Our Mission

Climate change is the defining issue of our time. It is creating a global crisis that affects everything our foundation seeks to do, whether it is to protect or improve our environment, health or advance social justice. It is a problem that demands action now, while we still have time. As such, it is the primary focus of our foundation.

We work to serve as a catalyst for change and for innovative and impactful programs designed to provide more effective and innovative actions to assure a sustainable environment and sustainable world.

We make every effort to maximize the resources available for any given project. Where possible, Porter Foundation grants will be made to leverage support of human and financial capital from other organizations and Foundations. The term venture philanthropy appropriately reflects the grant making approach of the Porter Foundation.

In the work we do we strive to develop a tradition of community responsibility and family giving by members of the Porter Family.

What We've Achieved

The Porter Family has awarded more than $1.5 million in grants since its inception in 1998.

The Foundation has been focused on protecting our Great Lakes and elevating the need for climate action to insure a sustainable Michigan.  It makes its grants after working closely with non-profits to explore ways to have a greater impact in meeting common goals.  One of its proudest accomplishments was to help found the Michigan Climate Action Network to elevate the need for climate action to both mitigate greenhouse gas emissions in the state and to help communities become more resilient in the face of global warming.