by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Jan 15, 2024 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) awards grants throughout the entire year, through the generosity of individuals and business who create charitable funds at the foundation. CFFC’s spring grant cycle is an opportunity for nonprofits to request funding from five charitable funds held at CFFC. Review criteria and apply through CFFC’s online grant system. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2024.
“CFFC is happy to offer grants for nonprofit capacity building, for the second year in a row, through the Building a Stronger Fayette Fund. The four additional funds focus on a specific ‘field of interest’ that was determined by the donors who created the funds,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.
- Building a Stronger Fayette Fund: supporting capacity building – an investment in the effectiveness and future sustainability of a nonprofit (e.g. office equipment, software, training). 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; Levi Komarinski Memorial Fund; Thompson Fund.
- Burchinal Family Endowment Fund: supports charities that provide health and medical care for Fayette County residents.
- Jack and Diane Hughes Family Fund: supports projects and programs in the areas of community gardens and/or science/environmental education.
- Mary and John J. Depcrymski Memorial Fund: supports organizations that provide transportation for Fayette County senior citizens.
- Community Beautification Fund: supports landscape improvements (including but not limited to planting of trees, shrubs, and flowers) for community beautification projects.
For questions about grant applications, contact Rebecca Wardle, Communications & Grantmaking Coordinator, at rebecca@cffayettepa.org or 724-437-8600 x203.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Dec 13, 2023 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) hosted the fourth annual Fayette Gives on November 9, to engage the community in philanthropy and support local charities through donations from the public. CFFC announced the grand total at a celebration event for participating charities on December 12 at the State Theatre Center for the Arts. Thanks to the generosity of individuals and businesses, CFFC is distributing a total of $687,046 amongst ninety (90) Fayette County charities.
“We’ve been so happy to see this ‘day of giving’ grow each year,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director. In its first four years, Fayette Gives has raised over $2 million, all to benefit Fayette County. “The community foundation is a resource for charitable giving, and Fayette Gives is our way to bring that to the public on a large scale and make it easy for anyone to be a philanthropist,” said Couser.
CFFC began accepting donations by check, IRAs, and donor advised funds in September. During the 12-hour fundraising marathon on November 9, online donations were received and live results and leaderboards displayed at www.fayettegives.org. Between all donation methods, over 1,200 donations were made.
Renee M. Couser
“Donors have commented on the convenience of Fayette Gives being a one-stop-shop for their charitable giving,” said Couser. This special fundraiser is also an opportunity for charities to educate the public on the services they provide, showcase the positive impact of their mission, and create a buzz on social media. Charities are not restricted in how they use their Fayette Gives funds, so they are able to fundraise for any of their operational or programming needs.
“On behalf of the CFFC board of directors, thank you to everyone who generously supported this effort,” said Angela Braun, CFFC Board Chair.
Donations were increased by a prorated percentage of the $60,000 bonus pool, based on the charities’ fundraising dollars and number of donors. This helps donors make a bigger impact on their favorite charities and incentivizes people to give.
CFFC is grateful for the support of the Fayette Gives sponsors. Community Sponsors: Charity Fund; COE Distributing; The Swimmer Family. Generosity Sponsors: Mike Kelly Toyota of Uniontown; Specialty Conduit and Manufacturing; WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital. Humanity Sponsors: First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Greene County; The Eberly Foundation; Uniontown Walmart Supercenter.
CFFC will be planning the next Fayette Gives for November 2024, with more details to come. To learn more about Fayette Gives and the community foundation, visit www.cffayettepa.org.
View the Charity Distribution List for the final results of each charity’s Fayette Gives total.
Jennifer Jubin spoke on behalf of COE Distributing, a Community Sponsor of Fayette Gives 2023
Fayette Gives 2023 raised $687,046
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Dec 8, 2023 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County awarded nearly $20,000 in fall grants to local school districts for classroom projects and materials. The grants were provided by donor advised funds held at foundation, through which generous individuals recommend distributions to organizations.
Arthur and Millicent Gabriel Legacy Fund
Uniontown Area School District: $7,679.99
Laurel Highlands School District: $6,634.81
Idea Fund
Albert Gallatin Area School District: $2,263.00
Connellsville Area School District: $2,269.00
Patricia and Robert Metz Educational Fund
Uniontown Area School District: $750.00
Stay tuned for details about the projects and impact of the classroom materials!
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Oct 26, 2023 | CFFC News
The third Gala of Giving ~ Catalyst for Change is set for Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) hosts this event to raise money for significant investments in projects that can affect real change and growth in Fayette County. The first Catalyst for Change Grant, from event proceeds, was recently announced.
CFFC is awarding a $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grant to Main Street Theatre Company, for their Fayette County High School Musical Showcase, in collaboration with State Theatre Center for the Arts and Fayette County Cultural Trust. After Main Street Theatre Company’s October 6 performance of “Godspell”, CFFC’s Executive Director, Renee Couser, presented a check on stage as a special surprise to John Wagner III, Main Street Theatre Company’s Artistic Director.
Photo credit: Kelly Tunney
All Fayette County high schools will be invited to perform a selection from their musical at the showcase, bringing together youth from across the county. The showcase will shine a light on the vibrant arts community in Fayette County and invite youth, family, friends, community members, and people beyond Fayette County to attend performances and support local businesses on show day. Main Street Theatre Company will lead this project, the State Theatre Center for the Arts will provide the space for rehearsals and performance, and the Fayette County Cultural Trust will present their Fayette County Achievement in the Arts awards throughout the event.
“It is our foundational belief – backed up by significant data – that live performing arts experiences bring communities closer together, spur economic development and inspire change, growth and hope in those who participate,” said Kristen Tunney, Vice President of Main Street Theatre Company.
Photo credit: Kelly Tunney
Though showcases like this have been taking place in Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties for years, this project is the first of its kind for Fayette County. An afternoon and evening performance are planned for May.
“This first Catalyst for Change Grant is just the start, and we encourage everyone to save the date for our next gala on April 13 to help us build up the proceeds that will be used for future funding. With the continued support of individuals and businesses, we hope to offer bigger grants in the future to help spark change in Fayette County on a bigger scale,” said Angela Braun DC, Gala of Giving Chair and CFFC Board Chair.
CFFC is currently accepting sponsorships for the 2024 Gala of Giving, and individual ticket sales are expected to open in February. In addition to sponsorship and tickets, donations can be made to CFFC’s Gala of Giving Fund by check or with the “Donate Now” button at cffayettepa.org.
“We are happy to announce that Fairchance Construction Company is the Presenting Sponsor for the 2024 Gala of Giving. Next year, the community foundation will be celebrating its 25th anniversary, and we are excited to get everyone together in the spirit of charitable giving,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.
Mike Clark, WTAE Anchor, will be the event’s emcee, and guests will have access to a cocktail hour and exclusive auction items, dinner with a brief program and open bar, a live auction with big-ticket items, live music by the Kendall Brothers, and an after-party. To make it easier to track bidding and make bids from anywhere throughout the event space, guests will use online bidding again this year for the silent auction.
CFFC invites everyone to play a part in helping to make Fayette County a thriving place to live, work, and play. If you or your business is interested in sponsorships or ads, please contact Trish Desvarro, Gala of Giving Event Manager, at 724-557-0820.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Jun 20, 2023 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) congratulates 87 students who were selected for 2023-2024 scholarship awards. $192,604 in awards will be made from 47 scholarship funds, created to support students who are pursuing higher education. Watch the 2023-2024 slideshow.
“These scholarship funds help us invest in the future of Fayette County, by supporting a variety of students in their education and career path. Our committee carefully reviews hundreds of applications to select the best candidates, aiming to meet the goals of the generous donors who created the funds,” said Angela Braun DC, CFFC Board Chair and Scholarship Committee Chair.
Scholarship funds are created in honor or memory of a loved one, to support certain career paths, or to simply give back to the community. CFFC works with donors to determine criteria for each scholarship fund, including qualifications related to academic achievement, community service, financial need, extracurricular participation, area of study, or school preference.
“Our scholarship program is a team effort between staff, board members, community volunteers, donors, and guidance offices. We thank everyone who makes it possible to support students in this way,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.
Through CFFC’s partnership with the Pennsylvania Access to Higher Education Program, qualifying students may have their scholarship awards matched by the state.
To learn more about ways to support the community through philanthropy, visit www.cffayettepa.org and follow @cffayettepa on social media.
Watch the slideshow!
2023-2024 CFFC Scholarship List
Alfred E. and Anna B. Jones Scholarship
Nina D’Andrea
Benjamin Diamond
Haley Filcheck
Alyssa Grimm
Payton Hostetler
Lilianna Hug
Allen Craft Memorial Scholarship
Erica Rishel
Benjamin Wilson
Juliet Wontroba
Arthur and Millicent Gabriel Scholarship
Valentina Gulino
Malcolm Patton
Kylee Kurnot
Brooklyn Williams
Kaitlyn Adams
Jordan O’Brien
Bridget White
Betty Bayne Barnes Scholarship for Women
Brandy Sickles
Burchinal Family Endowment Education Awards
Bethany DuBois
Carly Grimm
Tyler Hawk
Heather Kisner
Elyse Knopsnider
Frank Kula
Jodi Lowery
Gabriel Ranker
Brandy Sickles
Alden Voss
Career and Technical Education Scholarship
Skye Tucker
Carl S. Micarelli Memorial Scholarship
Emmy Wingrove
CFFC Board of Directors Scholarship
Gabriel Kemp
Chris G. and Alice Omiros Scholars Fund
Tyler Hawk
Cupelli Family Scholarship
Carly Grimm
Darrell L. and Norma R. Uphold Family Scholarship
Abigail Wystepek
Deana Martorella Memorial Scholarship
Elizabeth Eddy
Dr. Dennis F. Brestensky Scholarship
Riley Rankin
Dr. Paul Pipik Scholarship for Study in the Health Sciences
Alysse Teeter
Dr. William C. Thomas, Jr. Perseverance Scholarship
Karsyn Lucy
Edward T. Yezioro Memorial Scholarship
Nicholas Pecsko
George M. and Anna w. Hochheimer Scholarship
Alden Voss
Helen Hulvey Scheggia Nursing Scholarship
Mitchel Anderson
Sarah Maldovan
Henry J. Oppermann Scholarship
Dylan Brooks
Austin Molinaro
Hughes Family Scholarship
Chloe Deguia
Johnson Matthey Scholarship
Abigail Barnes
Jerry Jiang
Kathleen DiMarco Gulino Memorial Scholarship
Mia Pierce
Laurel Highlands Mustang Academic Scholarship
Sienna Dean
Mackenzie Nicklow
Legacy Scholarship Fund of Ernst Gottlieb Braun
Keegan Fonder
Lillian’s Legacy Scholarship
Emi Curcio
Paige Miller
Alysse Teeter
Lulu A. Dudley Scholarship
Valen Lilley
Jacqueline Maendel
Gianna Valenti
M. Frances and George J. Plava Educational Award
Jerry Jiang
Sydney Larew
Mary Jane Dailey Wood Scholarship
Parker Kern
Tanner Uphold
Jenna Voyten
Maurice M. Bortz and Bessie D. Rinehart Memorial Scholarship
Frank Kula
Melvin J. and Beatrice Vance Keller Memorial Scholarship
Josie Bittner
Michael S. Carbonara Memorial Scholarship
Bailey Lemansky
My Mother’s Legacy Scholarship
Nina D’Andrea
Nancy Flanegan McManus Nursing Scholarship
Abigail Wystepek
Nancy Vance Jones Scholarship
Trudy Diamond
Alysse Teeter
Jenna Voyten
Palmer F. Sabatine Scholarship
Livia Mehalovich
Parker A. Hess Memorial Scholarship
Charlotte Crouse
Zoey Thomas
Rita P. Peters Scholarship
Maximus Nassar
Robert and Marjorie Rager Scholarship
Audrey Morrison
Robert E. and Elouise R. Eberly Scholarship
Gracie Dally
Sam’s Symphony of Love Scholarship
Elizabeth Eddy
Sergeant Eric Hull Memorial Scholarship
Alyssa Grimm
Suzanne J. McMonagle Nursing Scholarship
Alysha Lessman
Tylar Andaloro Memorial Scholarship
Valentina Gulino
Mia Pierce
Uniontown College Club CFFC Scholarship
Claire White
Virginia Eberharter Scholarship
Autumn Ansell
Arley Wilson
Virginia Springer Memorial Scholarship
Julie Cooper
Benjamin Diamond
Bailey Edenfield
Haley Filcheck
Rebecca Mihalko
Grace Taylor
Kaleb Walls
Wolford Swimmer Memorial Scholarship
Grant Barcheck
Josie Bittner
James Brown
Jocelyn Gratchic
Olivia Hellen
Matthew Kaminsky
Claire Konieczny
Sydney Larew
Brandon Paroda
Brittney Roberts
Braylin Salisbury
Jenna Schnatterly
Laila Suarez
Serenity Swihart-Fullem
Lily Taylor
Zackery R. Nelson Memorial Scholarship
Allison Lowery
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