50 Years of Services + Capacity Building for the Future

50 Years of Services + Capacity Building for the Future

Photo from the board training courtesy of Crime Victims’ Center of Fayette County.

From 2023 to 2024, the Crime Victims’ Center of Fayette County reported a 149% increase in clients. To meet the needs of the community, the nonprofit is prioritizing its growth and sustainability to ensure that their services can help as many residents as possible.

Crime Victims’ Center of Fayette County (CVC) offers a 24-hour crisis hotline, counseling, and advocacy services for victims of violent crimes. They also provide educational and training classes for children and adults across the county at low to no cost.

“Due to our funding structure, we have strict guidelines and standards that we must follow,” said Andrea Hibbs, CVC Executive Director. For example, government grants cannot be used for fundraising efforts, but the nonprofit identified that as an important area for growth. To spearhead these efforts, they hosted two training sessions for board members and the executive director. The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) supported the trainings with a 2024 grant from the Building a Stronger Fayette Fund.

CVC partnered with consulting company Nonprofit SideKick to take a closer look at the board of directors’ responsibilities, identify the type of board they are, and assess strengths and opportunities for growth. “CFFC’s funding provided us with an opportunity to gain important knowledge to increase awareness, sustain board members, and attain financial growth. This is vital in keeping with our mission to provide services to victims of crime in a supportive, inclusive, and safe environment,” said Hibbs.

Andrea Hibbs and Renee Couser with Crime Victims’ Center of Fayette County’s first grant from the Strawberry Patch Fund in 2021.

Beyond competitive grant awards, CVC has taken advantage of other opportunities to bolster their mission. They have raised over $17,000 through Fayette Gives. Each of the five years that CVC has participated, they have increased their fundraising and worked to raise awareness of their services in the community.

CVC also receives an annual distribution from the Strawberry Patch Fund, a donor designated fund at CFFC that was created through an estate gift to support specific organizations. Over $21,000 has been granted to CVC from the fund. They have the discretion to use these funds to address the organization’s most pressing needs and invest in resources that will benefit the residents they serve.

Charitable giving can help bridge the funding gap for impactful services like the ones that Crime Victims’ Center offers. Residents who experience a violent crime have somewhere to turn, with the support of CVC. This year marks the nonprofit’s 50th anniversary, and we applaud their efforts in building a stronger Fayette County.

 

110 Charities for Fayette Gives + Check Contribution Form

Fayette Gives Logo

This year’s Fayette Gives will be held on Thursday, November 6, 2025 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at www.fayettegives.org. The website will host online donations, live results, and cash prize opportunities for charities throughout the day. A record-breaking 110 local charities are participating.

Fayette Gives is a “day of giving” hosted by the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) that engages the community in philanthropy and supports local charities. During this fundraising marathon, the public is encouraged to donate to participating charities and take advantage of special incentives that can help charities boost their fundraising.

Online donations will be available during the 12-hour period on November 6th. This includes credit/debit cards, mobile pay, and ACH payments (with eligible institutions).

Donors who prefer to donate by check can give now. Make one check payable to CFFC for the total amount, and mail it to CFFC, 5 South Mt. Vernon Ave., Uniontown, PA 15401 with a completed Check Contribution Form. Gifts can also be made through donor advised funds, charitable IRAs, or stock transfers. All donations must be received at CFFC by November 6th at 8:00 p.m. and the minimum donation is $25 per charity.

“Fayette Gives is a special opportunity to give back to charities in a community-wide effort. Over $2.5 million has been raised in the first five years,” said Ron Gabriel, Chair of the CFFC Board of Directors.

$50,000 is available in cash prizes for charities, thanks to Community Sponsors: Charity Fund; Erie Insurance; The Swimmer Family; Generosity Sponsor: Specialty Conduit and Manufacturing, LLC; Humanity Sponsors: Montgomery Medical; NiSource Charitable Foundation/ Columbia Gas; Well Fargo Advisors Financial Network.

New this year — CFFC is partnering with local libraries for Fayette Gives Pop-Ups throughout Fayette County. The public is invited to come to these pop-ups to learn about Fayette Gives and receive promotional items. Dates are as follows: September 13 at Brownsville Free Library from noon until 2:00; September 16 at Carnegie Free Library of Connellsville from 10:00 until noon; September 18 at the CFFC office from 10:00 until noon; October 21 at Uniontown Public Library from 10:00 until noon; October 23 at German-Masontown Public Library from 10:00 until noon.

Visit www.fayettegives.org to view the charities, download the Check Contribution Form, and learn more.

 

2025 Check Contribution Form

Fayette Gives Pop-Up Events

CFFC is partnering with local libraries for Fayette Gives Pop-Ups throughout Fayette County. We invite the public to stop by to say hi, learn more, and get promotional items! Participating charities can pick up their Fayette Gives yard sign (1 per charity) at these Pop-Ups.

September 13
Brownsville Free Public Library (as part of the Author Fest)
100 Seneca Street, Brownsville, PA 15417
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

September 16
Carnegie Free Library of Connellsville
299 S. Pittsburgh Street, Connellsville, PA 15425
10:00 am – 12:00 pm

September 18
CFFC Office
5 South Mt. Vernon Ave., Uniontown, PA 15401
10:00 am – 12:00 pm

October 21
Uniontown Public Library
24 Jefferson Street, Uniontown, PA 15401
10:00 am – 12:00 pm

October 23
German-Masontown Public Library
104 South Main Street, Masontown, PA 15461
10:00 am – 12:00 pm

 

 

Fayette Gives Charity Webinars

Fayette Gives Logo

Each charity* that participates in one or more of these three trainings will receive a $50 cash prize on Fayette Gives day. These 30-minute trainings will be held via Zoom. You will register for each webinar separately. Multiple representatives from your charity are encouraged to participate in these trainings — each must register for the webinar to receive the Zoom meeting link via email.

June 24 at 2:00 p.m.
Registration and Accessing Your Account
Click here to sign up for the June 24 webinar!

July 22 at 2:00 p.m.
Profile Completion and Promoting Fayette Gives
Click here to sign up for the July 22 webinar!

August 26 at 2:00 p.m.
Prizes and Payout
Click here to sign up for the August 26 webinar!

*Limit one prize per charity. Charity must register, meet eligibility requirements, and be a participating charity for Fayette Gives 2025.

CFFC is Seeking CEO Candidates

Position Summary

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) serves as the senior leader and public face of the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC). This individual is responsible for strategic leadership, fundraising and donor engagement, community partnerships, and operational excellence.

The CEO will lead CFFC’s efforts to expand philanthropic assets, with a particular focus on major and planned giving, while strengthening the foundation’s impact throughout Fayette County. Working in partnership with the Board of Directors, staff, donors, and community stakeholders, the CEO will ensure that CFFC fulfills its mission of inspiring charitable giving, supporting nonprofits, and fostering positive community transformation.

 

Key Responsibilities

This job description outlines a broad range of responsibilities and qualifications that define the role. We encourage interested candidates to apply even if they don’t meet every listed requirement—if you bring relevant experience, enthusiasm, and a commitment to our mission, we’d love to hear from you.

1. Fundraising and Donor Engagement

  • Lead CFFC’s fundraising strategy, in partnership with staff and the Board of Directors, to grow its charitable assets, focusing on major and planned giving,
  • Cultivate relationships with high-net-worth individuals, professional advisors, businesses, and other philanthropists to increase unrestricted and endowed funds
  • Develop and implement donor stewardship programs, ensuring fundholders are actively engaged with CFFC’s mission
  • Oversee marketing, outreach, and public relations efforts to communicate the value of philanthropy in Fayette County
2. Community Leadership and Partnerships
  • Position CFFC as a trusted leader and convener on key community issues
  • Strengthen strategic alliances with nonprofits, businesses, government agencies, and civic leaders to foster collaborative impact
  • Serve as the primary spokesperson and represent CFFC at public events, speaking engagements, and community meetings to advocate for local philanthropy
  • Identify and respond to emerging community needs, working with stakeholders to develop funding solutions
3. Organizational Leadership and Strategic Planning
  • Develop and execute CFFC’s long-term strategic vision, in partnership with the Board of Directors
  • Oversee financial stewardship and operational effectiveness, ensuring the foundation operates with integrity and sustainability
  • Lead and develop a high-performing team, providing mentorship and professional development opportunities
  • Ensure compliance with National Standards for US Community Foundations® and best practices in philanthropy
  • Monitor key performance indicators to evaluate CFFC’s success in fundraising, community impact, and operational efficiency
4. Financial and Operational Management
  • Oversee CFFC’s financial health, including the foundation’s investment portfolio (in partnership with the Finance Director and outside investment management advisors), operating budget, and fund distributions
  • Implement policies and procedures to support organizational efficiency, transparency, and donor confidence
  • Identify opportunities to enhance operational effectiveness, including technology investments and infrastructure improvements

 

Qualifications and Experience

Required Qualifications
  • Proven leadership experience in fundraising and donor development
  • Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage donors, corporate partners, and community leaders
  • Experience leading strategic planning and organizational development for a mission-driven organization
  • Excellent public speaking and communication skills, with the ability to articulate CFFC’s mission and vision
Preferred Qualifications
  • Demonstrated success in major and planned giving, with a track record of growing philanthropic assets
  • Deep understanding of community foundations, philanthropy, and nonprofit governance
  • Financial acumen, with experience in managing budgets, endowments, and investment strategies
  • Experience working in a community foundation or donor-advised fund environment
  • Knowledge of Fayette County’s economic, social, and philanthropic landscape
  • Familiarity with nonprofit tax laws, grantmaking policies, and donor stewardship best practices

 

Reporting Structure

  • The CEO reports directly to the Board of Directors and collaborates with staff, committees, and external advisors to achieve CFFC’s strategic goals.

 

Work Schedule and Location

  • This is a full-time, in-person position based at the CFFC office, with the expectation that some evening and weekend activities will be required to engage with individuals and organizations across the county and build meaningful relationships.

 

Compensation and Benefits

  • Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience, ranging from $90,000 to $120,000 per year plus benefits
  • Benefits: Health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities

 

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit the following:

  • A cover letter outlining their experience in fundraising, leadership, and community engagement
  • A current resume detailing relevant qualifications and achievements
  • Three professional references (name, title, relationship, and contact information)

 

Application Deadline: June 15, 2025 at 5:00 PM ET

Submit Applications to: CEOSearchCFFC@gmail.com

CFFC is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.