The Friends of the Portage Senior Center

What The Friends of the Portage Senior Center does

The Friends of the Portage Zhang Senior Center is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable membership organization founded in 1992 in Portage, Michigan. Its sole operational mandate is to financially support the programs, classes, and services offered by the Portage Zhang Senior Center (PZSC), a public senior center co-located at 203 East Centre Avenue. The Friends generates revenue through individual donations (one-time, recurring, and memorial), six-tier annual memberships ranging from $50 to $2,500, corporate event sponsorships, planned/legacy gifts, and three signature fundraising events: the 30th Annual Golf Outing, the 4th Annual Pickleball Tournament & Gala, and the annual 'It's In The Bag' Purse and Jewelry Sale. It also administers the Ruth Ann Meyer Scholarship Program, providing approximately $1,000 annually to roughly 30 seniors experiencing financial hardship to cover membership dues and class fees.

Underlying technology infrastructure is intentionally minimal and non-proprietary: online donations flow through Bloomerang (donor CRM) and PayPal, while forms (board applications, contact, appeals) are built via Cognito Forms. No public API, SDK, or developer integrations exist, and the organization maintains no mobile application. Distribution is exclusively direct: in-person at the PZSC reception desk, mail-in checks, the friendspsc.org website, and active Facebook/Instagram channels.

The go-to-market motion is community-led and event-driven. A 9-member volunteer board, supported by one part-time Administrative Support Coordinator, drives sponsor outreach, volunteer recruitment, and donor stewardship. Strategic partnerships with the Kalamazoo Community Foundation (endowment management since 1995), Area Agency on Aging, Shepherd's Center of Greater Kalamazoo, and local corporate sponsors (Zhang Financial, 1st Source Bank, Advanced Health Pharmacy, The Moors Golf Club) underpin fundraising capacity. The funding model for the broader PZSC operation that the Friends supports is approximately 65% membership dues/activity fees, 20% City of Portage appropriations, and 15% grants/donations.

Name

The Friends of the Portage Senior Center

Legal name

The Friends of the Portage Zhang Senior Center

Website

https://friendspsc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1992

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Friends of the Portage Zhang Senior Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit fundraising organization founded in 1992 that financially supports programs and scholarships at the Portage Zhang Senior Center serving 4,300+ active seniors in Portage, Michigan.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Portage

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: One-time and recurring donations from individuals supporting senior programs. Donors can give via check, stock, or online through PayPal/Bloomerang platform. Memorial and honor gifts accepted.
2. Membership Dues: Annual membership tiers ranging from $50 (Member) to $2,500 (Corporate), providing recognition and benefits including newsletter inclusion and donor appreciation events.
3. Event Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorships for signature events including the Annual Golf Outing (Eagle Sponsor $3,250, Birdie Sponsor $1,750, Hole Sponsor $750) and Pickleball Tournament (Presenting Sponsor, Silver Sponsor, Bronze Sponsors).
4. Planned/Legacy Gifts: Bequests through wills/trusts, IRA/pension beneficiary designations, life insurance policies, and real estate donations. Deferred giving options supporting long-term organizational sustainability.
5. Scholarship Fundraising: The organization provides approximately $1,000 to 30 individuals annually through scholarship programs funded by donations. These scholarships cover membership dues and class fees for financially hardship seniors.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Friends of the Portage Zhang Senior Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization that financially supports the programs, classes, and services of the publicly-operated Portage Zhang Senior Center. It raises money through individual donations, tiered annual memberships, corporate event sponsorships, an externally managed endowment, and planned/legacy gifts, and channels those funds into senior wellness, fitness, performing arts, travel, and scholarship programs serving Portage-area adults aged 50+.

Product overview

The Friends of the Portage Zhang Senior Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit membership organization founded in 1992 whose primary purpose is to financially support the Portage Zhang Senior Center. Rather than a single unified software product, the organization operates as a portfolio of fundraising products and programs: annual membership tiers (ranging from $50 Member to $2,500 Corporate) that provide donor recognition and benefits; the Ruth Ann Meyer Scholarship Program that provides approximately $1,000 annually to 30 individuals facing financial hardship; three major annual fundraising events (the Annual Golf Outing, Pickleball Tournament & Gala, and It's In The Bag Purse Sale); a Donor Appreciation Reception for recognition; and planned giving products including an Endowment Fund (established 1995 via Kalamazoo Community Foundation) and Legacy Gift Program. Proceeds fund PZSC programs spanning classes (art, computer, creative writing), health and wellness (fitness, clinics), performing arts (band, choir), travel opportunities, and social services (transportation, Friendship Café).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Friends of the Portage Zhang Senior Center Membership Program Annual membership program with six tiered levels ($50 Member, $100 Supporting, $250 Sustaining, $500 Sponsoring, $1,000 Benefactor, $2,500 Corporate) that provides donors recognition in the quarterly newsletter and on the website, plus an invitation to the annual donor recognition event for Supporting Friends at $100 and above.
• Ruth Ann Meyer Scholarship Program
• Annual Golf Outing
• Pickleball Tournament & Pickle Ball Gala Annual pickleball tournament with three skill divisions (Recreational, Intermediate, Advanced) plus a Saturday evening gala event featuring live music, dancing, hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, silent auction, and Medal Ceremony. Registration is $50 per person and includes a ticket to the Pickle Ball evening event; ball-only evening tickets are $25 for PZSC members and $30 for non-members. The 2026 tournament raised over $20,000 for the PZSC and scholarship program.
• It's In The Bag Purse and Jewelry Sale Annual purse and jewelry sale fundraiser held from 9:00am to 1:00pm, featuring donated purses, jewelry, and accessories. Sponsorship tiers range from $100 (Community Friend) to $1,000 (The Weekender Main Event), with additional Boutique, Media & Hype, and Sparkle Table levels. Proceeds fund memberships for seniors on fixed income, group travel, and active aging programs.
• Donor Appreciation Reception Annual recognition event celebrating all donors regardless of contribution amount. The reception recognizes donors for their generosity and belief in the organization's mission to support seniors, and is positioned as a benefit for Supporting Friends at the $100+ membership tier and above.
• Endowment Fund Endowment fund established in 1995 through the Kalamazoo Community Foundation to ensure long-term financial stability for senior services in Portage. The Foundation holds and invests donors' endowment funds committed to the long-term needs of the Portage Zhang Senior Center, and donors contributing more than $500 are recognized in the Founders' Circle with a brass plaque in the PZSC entry.
• Legacy Gift Program Planned future donation program that allows donors to create a lasting legacy supporting future seniors regardless of wealth level. Includes bequests through wills or trusts, beneficiary designations on life insurance policies or bank/IRA/pension accounts, charitable remainder trusts, and real estate donations.
• PZSC Programs Support Financial support program for Portage Zhang Senior Center activities, funding art classes, computer classes, creative writing, memory retention, fitness classes, blood pressure/foot care/hearing clinics, flu shot clinics, billiards, bridge, wood carving, knitting, performing arts (band, choir, reader's theatre), travel opportunities, AARP tax assistance, transportation, and the Friendship Café.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 4,300 active members served annually with 96,000+ visits
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• The Moors Golf ClubcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 18 May 2026Venue partner for the 30th Annual Golf Outing held May 18, 2026 at 7877 Moorsbridge Road, Portage, MI 49024. Arthur Hills-designed course providing private golf club experience in Southwest Michigan.
• Zhang FinancialflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Presenting sponsor of the 4th Annual Pickleball Tournament, raising over $20,000 for the Portage Zhang Senior Center and Ruth Ann Meyer Scholarship Program.
• Zhang FinancialflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 October 2025Presenting sponsor of the 9th Annual 'It's In The Bag' Purse and Jewelry Sale fundraiser. Sponsorship includes premier logo placement on all event digital signage and promotions, featured story in newsletter and social media.
• Advanced Health PharmacycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor of the 2026 Pickleball Tournament. Owned by Arun Tandon, Vice Chair of The Friends Board, representing integrated community business partnership.
• 1st Source BankcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerBoutique sponsor for 'It's In The Bag' event and served as hole sponsor for golf outing. Jaimie Hageman, Banking Center Manager and Friends Board member, coordinates sponsorship involvement.
• Jaqua RealtorsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHole sponsor for golf outing. Kathy Barnitz, board member, is a Senior Real Estate Specialist with Jaqua Realtors.
• Friendship VillageminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor of the 2026 Pickleball Tournament, senior living community in the greater Kalamazoo area.
• Rehab SpecialistsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSilver sponsor of the 2026 Pickleball Tournament, rehabilitation services provider.
• Sam's ClubminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHole In One sponsor for the 30th Annual Golf Outing, providing product donations for silent auction and event support.
• Area Agency on AgingminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner listed on website providing referrals and coordination for senior services in Kalamazoo County.
• Shepherd's Center of Greater KalamazoominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing referrals and collaborative programming for seniors. Board member Art Roberts serves on their board.
• Ferris State University, College of PharmacyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerArun Tandon, Vice Chair, serves as adjunct faculty member, contributing health and wellness education expertise to the board.
• Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at WMUminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMickey Huang, Treasurer, volunteers with this educational organization for seniors, bridging resources between institutions.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves1 record

Expansion highlights4 records

Market position

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/FriendsOfThePortageSeniorCenter
• Instagraminstagram.com/thefriendspsc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/friends-of-the-portage-senior-center-inc

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Friends of the Portage Senior Center