portage Foundation family!

10/01/2026

Congratulations to Portage Foundation board member extraordinaire, Joe Robinson!

At Main Street Kent’s recent awards ceremony, Joe received their Committee Member Award for 2026. In addition to serving the Portage Foundation as Trustee, Development Chair, and Grants Committee member, Joe also serves as board member for Main Street Kent.

Thank you Joe, for your dedication and time you commit to serving Portage County! And congratulations on your well-deserved honor.

09/30/2026

09/30/2026

🚨 TODAY’S THE DAY! 🚨 PLEASE SHARE!

The final hours of the Experience Portage County Online Auction are here — and the bidding battles are heating up!

There are still some incredible experiences and local treasures up for grabs, but bidding ends TODAY at 6 PM!

And don’t miss the action! We’ll be LIVE on Facebook at 5:45 PM to count down the final bidding battles right up to the closing bell.

✈️ Private plane ride
🚤 Berlin Lake adventures
🏡 Historic overnight stay
🍷 W**e getaway
🌿 Private Kame Esker Bog hike
🎁 Exciting local gift baskets!

Get your bids in now, then join us at 5:45!
portagefoundation.org/experience

Every winning bid helps the Portage Foundation continue making grants, awarding scholarships and supporting our community right here in Portage County.

Bid now. Then buckle up for the final countdown!