by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Oct 1, 2025 | CFFC News
New Location, New Logo, Same Mission
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is entering a new chapter of growth with the purchase of its first-ever owned headquarters at 250 West Main Street in Uniontown. This strategic move, funded through the foundation’s operating reserve, marks a significant milestone in CFFC’s evolution. It is a reflection of growth, momentum, and continued commitment to serve the county. The relocation is planned for October 23, accompanied by the launch of a refreshed CFFC logo.
David Hughes, a long-serving member of the CFFC Board of Directors, has seen the foundation’s growth over the years. “Last year, we celebrated our twenty-fifth anniversary and developed a Strategic Plan to guide our future growth and impact. Expanding our office space is a key part of that vision—and it’s also a chance to modernize our look as we continue to raise awareness about the work we do,” said Hughes.
The Strategic Plan outlines three focus areas: Growth and Impact; Awareness and Engagement; Organizations and Operations.
Until now, CFFC has operated out of leased spaces, most recently at 5 South Mt. Vernon Avenue in Uniontown. The new facility offers a substantial increase in square footage, allowing for expanded staffing and more opportunities to host events and presentations on-site.
Michael George, Renee Couser, Ron Gabriel, and Ed Balling with the 250 West Main Street agreement of sale.
The foundation’s mission is to build a stronger Fayette County by inspiring charitable giving, supporting nonprofits, and nurturing positive community impact. “To scale that impact and meet our goals, we need space to grow and a strong identity that reflects our mission, vision, and values,” said Ronald Gabriel, Chair of the CFFC Board of Directors.
Jessica Hajek-Bates, Chief Executive Officer of CFFC, added, “We’re excited to open the doors to the community! This new space gives us room to grow, connect, and work together with the vision of a thriving Fayette County.”
To celebrate the new office location, CFFC is partnering with the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony on November 13 at 1:00 p.m.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Oct 1, 2025 | Building a Stronger Fayette
Photo from the board training courtesy of Crime Victims’ Center of Fayette County.
From 2023 to 2024, the Crime Victims’ Center of Fayette County reported a 149% increase in clients. To meet the needs of the community, the nonprofit is prioritizing its growth and sustainability to ensure that their services can help as many residents as possible.
Crime Victims’ Center of Fayette County (CVC) offers a 24-hour crisis hotline, counseling, and advocacy services for victims of violent crimes. They also provide educational and training classes for children and adults across the county at low to no cost.
“Due to our funding structure, we have strict guidelines and standards that we must follow,” said Andrea Hibbs, CVC Executive Director. For example, government grants cannot be used for fundraising efforts, but the nonprofit identified that as an important area for growth. To spearhead these efforts, they hosted two training sessions for board members and the executive director. The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) supported the trainings with a 2024 grant from the Building a Stronger Fayette Fund.
CVC partnered with consulting company Nonprofit SideKick to take a closer look at the board of directors’ responsibilities, identify the type of board they are, and assess strengths and opportunities for growth. “CFFC’s funding provided us with an opportunity to gain important knowledge to increase awareness, sustain board members, and attain financial growth. This is vital in keeping with our mission to provide services to victims of crime in a supportive, inclusive, and safe environment,” said Hibbs.
Andrea Hibbs and Renee Couser with Crime Victims’ Center of Fayette County’s first grant from the Strawberry Patch Fund in 2021.
Beyond competitive grant awards, CVC has taken advantage of other opportunities to bolster their mission. They have raised over $17,000 through Fayette Gives. Each of the five years that CVC has participated, they have increased their fundraising and worked to raise awareness of their services in the community.
CVC also receives an annual distribution from the Strawberry Patch Fund, a donor designated fund at CFFC that was created through an estate gift to support specific organizations. Over $21,000 has been granted to CVC from the fund. They have the discretion to use these funds to address the organization’s most pressing needs and invest in resources that will benefit the residents they serve.
Charitable giving can help bridge the funding gap for impactful services like the ones that Crime Victims’ Center offers. Residents who experience a violent crime have somewhere to turn, with the support of CVC. This year marks the nonprofit’s 50th anniversary, and we applaud their efforts in building a stronger Fayette County.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Sep 8, 2025 | CFFC News
This year’s Fayette Gives will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at www.fayettegives.org. The website will host online donations, live results, and cash prize opportunities for charities throughout the day. A record-breaking 110 local charities are participating.
Fayette Gives is a “day of giving” hosted by the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) that engages the community in philanthropy and supports local charities. During this fundraising marathon, the public is encouraged to donate to participating charities and take advantage of special incentives that can help charities boost their fundraising.
Online donations will be available during the 12-hour period on November 6th. This includes credit/debit cards, mobile pay, and ACH payments (with eligible institutions).
Donors who prefer to donate by check can give now. Make one check payable to CFFC for the total amount, and mail it to CFFC, 5 South Mt. Vernon Ave., Uniontown, PA 15401 with a completed Check Contribution Form. Gifts can also be made through donor advised funds, charitable IRAs, or stock transfers. All donations must be received at CFFC by November 6th at 8:00 p.m. and the minimum donation is $25 per charity.
“Fayette Gives is a special opportunity to give back to charities in a community-wide effort. Over $2.5 million has been raised in the first five years,” said Ron Gabriel, Chair of the CFFC Board of Directors.
$50,000 is available in cash prizes for charities, thanks to Community Sponsors: Charity Fund; Erie Insurance; The Swimmer Family; Generosity Sponsor: Specialty Conduit and Manufacturing, LLC; Humanity Sponsors: Montgomery Medical; NiSource Charitable Foundation/ Columbia Gas; Well Fargo Advisors Financial Network.
New this year — CFFC is partnering with local libraries for Fayette Gives Pop-Ups throughout Fayette County. The public is invited to come to these pop-ups to learn about Fayette Gives and receive promotional items. Dates are as follows: September 13 at Brownsville Free Library from noon until 2:00; September 16 at Carnegie Free Library of Connellsville from 10:00 until noon; September 18 at the CFFC office from 10:00 until noon; October 21 at Uniontown Public Library from 10:00 until noon; October 23 at German-Masontown Public Library from 10:00 until noon.
Visit www.fayettegives.org to view the charities, download the Check Contribution Form, and learn more.
2025 Check Contribution Form
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Sep 4, 2025 | CFFC News
CFFC is partnering with local libraries for Fayette Gives Pop-Ups throughout Fayette County. We invite the public to stop by to say hi, learn more, and get promotional items! Participating charities can pick up their Fayette Gives yard sign (1 per charity) at these Pop-Ups.
September 13
Brownsville Free Public Library (as part of the Author Fest)
100 Seneca Street, Brownsville, PA 15417
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
September 16
Carnegie Free Library of Connellsville
299 S. Pittsburgh Street, Connellsville, PA 15425
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
September 18
CFFC Office
5 South Mt. Vernon Ave., Uniontown, PA 15401
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
October 21
Uniontown Public Library
24 Jefferson Street, Uniontown, PA 15401
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
October 23
German-Masontown Public Library
104 South Main Street, Masontown, PA 15461
10:00 am – 12:00 pm
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Aug 1, 2025 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) helps support education in a variety of ways, including grants from donor advised funds. The Arthur and Millicent Gabriel Legacy Fund, Idea Fund, and Patricia and Robert Metz Educational Fund are currently accepting grant requests to support local schools in the 2025-2026 school year. Applications are due by October 1 through CFFC’s online grant system: https://bit.ly/cffcapplynow
The Arthur and Millicent Gabriel Legacy Fund is accepting grant requests from $750 up to $10,000 to be considered for reusable education items to enhance the classroom. Any teacher, school counselor, or administrator in the Laurel Highlands School District or Uniontown Area School District is encouraged to apply.
The Idea Fund was created by a donor who strives to help teachers to achieve a level of creativity in the classroom that allows all students to succeed. All school districts in Fayette County are eligible to apply for an Idea Fund grant in the amount of $2,500.
The Patricia and Robert Metz Educational Fund is accepting grant requests from Uniontown Area School District’s middle schools or high school to enhance STEM teaching and learning. An award of $500 is intended to support teacher or student activities or the purchase of classroom materials.
“It’s always great to see the variety and creativity in the fall grant requests, and we’re happy to help connect our donors with those projects,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.
Last fall, these donor advised funds at CFFC awarded a total of $25,934 to support the purchase of LEGO® education kits, whiteboard and lab tables, library collections, technology, science equipment, and more.
Further details about the grant applications and previous grant awards can be found at www.cffayettepa.org.