Brighter Pontiac
Founded in 2018, the Pontiac Community Foundation brings together philanthropy, leadership, and collaboration to strengthen our city. We invest in people, support local businesses, expand access to opportunity, and work alongside residents to ensure Pontiac is a premier place to live, work, and play.
Who We Are
Pontiac Community Foundation works to give every Pontiac resident the opportunity to thrive. In a historically overlooked community, we're changing the narrative through targeted investments, strong leadership, and meaningful partnerships.
Our Model
- We tackle Pontiac’s most pressing issues.
- We connect residents to transformative opportunities.
- We invest in community leaders and organizations.
Our Mission
Pontiac Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 organization leveraging leadership, philanthropy, and collaboration to Build a Brighter Future for Pontiac.
Our Vision
Pontiac as the premier place to live, work, and play.
Pontiac residents have a 20-year lower life expectancy than the people that live in the surrounding communities. We exist to change that reality - moving our city from survival to thriving.
VALUES
Service – We put Pontiac residents first and seek their input to guide and contribute to our work.
Integrity – We make doing what’s right a priority in all we say and do as a staff, board, and organization.
Collaboration – We unite leaders and organizations to create the collective change desired in our community.
Equity – We value everyone having access to the opportunities and resources needed to thrive.
Advancement – Through volunteerism and philanthropy, we provide opportunities for all to invest in the growth of Pontiac.
PCF History
The Pontiac Community Foundation (PCF) 501(c)3 is a publicly supported nonprofit organization dedicated to building a brighter future for Pontiac by engaging philanthropy, leadership, and collaboration to tackle Pontiac’s most pressing issues. The organization is committed to creating equitable access to opportunity and driving lasting impact in the City of Pontiac. Through strategic investments and transformative programs focused on affordable homeownership, small business and entrepreneurial support, accessible transportation, and collaborative partnerships, PCF is improving the quality of life and positioning Pontiac as the premier place for families to live, work, and play.
The City of Pontiac has long been an under-resourced, overlooked, and marginalized community. Systemic barriers to employment, transportation, quality housing, and affordable food have plagued the city for years. Additionally, due to several years of emergency management, the local government has struggled to provide the vibrant community and quality of life that residents deserve.
In 2018, the Pontiac Community Foundation was founded by current Chief Executive Officer, Dustin McClellan, and was created to connect people and resources for the advancement of Pontiac. Recognizing the need for a transformative, collaborative organization, PCF has become a leading force in the Pontiac region, addressing pressing community issues, investing in leaders, and expanding access to critical resources. PCF has made a significant impact in Pontiac by delivering over 1 million meals during the COVID-19 pandemic and forgiving over $5.5 million in medical debt for more than 5,100 individuals. Additionally, the organization launched the Center for Pontiac Entrepreneurship, providing over $700,000 in grants and 1,200 hours of training for local small businesses.
PCF has also established more than 100 partnerships to address community needs, including the M1 Mobility Community Transportation Initiative, which has provided more than 25,000 rides