Who We Are
About
Learn more about our vision, values, history, and the challenge Pontiac is facing. Or, learn more about what a community foundation is.
Mission & Vision
Pontiac Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 organization dedicated to building a brighter future for Pontiac by engaging philanthropy, leadership, and collaboration to tackle Pontiac’s most pressing issues.
PCF’s most effective work accomplishes neighborhood investment, economic vitality, civic engagement, and racial equity initiatives, that help improve the quality of life for Pontiac residents and make the city of Pontiac the premier place to live, work, and play.
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.
History
After serving eight years as director of The Power Company Kids Club, our founder, Dustin McClellan, sought an opportunity to serve Pontiac in an even greater capacity. Several months were spent working with a team of individuals to research urban communities across the country, and clarify key issues that exist in the City of Pontiac. As a result, the need for a transformative, collaborative organization, with the goal of connecting people and resources to advance Pontiac, was identified. In May 2018, the Pontiac Community Foundation (PCF) was established and we have been developing and growing the organization ever since!
The Challenge
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines quality of life as “an individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live and in relation to their goals, expectations, standards and concerns.”
For many residents of Pontiac, their perceptions are not positive. Issues around crime and poverty continue to burden residents. According to US Census data, crime in Pontiac is 39% higher than the national average and Pontiac’s Black residents, representing nearly 50% of Pontiac’s population, are more likely to be living below the poverty line.
In addition, Pontiac has a 73% high school graduation rate, a 41% homeownership rate and a 10% unemployment rate, all contributing to a negative perception of quality of life for residents.
The time is now. Never before has there been a more urgent need for Neighborhood Investment, Economic Vitality, Civic Engagement and Racial Equity for Pontiac and its residents. We believe that many of Pontiac’s challenges can be solved when our community comes together in strategic leadership, collaboration, and philanthropy.
Together, we can make a brighter future for Pontiac!
