The CFPD Newsletter provides information on what's happening at the Foundation, such as community grants, special events, featured donations, new funds, ways you can get involved, and more.

The Community Foundation of Portage and District drives positive change in our community, by supporting local non-profit organizations and community groups through annual fund pay-outs and community grants, and by helping students to realize their academic goals by removing financial barriers. In 2025 alone, over $606,000 was invested in our community through various avenues.

CFPD is very pleased to be able to support our students, year after year, through our Bursaries & Awards Program. We have 14 bursaries available this year, including the new MacVicar Family Bursary established on the wishes of the late Anne MacVicar, who passed away in 2024 and directed her Estate to go to CFPD. Also new this year, is a unique award with a separate application process—the Geisel-Finney Future Fund Award. This award is limited to students exhibiting great financial need, and attending post-secondary school in the Portage la Prairie area.

Volunteer Recognition Day, April 20

In honour of 'Volunteer Recognition Day', CFPD would like to thank all volunteers who support us by sitting on our board and committees, and by helping out with special events and community engagement activities. We rely on the support of our volunteers who give generously of their time and skills—so THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts!

CFPD 'Pay-it-Forward Days, April 26-28

We are very excited to announce a new initiative—to coincide with Manitoba's Community Foundation Day on April 26 and Global Pay it Forward Day on April 28— called "CFPD Pay-it-Forward Days". During this 3-day period, CFPD will be not only celebrating the vital impact of community foundations and the generosity of Manitobans who support them, but will also be out in the community 'paying it forward' ourselves by surprising people with random acts of kindness. We encourage others to also pay it forward in any way you can, from simply making someone smile, to volunteering your time and skills, or supporting an individual or organization in any way that you can. Kindness feels good!

CFPD Impact Stories

This month's Impact Story highlights the Highway Community Kitchen (HCK) and the impact a 2025 Fall Community Grant had on the group. With the funds received, they were able to purchase kitchen equipment & supplies to feed those in need—a project the CFPD Grants Committee agreed was of great value to our community. We are very pleased to be able to support food security initiatives such as this, and agree with HCK Chair, Carol Lang, that the project isn't just about fueling the body—it's also about feeding the soul. To support projects like this, visit our website to donate.

CFPD Featured Donors

This month, we would like to highlight a donor who, through his philanthropic legacy, was instrumental in the start-up of CFPD back in 1994. If you would also like to drive positive change in your community, select from one of our many funds in the drop-down after hitting the "Donate Now" button of our Make a Donation page.

There are Many Ways to Contribute to CFPD

You can donate to a specific fund (there are many to choose from!), or to our Smart & Caring Community Fund, whereby the funds get distributed to various local community groups who apply for our bi-annual grants.


Click here to donate now!

Interested in Starting Your own Fund?

Depending on whether you'd like the earnings from your Fund to go toward a specific organization, or to a more general cause, there are many options to choose from. Call or stop by our office any time to discuss.

Field of Interest Fund: $5,000 Minimum

Designated Fund: $5,000 Minimum

Donor-Advised Fund: $25,000 Minimum