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 | Jan 8, 2026 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) awarded a total of $79,018 this past fall to support education in Fayette County, and projects are now in motion at each of the six school districts. This funding includes grants from three donor advised funds and two programs through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED).
Nine grants totaling $25,828 were awarded from the Arthur and Millicent Gabriel Legacy Fund, the Patricia and Robert Metz Educational Fund, and the Idea Fund. As donor advised funds, the creators of these funds have ongoing involvement with their charitable giving through the foundation.
Laurel Highlands School District was awarded five grants for math class whiteboard tables, LEGO® Spike Prime kits, display screen and printer for a classroom Entrepreneurial Hub, books for a media center, and occupational therapy supplies. Uniontown Area School District was awarded a grant for a chemistry fire kit and thermal imaging camera, and two grants for different calculator models to be used at the high school. Frazier School District was awarded one grant for physics lab equipment.
In addition to supporting education through competitive grant opportunities, CFFC is approved as an Educational Improvement Organization through the DCED and provides funding for innovative educational programs. Each of the six Fayette County school districts received a $3,000 grant, thanks to the generous businesses who contribute to the program. With the funds, Penn State Extension 4-H will provide programming for a STEM and Computer Science Initiative at Albert Gallatin Area School District, Brownsville Area School District, Frazier School District, Laurel Highlands School District, and Uniontown Area School District. At Connellsville Area School District, funds will provide programming for a STEM Science program at the Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center.
Through DCED programming, CFFC also supports local families with tuition assistance for Fayette County students attending Pre-K and K-12 private schooling. The foundation awarded $9,000 in Pre-K tuition assistance and $26,190 in K-12 tuition assistance. Participating schools include A.G. Montessori School, Calvary Chapel Christian School, Calvary United Methodist Church Preschool, Conn Area Catholic School, Chestnut Ridge Christian Academy, Geibel Catholic Junior Senior High School, Grace Academy Christian School, Mt. Carmel Christian School, Mount Moriah Christian School, St. John the Evangelist Regional Catholic School, and Verna Montessori School.
The foundation’s innovative educational program grants and private school tuition assistance awards are possible through the donations from COE Distributing, Laurel Business Institute, Mid Penn Bank, PNC Bank – Pittsburgh Market, Somerset Trust Company, and United Concordia Insurance Company. More details about these programs can be found at www.cffayettepa.org.
“These funding opportunities show the variety of ways that people can support a cause and children in Fayette County through charitable giving,” said Jessica Hajek-Bates, Chief Executive Officer. “The foundation is honored to allocate this $79,000 in grants to local schools to help students and classrooms thrive.”
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Dec 12, 2025 | CFFC News
The sixth annual Fayette Gives, held on November 6, 2025, raised $531,613 for 108 local charities. Hosted by the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC), the goal of Fayette Gives is to engage the community in philanthropy and support local charities. The fundraising marathon highlights the work of Fayette County charities and provides a one-stop-shop for charitable giving.
During the 12-hour “day of giving” on November 6, the Fayette Gives website accepted online donations, displayed live results and leaderboards, and hosted hourly cash prize opportunities for charities. Check donations were also accepted ahead of Fayette Gives day, starting in September, and donations received after November 6 have been added to the total. This year, 892 donors contributed through the campaign.
A celebration event was held on December 4 at the foundation office. In attendance were representatives from participating charities, sponsors, and local elected officials.
“The foundation is grateful to everyone who generously donated,” said Jessica Hajek-Bates, CFFC Chief Executive Officer. “We know the charities will put their fundraising dollars to good use, helping to address community needs across Fayette County.”
Fundraising dollars must be used to benefit Fayette County but are otherwise unrestricted for charities’ use.
Fayette Gives has raised a grand total of $3.1 million in six years. “It’s amazing to see the impact of collective charitable giving – that’s what the foundation is all about,” said Hajek-Bates.
$50,000 in cash prizes were distributed, thanks to sponsors. 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.
Visit www.fayettegives.org to learn more and view results.