About PCF
Pontiac Community Foundation was founded in 2018 with the goal of giving every Pontiac resident an opportunity to thrive. Pontiac, a historically overlooked community, has not had access to the opportunities traditionally available in Oakland County. Through our grantmaking and change-making activities, the Pontiac Community Foundation is making investments, providing leadership, and fostering growth that allows Pontiac residents to have a seat at the table. Our work connects residents, business owners, civic leaders, and non-profit organizations together in one goal: Building a Brighter Future for Pontiac.
The Challenge
For many residents of Pontiac, their perceptions on quality of life 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. Most staggering, Pontiac residents have a 20-year lower life expectancy compared to those living in surrounding communities.
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.”
The Opportunity
We believe the Pontiac Community Foundation is making a significant impact in the city of Pontiac. Our community and data led approach, financial integrity and oversight, and long-standing footprint in Pontiac, allow us to lead change in Pontiac.
Here’s our milestone impact to date:
10,000 rides through our M1 Mobility Community Transportation Initiative
1200+ Training and Counseling Hours through the Center for Pontiac Entreprenuership
$2 Million+ in Grants to Small Businesses, Non-Profits and Community Initiatives
1 Million meals provided during the COVID-19 Pandemic
100+ Partnerships with Community Organizations and Leaders
Learn More and Join Us!
Mission:
Leveraging leadership, philanthropy, and collaboration to Build a Brighter Future for Pontiac.
Vision: Pontiac as the premier place to live, work, and play.
Priority Program and Initiatives:
Community Transportation
Housing Initiatives
Fiscal Sponsorship
Grant-making and Partnerships
Model:
We tackle Pontiac’s most pressing issues.
We connect residents to transformative opportunities.
We invest in community leaders and organizations.
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.