by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Aug 3, 2026 | CFFC News
Photo courtesy of Mr. Arnold with Laurel Highlands School District
Last fall, three donor advised funds at the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) awarded over $25,000 to support education at Fayette County schools. CFFC is now accepting grant requests for the 2026-2027 school year, inviting teachers and administrators to apply online by September 15 at 5:00 p.m.
As donor advised funds, the fund creators of the Arthur and Millicent Gabriel Legacy Fund, Idea Fund, and Patricia and Robert Metz Educational Fund have ongoing involvement with how the funds’ charitable dollars support the community. “The lasting impact of these three funds speaks to the fund creators’ deep belief in the power of education,” said CFFC Chief Executive Officer Jessica Hajek-Bates. “We are grateful to see their passion continue to open doors for students and educators through this year’s fall grant cycle.”
The Arthur and Millicent Gabriel Legacy Fund is accepting grant requests from $750 up to $10,000 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.
With last year’s grant award, elementary STEM teacher Daniel Arnold purchased robotics and STEM kits with computer-controlled motors, sensors, and lights. “This project is impacting roughly 300 students in 16 classes at our elementary schools in the Laurel Highlands School District. The students can build over 30 activated models and, in the future, can engineer their own designs,” said Arnold.
“We look forward to helping our donors support more amazing projects like this!” said Hajek-Bates. More details about the criteria and how to apply can be found on the “Nonprofits” page at www.cffayettepa.org.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Jul 14, 2026 | CFFC News
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!
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Jul 7, 2026 | Building a Stronger Fayette
Ron Gabriel, Michelle Knight, Steve Strange, Terry Burden
EEUCC hosted a program by Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia
During a visit to East End United Community Center (EEUCC), we saw children and volunteers in the flourishing garden, residents accessing their food pantry, and a room full of children enjoying a wildlife presentation about birds. With a diverse range of programs, the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is happy to support EEUCC in their efforts to build a stronger Fayette County.
A recent capacity building grant from the Building a Stronger Fayette Fund enabled the nonprofit to purchase an industrial color printer/copier machine. Their previous machine was unable to print in color, and they needed a machine that can handle their high volume of printing without breaking down or lagging.
“The ability to use the color printer will help enhance educational programming by providing high quality color materials that will help improve the children’s comprehension and engagement, in addition to improving the professionalism of printed materials for community members,” said Michelle Knight, EEUCC Office Manager.
Residents can benefit from EEUCC’s programs such as daycare, after-school programming, truancy prevention, seniors programming, nutrition assistance, and other community outreach projects.
“Our community is better because of East End United Community Center’s programs and the dedicated service of their staff and volunteers,” said CFFC Chief Executive Officer Jessica Hajek-Bates. “We’re grateful for opportunities to partner with their organization through grants, participation in Fayette Gives, and our wonderful network of local nonprofits.”
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | May 15, 2026 | Building a Stronger Fayette
Tucked away in the beautiful scenery of the Laurel Highlands, Touchstone Center for Crafts offers arts programming that draws people from near and far. To help strengthen their capacity, with technology equipment and staff expansion, they have been awarded grants from the Building a Stronger Fayette Fund at the Community Foundation of Fayette County.
Touchstone’s mission is to advance excellence in the arts and crafts by educating and encouraging individuals to develop technical skills, good design, and innovative expression. The nonprofit offers a variety of programs for people of all experience levels, with opportunities customized for youth, arts educators, veterans, and resident artists. Those who visit their campus for workshops can learn blacksmithing, ceramics, jewelry-making, and more.
Throughout daily operations, staff was facing challenges with their outdated phone system, describing it as cumbersome and inefficient. Implementing a new phone system, with grant funding, has had a positive effect.
“It is important for employees of our organization to be able to conduct business seamlessly, whether they are working remotely or in our offices. Support from a CFFC grant allowed us to move from an outdated phone system to a more responsive and flexible platform that works from our computers and phones,” said Lindsay Ketterer Gates, Executive Director.
Touchstone also received funding to support their staff expansion and the computer equipment needed for new team members. Lindsay explained the impact of hiring strong talent to enhance the organization’s mission: “We’ve strengthened our fundraising capacity, expanded our programming season, and increased off-season visibility.”
CFFC is happy to support Touchstone’s capacity to inspire, teach, and serve the community.
Photos courtesy of Touchstone Center for Crafts
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!