by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Jun 29, 2026 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is awarding $309,000 in post-secondary scholarships to 103 local students. Supporting the future of Fayette County in this way is possible thanks to the generous donors from fifty (50) CFFC scholarship funds.
“Congratulations to these remarkable students,” said CFFC Chief Executive Officer Jessica Hajek‑Bates. “With the wide range of scholarship funds entrusted to us, we are honored to support graduating seniors from all six Fayette County school districts, as well as many continuing post‑secondary students. Some of these students have earned CFFC scholarships year after year, and their dedication continues to inspire us.”
CFFC accepts applications from early February to early April through an online portal that matches students with scholarship opportunities based on eligibility requirements. Some awards are selected by the donors of the scholarship funds, while many others are reviewed by a dedicated group of volunteers who meet to discuss and recommend award selections.
“Each year, our scholarship volunteer reviewers give their time, care, and thoughtful attention to help us support Fayette County students,” said Hajek‑Bates. “Their dedication ensures that every application is read with fairness and compassion, and their commitment strengthens the integrity of our scholarship program. We are deeply grateful for their service and the meaningful role they play in shaping brighter futures for our students.”
Depending on a scholarship’s criteria, considerations include financial need, academic achievement, extracurricular activities, area of study, school preference, community service, and other factors.
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2026-2027 CFFC Scholarship Awards
Alfred E. Jones & Anna B. Jones Scholarship
Bailey Lemansky
Allen Craft Memorial Scholarship
Lucia Baker
Diondra Brown
Hannah Foster
Jackson Johns
Luke Martin
Sara Reed
Sevrin Vecchiola
Arthur and Millicent Gabriel Scholarship Fund
Malcolm Patton
Valentina Gulino
Betty Bayne Barnes Scholarship Fund for Women
Morgan Armstrong
Burchinal Family Endowment Scholarship Fund
Tabitha Horvath
Madelyn Salisbury
Riley Rankin
Hailey Plavi
Kiley Kezmarsky
Joshua Burkett
Zoe Hughes
Career and Technical Education Scholarship Fund
Makenzie Foster
Julian Smith
Carl S. Micarelli Memorial Scholarship Fund
Tyler Williams
CFFC Board of Directors Scholarship Fund
Jennifer Smith
Jenna Walls
Chris G. and Alice Omiros Scholars Fund
Greta Shirk
Cupelli Family Scholarship
Lillian Beers
Darrell L. and Norma R. Uphold Family Scholarship
Luke Gresh
Deana Martorella Memorial Scholarship Fund
Charlee Wagner
Dr. Dennis F. Brestensky Scholarship Fund
Logan Hoffer
Dr. Paul Pipik Fund for Study in the Health Sciences
Madelyn Marks
Dr. William C. Thomas, Jr. Perseverance Scholarship
Karsyn Lucy
Josie Petrucci
Educate Fayette Scholarship
Khyler Tony
Edward T. Yezioro Memorial Scholarship
Aiden Glover
George M. and Anna Hochheimer Scholarship
Emily Dolan
Helen Hulvey Scheggia Nursing Scholarship
Eddie Palmer
Henry J. Opperman Scholarship Permanent Fund
Avery Lape
Hughes Family Scholarship
Taylor Irwin
Johnson Matthey Scholarship
Delaney Hines
Alexa Lincoln
Logan Seese
Shiann Sullivan
Kathleen DiMarco Gulino Memorial Scholarship
Jackson Johns
Laurel Highlands Mustang Academic Scholarship
Lucia Baker
Jackson Wade
Laurel Technical Institute Scholarship Fund in Memory of Ruth and Milton Decker
Makalia Morrell
Sierra Murphy
Lulu A. Dudley Scholarship Fund
Brandy Sickles
Brynn Hibbs
Frances and George J. Plava Educational Award
Christopher Colgan
Zofia Radosevich
Mary Jane Dailey Wood Scholarship
Mia Fabery
Adam Pegg
Geno Farrel
Ava Clark
Kami Workman
Emma Mihalko
Maurice M. Bortz & Bessie D. Rinehart Memorial Scholarship
Joshua Reed
Michael S. Carbonara Memorial Scholarship
Ethan Doman
My Mother‘s Legacy Fund
Brianna Hensh
Nancy Flanegan McManus Nursing Scholarship
Gianna Radovich
Nancy Vance Jones Scholarship
Hannah Foster
Palmer F. Sabatine Scholarship
Mia Fabery
Ethan Doman
Ava Setren
Parker A. Hess Memorial Scholarship
Avery Lape
Lucia Baker
Jackson Johns
Rita P. Peters Scholarship
Julie Cooper
Robert and Marjorie Rager Scholarship
Cameron Mickey
Robert E. and Elouise R. Eberly Scholarship Endowment
Yelena Ford
Sam’s Symphony of Love Scholarship
David White
Sergeant Eric Hull Advised and Memorial Scholarship Funds
Riley Armstrong
Suzanne McMonagle Scholarship for Nursing
Lauren Colgan
The Garbart Memorial Scholarship
Lucas Salaway
Tolstoi Family Scholarship
Haylee Bill
Trinity Hatfield
Alyssa Sharp
Julian Smith
Brighten Spector
Ethan Syner
Natalie Ursiny
Mackenzie Victor
Tylar Andaloro Memorial Scholarship
Joshua Reed
Uniontown College Club Scholarship
Emily Pennington
Ava Sefcheck
Paisley Murtha
Virginia Eberharter Scholarship
Avery Lape
Lilly Show
Virginia Springer Memorial Scholarship
Hannah Proud
Paige Miller
Kaleb Walls
Wolford Swimmer Memorial Scholarship
College:
Caylee Balabon
William Barton
Jacqueline Maendel
Anthony Muccioli
Braylin Salisbury
Brianna Marzano
Steven Shearin
Natayah Moten
Emma Young
Anna Sedlak
Ava Crofcheck
Karsyn Lucy
Hannah Legarsky
Erica Rishel
Emily Sines
Grant Barcheck
High School:
Julia Lohr
Shiann Sullivan
Mia Fabery
Josie Petrucci
Alexa Gray
Hannah Foster
Ethan Doman
Geno Farrel
Jakylah Dressel
Logan Seese
Emma Hull
Christopher Colgan
Gia Gillott
Aaron Michaels
Abagale Kuhns
Zackery R. Nelson Memorial Scholarship Fund
Madison Grimm
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | May 15, 2026 | Building a Stronger Fayette
Tucked away in the beautiful scenery of the Laurel Highlands, Touchstone Center for Crafts offers arts programming that draws people from near and far. To help strengthen their capacity, with technology equipment and staff expansion, they have been awarded grants from the Building a Stronger Fayette Fund at the Community Foundation of Fayette County.
Touchstone’s mission is to advance excellence in the arts and crafts by educating and encouraging individuals to develop technical skills, good design, and innovative expression. The nonprofit offers a variety of programs for people of all experience levels, with opportunities customized for youth, arts educators, veterans, and resident artists. Those who visit their campus for workshops can learn blacksmithing, ceramics, jewelry-making, and more.
Throughout daily operations, staff was facing challenges with their outdated phone system, describing it as cumbersome and inefficient. Implementing a new phone system, with grant funding, has had a positive effect.
“It is important for employees of our organization to be able to conduct business seamlessly, whether they are working remotely or in our offices. Support from a CFFC grant allowed us to move from an outdated phone system to a more responsive and flexible platform that works from our computers and phones,” said Lindsay Ketterer Gates, Executive Director.
Touchstone also received funding to support their staff expansion and the computer equipment needed for new team members. Lindsay explained the impact of hiring strong talent to enhance the organization’s mission: “We’ve strengthened our fundraising capacity, expanded our programming season, and increased off-season visibility.”
CFFC is happy to support Touchstone’s capacity to inspire, teach, and serve the community.
Photos courtesy of Touchstone Center for Crafts
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 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.