2025 Community Impact Report
We invite you to review our 2025 Community Impact Report to learn more about the Community Foundation of Fayette County’s efforts in building a stronger Fayette County. Click here!
CFFC’s Largest Grant Awarded for Reentry Support
Larry Kiefer, Abby Donahue, Kim Hawk, Rita Masi, Jessica Hajek-Bates, Ron Gabriel
With proceeds from the Gala of Giving, the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) awarded its largest grant ever to support reentry programming for residents exiting the Fayette County Jail. This year’s Catalyst for Change Grant is funding $100,000 for the Pathways to Reintegration Initiative at Fayette County Community Action Agency, Inc. (FCCAA).
The new program will establish dedicated post‑release reentry support for residents leaving the Fayette County Jail, addressing a critical need for services that help residents carry the goals they set during incarceration into their return home. FCCAA already delivers strong pre‑release workforce development planning through federal funding and its partnership with the jail’s nationally recognized IGNITE Program; this grant will allow the organization to extend that support beyond the jail walls.
By adding staff focused solely on post‑release services, FCCAA will strengthen continuity of care at the most vulnerable stage of reentry, improving access to resources, promoting long‑term stability, and reducing the likelihood of reoffending.
“Our board of directors made this selection after a careful and comprehensive review process,” said Ron Gabriel, Chair of the CFFC Board of Directors. “Each year, the Catalyst for Change Grants address an area of need, and this year’s investment takes meaningful steps toward creating safer, stronger futures for all who call Fayette County home.”
Through the Pathways to Reintegration Initiative, reentrants will be connected to workforce development services, education, and professional attire, as well as assistance with essential identification documents, transportation, and housing.
Through coordinated partnerships, reentrants will also access comprehensive support, including addiction recovery resources, to help them rebuild stability and move toward long‑term success.
“This grant is instrumental in helping individuals transition into the workforce after release from jail by providing the support for essential employment needs and other necessary resources to help them gain and maintain employment while working toward self-sufficiency,” said Kimberly Hawk, FCCAA’s Chief Executive Officer.
5th Annual Gala of Giving – An Extraordinary Evening
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!
Gala of Giving 2026 Tickets on Sale
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is accepting sponsorships, program booklet advertisements, auction item donations, and ticket reservations for the fifth annual Gala of Giving ~ Catalyst for Change on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Fairchance Construction Company is the gala’s Presenting Sponsor. Proceeds will support initiatives that drive meaningful progress in Fayette County.
As guests are greeted, they will register for the silent auction’s mobile bidding and enjoy cocktail hour with an open bar. Mike Clark of WTAE Pittsburgh Action News 4 will once again serve as the master of ceremonies. A brief program will highlight CFFC’s efforts to inspire charitable giving, support nonprofits, and nurture positive community impact.
Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a live auction hosted by Tony Quarrick. Following dinner, Kendall Brothers Band will draw guests to the dance floor with live music. The silent auction will close at 9:30 p.m. with auction checkout at 10:00 p.m. The fun will continue at the after party in the Matterhorn Lounge, with live music from Levi Graft and late night snacks.
“We love turning this event into something truly memorable for our guests,” said Angela Braun, Gala of Giving Chair. “The enthusiasm and generosity of our guests support projects that ignite meaningful change in Fayette County. That energy is exactly what this event celebrates.”
The foundation has awarded $175,000 in Catalyst for Change Grants through event proceeds. An additional $100,000 will be awarded this summer.
“We are motivated by the possibilities ahead with additional support and partnership for the Catalyst for Change Grants. The foundation sees this as a big opportunity for growth and impact,” said Jessica Hajek-Bates, CFFC Chief Executive Officer.
Formal attire is requested for the event. Individual ticket sales will be available at a later date.
Please contact Trish Desvarro, Gala Event Manager, with any questions at desvarro@gmail.com or call the CFFC office at 724-437-8600.
Catalyst for Change Grant: Mandatory 1-Hour Forum & Updated LOI
Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) invites nonprofits to submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) for up to $100,000 in funding for a Fayette County project. Interested nonprofits must attend a mandatory 1-hour forum to understand the possibilities of the Catalyst for Change Grant.
This grant opportunity is provided through Gala of Giving event proceeds. The annual event raises money to invest in projects that will spark change and growth in Fayette County. So far, the foundation has awarded $175,000 in Catalyst for Change Grants.
“Our board of directors is driven by a shared belief in what’s possible when a community invests in bold ideas,” said Ron Gabriel, CFFC Board Chair. “The Catalyst for Change Grants are designed to spark that momentum, and we invite nonprofits to explore the updated criteria and bring forward visionary projects that can truly move our county forward.”
The foundation is looking for significant impact that will spark meaningful and measurable change, but the project is not required to reach across the entire county or involve collaboration. CFFC is especially inspired by projects that ignite economic opportunities and build lasting, sustainable solutions to community needs. Applicants are challenged to consider including matching funds for all or a portion of the amount requested.
Interested nonprofits must attend a 1-hour in-person forum at CFFC’s office (250 West Main Street, Uniontown, PA 15401) on one of the following dates: February 12 at 9:00 a.m.; February 18 at 3:00 p.m.; February 20 at 12:00 p.m. (No registration needed.) Nonprofits will submit an LOI through CFFC’s online grant portal by the deadline of March 15 at 5:00 p.m. The grant is designed for up to a one-year timeline, starting with the award in July. Nonprofits can submit for an existing project or a new project. More details about the selection process are listed on the “Nonprofits” page at www.cffayettepa.org.
“We encourage nonprofits to think beyond a one-time impact or a single project – we want them to dream boldly about Fayette County’s future and how their project will address community needs,” said Jessica Hajek-Bates, CFFC Chief Executive Officer.
Interested nonprofits can begin their LOI submission now. However, upon review of the submitted LOIs, only projects that attended one of the mandatory forums will be considered.