All grant requests must be submitted through CFFC’s online grant system: Click here

Application: January 15, 2026 – March 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

The Building a Stronger Fayette Fund is accepting requests up to $5,000 for projects or nonprofit capacity building.

• Projects can support arts and culture, education, community and economic development, health and human services, and more.
• Capacity building is an investment in the effectiveness and future sustainability of a nonprofit, such as office equipment, software, staff training, and more.

Please Note:

• The organization must be a nonprofit located in or serving Fayette County, PA.
• If awarded, the grant is to be expended by December 31, 2026. An online Final Report will be required by the deadline of January 15, 2027.
• CFFC prefers to provide support where our dollars can make the most impact and where the project or program shows additional support.
• Funding will not be awarded for sponsorships, fundraisers, or capital campaigns.
• CFFC’s Grantmaking Committee reviews grant applications, with final approval by the Board of Directors.

These awards are made with the combined funding from the Building a Stronger Fayette Fund; Fayette County Charities Endowment; Franklin K. and Jean Smith Family Fund; GIVE Fayette County campaign, Levi Komarinski Memorial Fund; Thompson Fund.

Application: January 15, 2026 – March 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

The Burchinal Family Endowment Fund supports charities that provide Health and Medical care for Fayette County residents. 

CFFC will award up to the amount of $8,555. 

*Grant awards from the Burchinal Family Endowment Fund are intended for organizations that provide health and medical care services.

Please Note:

• Grant awards from the Burchinal Family Endowment Fund are intended for organizations that provide health and medical care services.
  
• The organization must be a nonprofit located in or serving Fayette County, PA.
• If awarded, the grant is to be expended by December 31, 2026. An online Final Report will be required by the deadline of January 15, 2027.
• CFFC prefers to provide support where our dollars can make the most impact and where the project or program shows additional support.
• Funding will not be awarded for sponsorships, fundraisers, or capital campaigns.
• CFFC’s Grantmaking Committee reviews grant applications, with final approval by the Board of Directors.

Application: January 15, 2026 – March 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

The Mary and John J. Depcrymski Memorial Fund supports organizations that provide transportation for Fayette County Senior Citizens.

CFFC will award a grant in the amount of $790.

Please Note:

• If awarded, the grant is to be expended by December 31, 2026. An online Final Report will be required by the deadline of January 15, 2027.
• CFFC prefers to provide support where our dollars can make the most impact and where the project or program shows additional support.
• Funding will not be awarded for sponsorships, fundraisers, or capital campaigns.
• CFFC’s Grantmaking Committee reviews grant applications, with final approval by the Board of Directors.

Application: January 15, 2026 – March 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

The Community Beautification Fund provides support for landscape improvements (including but not limited to planting of trees, shrubs, and flowers) for community beautification projects in Fayette and Greene Counties.

CFFC will award a grant in the amount of $580.

Please Note:

• If awarded, the grant is to be expended by December 31, 2026. An online Final Report will be required by the deadline of January 15, 2027.
• CFFC prefers to provide support where our dollars can make the most impact and where the project or program shows additional support.
• Funding will not be awarded for sponsorships, fundraisers, or capital campaigns.
• CFFC’s Grantmaking Committee reviews grant applications, with final approval by the Board of Directors.

Application: January 15, 2026 – March 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

The Jack and Diane Hughes Family Fund supports projects and programs in the following areas of interest: Community Gardens and/or Science/Environmental Education.

CFFC will award up to the amount of $2,900.

Please Note:

• If awarded, the grant is to be expended by December 31, 2026. An online Final Report will be required by the deadline of January 15, 2027.
• CFFC prefers to provide support where our dollars can make the most impact and where the project or program shows additional support.
• Funding will not be awarded for sponsorships, fundraisers, or capital campaigns.
• CFFC’s Grantmaking Committee reviews grant applications, with final approval by the Board of Directors.

Letter of Inquiry (LOI): February 2, 2026 – March 15, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.
Forums (must attend one): February 12 at 9:00 a.m.; February 18 at 3:00 pm.; February 20 at 12:00 p.m.
Application (for invited projects only): due April 17, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. (preliminary meeting to be scheduled with each applicant)
Presentation (for invited projects only): May 27, 2026 (time TBD)
Award: One-year funding period starting July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Final report will be due by July 31, 2027 at 5:00 p.m.

Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) invites nonprofits to submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) for up to $100,000 in funding for a Fayette County project. Interested nonprofits must attend a mandatory 1-hour forum to understand the possibilities of the Catalyst for Change Grant.

CFFC encourages nonprofits to think beyond a one-time impact or a single project – dream boldly about Fayette County’s future and how this project will address community needs:

• Is there a project you are already implementing that could use additional funding to enhance impact?
• Is there a project you would like to implement but lacks a funding source for an aspect of it?

 
Additional updates to the process this year:

• CFFC is looking for significant impact that will spark meaningful and measurable change, but the project is not required to reach across the entire county.
• Collaboration may be a valuable project component, but it is not required.
• CFFC is challenging applicants to consider including matching funds for all or a portion of the amount requested.
• Your nonprofit may submit for an existing project with potential for growth or submit for a new project that is feasible to launch by 7/1/26.

 
We are especially inspired by projects that ignite economic opportunities and build lasting, sustainable solutions to community needs.
 
LOIs must be submitted through CFFC’s grant portal and outline a project designed for up to a one-year timeframe, with the potential to spark impact that endures far beyond it. The one-year funding period starts July 1, 2026.

Eligible nonprofit classifications: 501(c)(3); 509(a)(1); 509(a)(2); 509(a)(3); Unit of Government
 
Catalyst for Change 1-Hour Forums: All LOI applicants must attend one in-person forum held at CFFC’s office location at 250 West Main Street in Uniontown. Forums will be held on: Thursday 2/12/26 at 9 a.m., Wednesday 2/18/26 at 3 p.m. or Friday 2/20/26 at 12 p.m.

Interested nonprofits can begin their LOI submission now. However, upon review of the submitted LOIs, only projects that attended one of the mandatory forums will be considered.