Sue Porath: From Giving Back to Lasting Impact

When Sue Porath began her banking career in the 1980’s, community involvement was encouraged. At that point in her life, time was what she could give. So, she volunteered.

Through that work, Sue saw what people could accomplish when they brought their time, talent, and treasure together – and learned that contributing to a community could begin with simply showing up.

After leaving banking and starting her own business in 2003, Sue found another way to contribute – this time using her talent. She became involved with the Women’s Fund, drawing on the relationships and skills she had built over the years to share its mission, connect people, and help it grow.

What drew Sue to the Fund was its openness. Its mission of empowering women and inspiring girls resonated with her. People could bring different experiences and give in different ways, and every contribution had a place. Sue remembers being moved by some of the Fund’s early grants. They offered practical support to women and girls, with benefits that could reach their families and the wider community.

Sue also valued the Women’s Fund long-term vision and the fact that a donation to the Women’s fund is truly a gift that keeps on giving. Gifts to its endowment are invested to support women and girls for years to come. After many years of giving her time and talent, she and her husband, Mark, decided to make a lasting financial commitment as well. In 2013, they established the Susan and Mark Porath Family Fund for Women and Girls.

For Sue, establishing the fund was another way to “walk the walk.” Leading by example, she wanted her three daughters to see her support the community in the ways she could, just as she hoped they would find their own ways to give back.

Today, Sue’s commitment continues to create opportunities for women and girls across the community. What began as volunteering grew into advocacy, connection-building, and ultimately a named fund designed to support impact for generations. Her story is a reminder that philanthropy is not defined by the size of the first gift, but by the willingness to begin. For Sue, giving started with time, deepened through talent, and became a lasting investment in the future of women and girls.

To learn more about creating a named fund, contact the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation at 920.432.0800.