by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Feb 20, 2025 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) has joined forces with forty (40) other Pennsylvania community foundations to launch the PA Giving Pledge, a statewide campaign to inspire Pennsylvanians to leave at least 5% of their estates to help future generations.
Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Community Foundation Association (PACFA), the newly announced PA Giving Pledge aims to scale Pennsylvania-focused giving with emphasis on generating sustainable financial resources for worthy causes and nonprofits working to address a range of issues in local communities.
“The PA Giving Pledge is a collective effort of PACFA community foundations across the state to improve the quality of life for our families, friends, and neighbors for generations to come. When someone leaves a percentage of their estate to the community foundation, they are leaving a legacy of charitable giving that will have a positive impact for years to come,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.
The effort aims to tap into 5% of the estimated $418 billion transfer of wealth projected in Pennsylvania by 2030, according to estimates by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. “If 5% of that $418 billion was endowed through the pledge, it would generate $21 billion to benefit Pennsylvania communities and causes forever,” said Michael L. Batchelor, PACFA President.
With the launch of the PA Giving Pledge, donors and professional advisors can now access an interactive website PAGivingPledge.org to find their nearest community foundation and to access county-by-county data that highlights the total estimated wealth transfer by 2030. PACFA members will be asking business leaders, professional advisors, and philanthropists in their communities to endorse the program to build further momentum.
“There’s amazing potential with Fayette County’s estimated wealth transfer of $2.22 billion in the next 10 years. If 5% of that was pledged in estate gifts, it would translate to $5.56 million being available each and every year to support Fayette County nonprofits and causes,” said Couser.
Do you pledge to leave at least 5% of your estate to support future Fayette County generations?
Call our office at 724-437-8600 x1 to learn more about including CFFC in your estate plan.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Jan 27, 2025 | CFFC News
EQT has created a GIVE campaign in partnership with the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) and EQT leaseholders. The GIVE Fayette County campaign fosters the act of philanthropy and lasting impacts for Fayette County communities.
The intent of GIVE Fayette County is to connect EQT landowners with CFFC and maximize the foundation’s grantmaking. The EQT Foundation will contribute $25,000 annually to the GIVE Fayette County campaign, as well as match landowner contributions to the campaign up to $10,000 per lease agreement for the first year of participation. For donations to qualify, they must be more than $100 in aggregate.
“The EQT Foundation is dedicated to supporting communities touched by EQT’s business, and we’re happy to partner with CFFC and landowners to give back in Fayette County,” said Ellen Rossi, EQT Foundation President.
To participate in the GIVE Fayette County campaign, landowners must complete an enrollment form at www.eqt.com/community/give-campaign/.
Ellen Rossi, EQT Foundation President; Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director; Kaitlyn Magyar, EQT Corporation Community Investment Coordinator
EQT landowners can make a flat donation directly to the GIVE Fayette County campaign or allow EQT to withhold a certain amount or percentage of their monthly royalties to be donated on their behalf to the campaign.
CFFC will use all GIVE Fayette County campaign donations for grantmaking to Fayette County nonprofits, helping to address the ever-changing needs of the community. The contributions will support the foundation’s Building a Stronger Fayette Fund, an endowment for general grantmaking.
“Through the GIVE campaign, landowners’ contributions and EQT Foundation’s match will help make an impact in Fayette County for today, tomorrow, and forever,” explained Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Jan 20, 2025 | CFFC News
Left to right, top to bottom: Edward Balling, Vice Chair; Angela Braun, D.C., Secretary; Terry Burden; Clifford J. Callahan, CPA; Edward Capuzzi, Jr.; Joshua Ellsworth; James R. Foutz, CPA; Ronald Gabriel, Chair; Michael George, Treasurer; Garnet Gordon, Esq.; James E. Higinbotham, Jr., Esq.; David Hughes; William James; Brandon Katzeff; Lawrence J. Kiefer; John LaCarte; Casey Leonard, CPA
Seventeen (17) community members continue to volunteer their service and support as board members of the Community Foundation of Fayette County, a public charity created in 1999 to improve Fayette County through charitable giving.
The 2025 officers are as follows: Ronald Gabriel as Chair, Edward Balling as Vice Chair, Michael George as Treasurer, and Angela Braun, D.C. as Secretary.
Additional directors are as follows: Terry Burden; Clifford J. Callahan, CPA; Edward Capuzzi, Jr.; Joshua Ellsworth; James R. Foutz, CPA; Garnet Gordon, Esq.; James E. Higinbotham, Jr., Esq.; David Hughes; William James; Brandon Katzeff; Lawrence J. Kiefer; John LaCarte; Casey Leonard, CPA.
“The foundation’s mission is to build a stronger Fayette County by inspiring charitable giving, supporting nonprofits, and nurturing positive community impact. Our board members are committed to that mission, and they all help the growth and impact of the foundation,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.
The board of directors oversees the management and governance of the foundation. They are also crucial in the foundation’s special initiatives like the Gala of Giving, Fayette Gives, and strategic planning.
To learn more about CFFC, browse our website at www.cffayettepa.org or contact the office at 724-437-8600.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Nov 15, 2024 | CFFC News
Today is CFFC’s 25th anniversary!
Established November 15, 1999
As the Community Foundation of Fayette County celebrates its 25th anniversary, we credit the collective effort of many generous and passionate people. The foundation was established in 1999 by community members who wanted to make a positive impact, and our philanthropy continues to grow with the support of individuals and businesses.
The foundation has grown since 1999 and now holds nearly 200 charitable funds and over $24 million in assets. Each year, a percentage of these charitable assets is used to support nonprofits and local students. Over the past 25 years, the Community Foundation of Fayette County has granted over $15 million to the community.
The foundation’s board of directors and staff are committed to our mission, and the recent strategic plan will help serve as a road map for continued impact and growth.
Make a 25th Anniversary Donation
Here’s even more reason to celebrate… November 15 is National Philanthropy Day, which falls within Community Foundation Week (November 12 – 18)!
Watch our Timeline Video
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Nov 8, 2024 | CFFC News
The community raised $579,505 for 96 Fayette County charities through the Community Foundation of Fayette County’s (CFFC) fifth annual Fayette Gives. Fayette Gives is a “day of giving” that helps to build a stronger Fayette County by engaging the community in philanthropy and supporting local charities. During the 12-hour fundraising marathon on November 7, the public donated online at www.fayettegives.org between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. with live results and leaderboards on display. Check donations were also accepted ahead of Fayette Gives day, starting in September.
“We extend a huge thank-you to the 923 people who donated and to everyone who helped spread the word about this special initiative. All of the money that the charities fundraised will be used to support their work right here in Fayette County,” Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.
Fayette Gives 2024 provided new features for the “day of giving”. Charities were able to add pictures and videos to their profile page, to help tell the story of their impact in the community, and charities had access to their donation reports in real time to strengthen their fundraising efforts and stewardship. On November 7, the website displayed a section of recent donations and Instagram posts, to encourage engagement. The public could also view leaderboards for each size category of charities, which was determined by asset size.
Another new feature this year was the donor incentives. Each hour, charities had the chance to receive cash prizes, based on specific criteria. Donors could view the list of prizes on the Fayette Gives website and help their favorite charities’ chances of receiving extra money, adding excitement to each hour throughout the day. Thanks to the Fayette Gives sponsors, over $50,000 was awarded in prize money.
“Fayette Gives is a one-stop-shop for people to give back, and it’s an opportunity to highlight the amazing work being done across Fayette County by these charities. Raising over half-a-million dollars in one campaign shows the incredible generosity of our community,” said Couser.
Community Sponsors: Charity Fund; Swimmer Family. Generosity Sponsors: COE Distributing; Nemacolin; Specialty Conduit and Manufacturing. Humanity Sponsors: Columbia Gas/NiSource Charitable Foundation; First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Greene County; Montgomery Medical; Uniontown Walmart Supercenter; Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, Highlands Wealth Management; WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital.
To view the leaderboards and learn more about Fayette Gives, visit www.fayettegives.org.