by Community Foundation of Fayette County | May 14, 2026 | CFFC News
Families are invited to Fayette 250 Kids Fest on Saturday, June 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the South Union Recreation Center on Pennsylvania Avenue. This free event is designed to celebrate Fayette County’s 250th anniversary by investing in our future — our kids — and making it easy for families to connect with the programs, services, and opportunities that help them thrive.
Fayette 250 Kids Fest will feature fun educational demonstrations that spark curiosity, theatrical performances that bring stories to life, and community nonprofit booths that share information about available services. Families can also look forward to activities for all ages, including games, crafts, and interactive stations. Snacks and refreshments will be provided at no cost.
The event is co-sponsored by A Child’s Place, Parents as Teachers, PA Senator Pat Stefano’s office, and the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC).
“The 250th anniversary is more than a celebration of our history. It’s a celebration of the people that fueled that history and continue to make our country, our commonwealth and our county strong,” said Senator Pat Stefano. “Events like this bring neighbors together in a way that reflects the pride and sense of community that have defined Fayette County for generations, and it’s important that we share that pride with our youngest residents.”
Registration is not needed for families to attend this event. Nonprofits that are interested in hosting a table must register by June 5 with an email to info@cffayettepa.org. Nonprofits will be expected to coordinate an activity at their table for children and/or their families and to bring a basket for an attendee raffle. A table and two (2) chairs will be provided, and set up begins at 9:15 a.m. inside the Rec Center.
“We’re excited to bring families together for an afternoon of fun, learning, and community connection,” said Jessica Hajek-Bates, CFFC Chief Executive Officer.
To learn more, call 724-550-4037.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | May 11, 2026 | CFFC News
Elevate NP of SWPA is hosting a series of Scenario Planning Clinics for nonprofits across the region – free of charge. CFFC is happy to host a session at our office on June 18.
Scenario Planning Clinic
Thursday, June 18
12:00 – 3:00
Community Foundation of Fayette County
250 West Main Street
Uniontown, PA 15401
Facilitated by Jake Seltman and Will Tolliver of Procopia, this dynamic workshop includes group discussion with expert facilitators, peer connections, and applied exercises to:
- Get clear on the major drivers of uncertainty and risk for their organization – and what some potential scenarios might be
- Develop an action plan to address near-term risks/opportunities and plant seeds for the future
- Get advice and share ideas with peers and colleagues
This session is intended for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a paid Executive Director and annual budgets between $100,000 and $5 million. Space is limited to 20 nonprofit organizations. This workshop is intended for Executive Directors, and participants are encouraged to bring an additional member of their leadership team or Board. A light lunch will be included.
Nonprofits must register to attend. Reserve your spot!
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | May 7, 2026 | CFFC News
It was another unforgettable evening at the Community Foundation of Fayette County’s 5th annual Gala of Giving ~ Catalyst for Change! We extend our gratitude to Fairchance Construction Company as Presenting Sponsor, to all 2026 sponsors, our 400 guests, and everyone who contributed donations, time, and talents for this extraordinary night.
“We were blown away by the generosity in the ballroom! An anonymous donor committed to match all donations during the event, dollar-for-dollar, highlighting the impact of giving back — together,” said CEO Jessica Hajek-Bates.
CFFC has awarded $175,000 in Catalyst for Change Grants from event proceeds, and another $100,000 will be awarded this summer to invest in projects that spark change and growth in Fayette County.
See photos from the event on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cffayettepa
Save the date for the next Gala of Giving on April 3, 2027!
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Apr 14, 2026 | CFFC News
Hosted in partnership with Dress for Success Pittsburgh‘s EmployHER Pittsburgh initiative and CFFC, the first-ever EmployHER Fayette County Opportunity Fair was hosted on May 24 at the CFFC office. Thank you to all who participated and made it a great day!
Twenty-one (21) women attended and had access to local employers actively hiring and nonprofit organizations offering resources tailored to women’s personal and professional growth.
Attendees also received:
- Wardrobe and makeup support to help them look and feel their best
- A complimentary professional headshot
- Employment readiness guidance, including résumé and interview support
- Free lunch during the event
Photo credit: Kgtunney Photography
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Apr 7, 2026 | CFFC News
Fifteen (15) local nonprofits are receiving a total of $42,825 from the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) this spring. The spring grant cycle includes the Building a Stronger Fayette Fund, CFFC’s endowment for general grantmaking, and four (4) field of interest funds with specific areas of focus.
Building a Stronger Fayette Fund:
The Building a Stronger Fayette Fund is CFFC’s community-rooted endowment, created to strengthen Fayette County today and for generations to come. Powered by local generosity, the fund invests directly back into the community as it supports nonprofits that reflect a shared commitment to help local residents thrive. The Building a Stronger Fayette Fund is supported through several CFFC funds: the Fayette County Charities Endowment, the Franklin K. and Jean Smith Family Fund, GIVE Fayette County, the Levi Komarinski Memorial Fund, and the Thompson Fund.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region – Strengthening Recruitment Capacity
- Crime Victims’ Center of Fayette County – Jacquie Fritts Memorial Resource Room
- East End United Community Center – Printer/Copier Upgrade
- Fayette County Community Action Agency, Inc. – Household Items for Emergency Housing Program
- German-Masontown Public Library – Upgrade for Public Service Computers
- Mon Valley Academy for the Arts, Inc. – Private Music Instruction Scholarship Program
- State Theatre Center for the Arts – Website Redevelopment and Modernization
- The Ks Foundation – Supporting Costs of Youth Sports Registrations
- The Salvation Army – Uniontown Corps – Enhancing Food Offerings at the Soup Kitchen
Burchinal Family Endowment Fund:
- Brownsville Ambulance Service, Inc. – CPAP & Pain Relief Equipment
- Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pittsburgh and Morgantown – Home Away from Home for Fayette County Families
Community Beautification Fund:
- Great Meadows Garden Club – Blue Star Memorial and Civic Beautification Planters
Jack and Diane Hughes Family Fund:
- Twisted Tines – Gardening and Conservation Program
- Uniontown Public Library – Summer Reading Program
Mary and John J. Depcyrmski Memorial Fund:
- Crosskeys Human Services, Inc. – Meal Delivery Program for Seniors
“These grant awards reflect our foundation’s deep commitment to strengthening Fayette County – supporting projects that uplift children, empower families, and enhance the lives of older adults across our many towns,” said Jessica Hajek‑Bates, Chief Executive Officer. “As a community foundation, we’re driven to expand our grantmaking so we can champion even more nonprofits and fuel the transformative work they bring to our future.”
To learn more about CFFC’s grantmaking program, visit www.cffayettepa.org.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Mar 3, 2026 | CFFC News
Women across Fayette County are invited to take part in the Fayette County Spring Opportunity Fair on March 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC), 250 West Main Street, Uniontown.
Hosted in partnership with Dress for Success Pittsburgh, EmployHER Pittsburgh, and CFFC, the free event is designed to remove barriers, build confidence, and connect women with the tools they need to advance in their careers.
The fair will feature local employers actively hiring, along with nonprofit organizations offering resources tailored to women’s personal and professional growth. Attendees will also receive:
- Wardrobe and makeup support to help them look and feel their best
- A complimentary professional headshot
- Employment readiness guidance, including résumé and interview support
- Free lunch during the event
“We’re excited to host this empowering event and bring together a variety of resources for local women,” said Jessica Hajek-Bates, CFFC Chief Executive Officer. “Women may register in advance, and walk-ins are welcome.”
Dress for Success Pittsburgh’s EmployHER Pittsburgh initiative works to ensure women have access to the support, opportunities, and community they need to define success on their own terms. Pop-up opportunity fairs like this one help eliminate common obstacles—such as limited childcare or transportation—by bringing multiple resources together in one accessible location.
Women interested in registering along with local employers and nonprofits interested in participating are encouraged to contact elizabeth@dressforsuccesspittsburgh.org for details.
Attendees and partners are asked to park behind the CFFC building and use the rear entrance.