by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Oct 21, 2026 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) will host its first-ever watch party at their 250 West Main Street office in Uniontown to celebrate Fayette Gives on November 5. This year, 107 nonprofits are fundraising through the Foundation’s “day of giving” to support services throughout Fayette County. Donations will be matched by 10%, up to a maximum of $10,000 in match per nonprofit.
CFFC’s inaugural Fayette Gives Watch Party will transform the Foundation into a community celebration of generosity, connection, and local impact. Throughout the day, guests can watch donations roll in live, track real-time fundraising results, meet and engage with local nonprofit organizations, and enjoy food, coffee, and live broadcasts. Featured attractions include the Hi-Gear Coffee Truck (8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.), Sweet n’ Smokin’ Food Truck (beginning at 11:00 a.m.), and a live remote broadcast from WMBS Radio (11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.).
Community members are encouraged to stop by throughout the day to learn about the causes shaping Fayette County’s future. Participating nonprofits will host interactive activities and share information about their missions during the following times: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.: Crime Victims’ Center of Fayette County; Mental Health Association in Fayette County; Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region; Alternatives.Yes Ministries. 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.: SWPA Humane Law Enforcement; Literacy Council of SWPA; Fayette County Community Action Agency; Friends of the Uniontown Public Library. 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.: CASA for Kids; Fayette Friends of Animals; Domestic Violence Services of SWPA; New Haven Hose VFD Company.
On November 5, online donations are accepted at fayettegives.org between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. The website guides donors through the process of adding nonprofits to their “gift basket”, selecting gift amounts (minimum of $25 per nonprofit), and submitting one transaction for their total contribution. Check donations are accepted, with a completed Check Contribution Form, at the CFFC office until 8:00 p.m. on November 5. CFFC staff members are available to assist donors at the office and via phone at 724-437-8600.
“Each year, Fayette Gives showcases the generosity and community spirit that define Fayette County, and together we’ve raised more than $3.1 million for local causes,” said CFFC Chief Executive Officer Jessica Hajek-Bates. “This year, we’re bringing that excitement to life with our first-ever Watch Party. We encourage everyone to stop by, enjoy the festivities, meet our nonprofit partners, and join us as we celebrate the impact we’re creating together.”
Community Sponsors: Charity Fund; Jamieson Family (In Memory of Deborah Jamieson); Swimmer Family.
Generosity Sponsors: John and Bernadette Ptak Family Fund; Specialty Conduit & Manufacturing, LLC.
Humanity Sponsors: Erie Insurance; Nemacolin; Renew You Medi Spa; Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, Highlands Wealth Management.
Supporter: First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Greene County.
To learn more, visit fayettegives.org. The website features a profile page for each nonprofit, Donor FAQs, and – on November 5 – online donations and live results.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Oct 15, 2026 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is awarding nearly $40,000 in fall grants to support thirteen projects in local schools. The grants are awarded from three of CFFC’s donor advised funds, the Arthur and Millicent Gabriel Legacy Fund, Idea Fund, and Patricia and Robert Metz Educational Fund. The creators of these funds have ongoing involvement with their charitable giving and are passionate about strengthening education in Fayette County.
The Arthur and Millicent Gabriel Legacy Fund awards grants for reusable items that will enhance the classroom in Uniontown and Laurel Highlands schools. This year’s selected projects include educational items for financial literacy class, phonics tiles, a listening library, biotechnology lab, whiteboard tables, microscopes, a Lego science lab, books for ELA students, and an auditorium lighting console.
The Idea Fund invests in creativity in the classroom that helps students of all learning styles to thrive, at all Fayette County schools. Selected projects include a print shop for vinyl design students, interactive reading and math centers, and an aquaponics lab.
The Patricia and Robert Metz Educational Fund enhances STEM teaching and learning for middle and high school students at Uniontown. With this year’s grant, select science and math students will learn more about their opportunities in STEM through college tours at local post-secondary institutions with STEM programs.
“It’s truly a privilege to help connect our donors’ generosity with opportunities that support Fayette County’s teachers and students,” said CFFC CEO Jessica Hajek-Bates. “These awards, ranging from $500 to $10,000, help educators bring creative ideas to life, enhance classroom learning, and create meaningful opportunities for students. Seeing the excitement and appreciation from both teachers and students each year is incredibly rewarding.”
To learn more about CFFC’s philanthropy, call 724-437-8600 or visit cffayettepa.org.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Oct 15, 2026 | CFFC News
Students can apply now for the two scholarships below:
Legacy Scholarship of Ernst Gottlieb Braun – for students studying abroad
Laurel Technical Institute Scholarship – for spring 2026 trimester LTI students
The deadline to apply is October 30 at 5:00 p.m. These are stand-alone scholarship opportunities, outside of the standard scholarship cycle that concluded in April 2026.
Learn More & Apply Here
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Oct 14, 2026 | CFFC News
Join Us in Strengthening Fayette County
Operations & Scholarship Coordinator | Position Description
Position Summary
The Operations & Scholarship Coordinator plays a key role in advancing CFFC’s mission by focusing on initiatives in these core areas:
- Managing daily office operations and supporting staff with general clerical and administrative tasks.
- Coordinating the full scholarship cycle, including promoting opportunities, collecting applications and working with the review committees in awarding annual scholarships.
Key Responsibilities
Operations Responsibilities
- First point of contact for visitors; manages calls, office email, and general inquiries.
- Performs administrative and clerical functions, including filing, data entry, mail distribution, records management, and correspondence.
- Maintains office supplies, inventory, and facility maintenance schedules.
- Schedules and coordinates meetings, appointments, and Foundation events; prepares agendas, minutes, reports, and presentations.
- Provides administrative and logistical support for office technology, meetings, and events.
- Assists in creating and managing digital content, including graphics, videos, presentations, website updates, e-newsletters, and social media posts.
- Monitors and responds to social media comments, messages, and inquiries in a timely and professional manner.
- Maintains donor records and activities in CFFC’s database, ensuring data accuracy and eliminating duplicate records.
- Builds relationships with supporters and represents the Foundation at networking events and conferences.
- Supports organizational initiatives through special projects and other duties as assigned.
Scholarship Responsibilities
- Serves as primary liaison among students, schools, fund advisors, evaluators, and scholarship committee members.
- Manages the online scholarship application system and maintains accurate scholarship records.
- Reviews applications, verifies eligibility, and ensures compliance with scholarship guidelines and regulations.
- Coordinates scholarship committee activities, including scheduling meetings and preparing review materials.
- Plans and executes scholarship outreach activities, recognition events, and award ceremonies.
- Oversees timely and accurate scholarship award processing and distributions.
- Prepares and distributes student acknowledgment and award correspondence.
- Conducts annual evaluations and recommends improvements to scholarship program administration.
Qualifications and Experience
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, communications or a relevant degree.
- An understanding of operations strategies and techniques.
- Detail-oriented, excellent written and verbal skills; comfortable with public speaking and networking.
- Knowledge of computer systems and programs.
Reporting Structure
- The Operations & Scholarship Coordinator reports directly to CFFC’s Chief Executive Officer while supporting other Foundation staff.
Work Schedule and Location
- This is a full-time, in-person position based at CFFC office in Uniontown, PA.
- Occasional travel and evening/weekend availability required for some meetings and events.
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits: Health insurance, retirement contributions, paid time off and professional development opportunities.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following:
- A cover letter detailing their experience that aligns with the opportunity.
- A current resume detailing relevant qualifications and achievements.
- Three professional references (name, title, relationship and contact information).
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, reviewed and acknowledged regarding potential next steps on a weekly basis. Submit Applications to: info@cffayettepa.org
CFFC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Oct 12, 2026 | CFFC News
You can show your Fayette County pride and your support of CFFC’s mission with specially branded merchandise: https://cffc.checkoutstores.com/
Current options include:
- baseball hats
- short-sleeve polos
- short-sleeve town tee
- long-sleeve town tee
- sweatshirt town tee
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Sep 15, 2026 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is hosting the seventh annual Fayette Gives on November 5, 2026 from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at fayettegives.org. This year, 107 nonprofits will join Fayette County’s largest day of giving, building on more than $3.1 million raised through Fayette Gives since its launch. This year, CFFC will increase every donation by 10%, helping donors make an even greater impact.
“While online giving takes place only on November 5, donors can support their favorite nonprofits right now through gifts by check, donor advised fund, stock transfer, or IRA charitable distribution,” said CFFC Chief Executive Officer Jessica Hajek-Bates. “Fayette Gives makes it easy to support multiple organizations through one convenient charitable gift.”
Donors who prefer to give by check may submit a single contribution to CFFC along with a completed Check Contribution Form indicating their nonprofit selections. Forms are available at fayettegives.org and at the CFFC office located at 250 West Main Street in Uniontown.
All donations must be received at the CFFC office by 8:00 p.m. on November 5, and the minimum donation is $25 per nonprofit. Following Fayette Gives, CFFC will apply a 10% match to eligible donations, up to $10,000 per nonprofit, and distribute a single combined payment to each participating organization. All funds remain local, supporting programs and services that benefit Fayette County residents.
“For one day each year, Fayette Gives brings our community together around a shared goal: supporting the nonprofits that improve quality of life throughout Fayette County,” said CFFC Board Chair Ron Gabriel. “Every gift, regardless of size, helps strengthen our community and create lasting impact.”
Sponsorships are still available. Sponsors to-date are:
Community Sponsors: Charity Fund; The Jamieson Family (In Memory of Deborah Jamieson); The Swimmer Family.
Generosity Sponsors: John and Bernadette Ptak Family Fund; Specialty Conduit & Manufacturing, LLC.
Humanity Sponsors: Erie Insurance; Nemacolin; Renew You Medi Spa; Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, Highlands Wealth Management.
Supporter: First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Greene County.
To learn more, visit fayettegives.org. The website features a profile page for each nonprofit, Donor FAQs, and – on November 5 – online donations and live results. For assistance, call the CFFC office at 724-437-8600.