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 | Apr 7, 2026 | CFFC News
Fifteen (15) local nonprofits are receiving a total of $42,825 from the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) this spring. The spring grant cycle includes the Building a Stronger Fayette Fund, CFFC’s endowment for general grantmaking, and four (4) field of interest funds with specific areas of focus.
Building a Stronger Fayette Fund:
The Building a Stronger Fayette Fund is CFFC’s community-rooted endowment, created to strengthen Fayette County today and for generations to come. Powered by local generosity, the fund invests directly back into the community as it supports nonprofits that reflect a shared commitment to help local residents thrive. The Building a Stronger Fayette Fund is supported through several CFFC funds: the Fayette County Charities Endowment, the Franklin K. and Jean Smith Family Fund, GIVE Fayette County, the Levi Komarinski Memorial Fund, and the Thompson Fund.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Laurel Region – Strengthening Recruitment Capacity
- Crime Victims’ Center of Fayette County – Jacquie Fritts Memorial Resource Room
- East End United Community Center – Printer/Copier Upgrade
- Fayette County Community Action Agency, Inc. – Household Items for Emergency Housing Program
- German-Masontown Public Library – Upgrade for Public Service Computers
- Mon Valley Academy for the Arts, Inc. – Private Music Instruction Scholarship Program
- State Theatre Center for the Arts – Website Redevelopment and Modernization
- The Ks Foundation – Supporting Costs of Youth Sports Registrations
- The Salvation Army – Uniontown Corps – Enhancing Food Offerings at the Soup Kitchen
Burchinal Family Endowment Fund:
- Brownsville Ambulance Service, Inc. – CPAP & Pain Relief Equipment
- Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pittsburgh and Morgantown – Home Away from Home for Fayette County Families
Community Beautification Fund:
- Great Meadows Garden Club – Blue Star Memorial and Civic Beautification Planters
Jack and Diane Hughes Family Fund:
- Twisted Tines – Gardening and Conservation Program
- Uniontown Public Library – Summer Reading Program
Mary and John J. Depcyrmski Memorial Fund:
- Crosskeys Human Services, Inc. – Meal Delivery Program for Seniors
“These grant awards reflect our foundation’s deep commitment to strengthening Fayette County – supporting projects that uplift children, empower families, and enhance the lives of older adults across our many towns,” said Jessica Hajek‑Bates, Chief Executive Officer. “As a community foundation, we’re driven to expand our grantmaking so we can champion even more nonprofits and fuel the transformative work they bring to our future.”
To learn more about CFFC’s grantmaking program, visit www.cffayettepa.org.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Feb 2, 2026 | CFFC News
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.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Jan 15, 2026 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is accepting funding requests for five grant opportunities this spring. Interested nonprofits must apply through CFFC’s online grant portal by March 1 at 5:00 p.m.
The Building a Stronger Fayette Fund is the foundation’s unrestricted grantmaking endowment, which is accepting grant requests up to $5,000 for projects or capacity building. These awards are made with combined funding from the Building a Stronger Fayette Fund; Fayette County Charities Endowment; Franklin K. and Jean Smith Family Fund; GIVE Fayette County campaign; Levi Komarinski Memorial Fund; Thompson Fund.
The spring grant cycle also includes four Field of Interest Funds, which have a specific area of focus:
- The Burchinal Family Endowment Fund supports charities that provide health and medical care for Fayette County residents.
- The Mary and John J. Depcrymski Memorial Fund supports transportation expenses for Fayette County seniors.
- The Community Beautification Fund supports landscape improvement in Fayette and Greene Counties.
- The Jack and Diane Hughes Family Fund supports community gardens and science/environmental education.
“Last year, our spring grant cycle awarded $36,000 for computer equipment, employment readiness services, senior center programming, food distribution, flowers for an Honor Roll, and more,” said Jessica Hajek-Bates, Chief Executive Officer. “We look forward to another year of charitable giving that addresses the needs of our community.”
For more details about these grant opportunities and criteria, visit the Nonprofits page at www.cffayettepa.org.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Dec 22, 2025 | CFFC News
Year-end giving is a powerful way to wrap up the year, and the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is here to help.
There are many ways to give back, and our staff will take time to learn about your charitable interests and discuss options for how you can make a meaningful impact in the community, supporting the causes you hold close to your heart.
We encourage you to give back during this time of holiday cheer, gift giving, and celebrations as a special way to support our neighbors in need.
Call our office at 724-437-8600 to wrap up 2025 with a bow of charitable giving!
Ways to Donate: Check; Online Credit/Debit Card; Legacy Gift (Join the PA Giving Pledge!); Charitable IRA; Stock Transfer. To learn more, call our office at 724-437-8600.
Click here to donate to CFFC’s Building a Stronger Fayette Fund. This endowment awards grants to Fayette County nonprofits, addressing a variety of community needs — now and into the future. Your contribution will help to build a stronger Fayette County.