by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Apr 14, 2025 | CFFC News
After nearly two decades of visionary leadership, the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) announces the upcoming retirement of Executive Director Renee M. Couser and the launch of a search for its next Chief Executive Officer.
Renee has been the heart and soul of CFFC, growing the foundation into a trusted leader in regional philanthropy and a steadfast supporter of Fayette County’s nonprofit community. She joined CFFC in 2008 as Grants Coordinator, then served as Director of Donor Relations before being named Executive Director in 2018. Under her leadership, CFFC has grown to manage nearly 200 charitable funds and distributes over $1 million in grants and scholarships annually.
“Renee has led with warmth, integrity, and a tireless dedication to our mission,” said Ron Gabriel, CFFC’s Board Chair. “She is deeply respected and beloved by her colleagues, our donors, and countless community partners. We are so grateful for all she has accomplished.”
Renee’s key accomplishments include upgrading technology for staff and donors, coordinating a strategic plan and succession plan, and launching new initiatives for the foundation. Under her leadership, CFFC’s Mask Initiative donated more than 250,000 disposable masks during the pandemic to local organizations who were serving the community in Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties. She was the driving force in starting Fayette Gives in 2020, an annual county-wide giving day that has raised over $2.5 million for more than 100 charities in its first five years. Renee also was integral in launching the Gala of Giving, with its inaugural event in 2022. Proceeds from the event have funded two $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grants, which are the largest grants ever awarded by the foundation.
As Renee plans to spend more time with family, traveling, and volunteering, she leaves behind a strong foundation for the future. Her retirement comes as CFFC begins implementing a new strategic plan that will guide the organization’s growth and deepen its impact across Fayette County in the years ahead.
To build on this momentum, the foundation is now accepting applications for its next Chief Executive Officer.
“We’re excited to find a visionary leader who will continue the remarkable legacy Renee has built, while advancing our bold goals for the future,” said Angela Braun, Succession Planning Committee Chair.
For more information about CFFC, please visit www.cffayettepa.org. To apply, email a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to CEOSearchCFFC@gmail.com before June 15, 2025.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Apr 8, 2025 | CFFC News
Thank you to everyone who attended the Community Foundation of Fayette County’s (CFFC) fourth annual Gala of Giving on March 29, 2025 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Your overwhelming support and record-breaking attendance are helping to catalyze change in Fayette County by raising money for bigger and bolder funding initiatives.
The event features a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner with a brief program and open bar, live auction, live music and dancing, and an after-party.
Photo credit: Melinda Dominico Photography
Since the inaugural Gala of Giving in 2022, we have awarded two $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grants from event proceeds to support collaborative, county-wide projects. Stay tuned for a third grant award this summer.
Special thanks to the Presenting Sponsor, Fairchance Construction Company, and all Gala of Giving 2025 sponsors.
Visit CFFC’s Facebook page to see photos. Tag us @cffayettepa and use #galaofgiving to share your pictures from the event!
2024 Catalyst for Change Grant: Car Seats & Training
Photo credit: WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital
CFFC’s $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grant for the Infant and Child Safety Program makes it possible for more than 300 new mothers at the Uniontown Hospital’s Birthing Center to receive a convertible car seat and car seat training. The program is a partnership between WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital and Head Start of Fayette County, addressing the critical transportation needs for prenatal and pediatrician appointments.
Congratulations to this family who recently welcomed a new baby and received a car seat and training from hospital staff.
Read more!
2023 Catalyst for Change Grant: Musical Showcase
Photo credit: Kelly Tunney/KGTunney Photography
More than 150 local students performed in the inaugural “ENCORE!” production on May 5, 2024, funded by CFFC’s first-ever $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grant. This program is the first of its kind in Fayette County, showcasing musicals from local high schools and bringing select students together for a special opening and closing number. Main Street Theatre Company produces ENCORE! and collaborates with State Theatre Center for the Arts for rehearsal and performance space. Students were recognized for music, theatre, and visual arts with the presentation of the Fayette County Cultural Trust‘s Achievement in the Arts awards.
“This event truly unites our school students and communities, all while highlighting the talent we have here in Fayette County and underscoring the vital importance of arts education,” said John Wager, Artistic Director of Main Street Theatre Company.
Read more!
Feeling Inspired?
You can be a catalyst for change! Donate to support bigger and bolder grants for funding projects that will affect change and growth in Fayette County.
So far, the foundation has awarded two $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grant awards, and a third award will be announced this summer. Help strengthen these grant opportunities by making a tax-deductible contribution to the Gala of Giving Fund.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Apr 8, 2025 | Building a Stronger Fayette
More than 150 local students performed in the inaugural “ENCORE!” production on May 5, 2024 at the State Theatre. This program is the first of its kind in Fayette County, showcasing musicals from local high schools and bringing select students together for a special opening and closing number. Main Street Theatre Company produces ENCORE! and collaborates with State Theatre Center for the Arts for rehearsal and performance space. Students were recognized for music, theatre, and visual arts with the presentation of the Fayette County Cultural Trust‘s Achievement in the Arts awards.
Photo credit: Kelly Tunney/KGTunney Photography
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) awarded its first-ever $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grant in the fall of 2023 to launch ENCORE!
Catalyst for Change Grants are made possible by the Gala of Giving event proceeds, an annual event that raises money for bigger and bolder funding projects in Fayette County.
Kelly Tunney/KGTunney Photography
“We were excited to award our first Catalyst for Change Grant for a project that includes people from all across the county and sparks economic growth by bringing people together for a special show in town,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.
“This event truly unites our school students and communities, all while highlighting the talent we have here in Fayette County and underscoring the vital importance of arts education,” said John Wager, Artistic Director of Main Street Theatre Company.
ENCORE! engages student performers, local arts organizations, family members, friends, and people across – and beyond – the county. Students from seven local schools will participate in this year’s production on May 2, 2025.
Kelly Tunney/KGTunney Photography
“CFFC’s board of directors was happy to support the first year of ENCORE! and it’s clear that this county-wide program will make a meaningful impact each year,” said Couser.
To date, the foundation has hosted four Gala of Giving events and awarded two $50,000 Catalyst for Chang Grants, with a third grant award anticipated for the summer of 2025.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Mar 25, 2025 | CFFC News
We invite you to review the Community Foundation of Fayette County’s
2024 Community Impact Report, which highlights our efforts in building a stronger Fayette County. Flip through to learn about our mission to inspire charitable giving, support nonprofits, and nurture positive community impact.
This Community Impact Report also reflects on the foundation’s growth in its 25th anniversary year and the generosity of many people who have made our charitable impact possible. We are committed to supporting Fayette County, and we welcome you to call us with any questions about how you can get involved: 724-437-8600 x1.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Mar 7, 2025 | Building a Stronger Fayette
About 1,950 Fayette County students saw Galileo Galilei come to life on stage during an “edutainment” musical performance from the Pittsburgh CLO. “The Next Galileo” musical is part of the Pittsburgh CLO’s Gallery of Heroes series, which highlights the lives and accomplishments of significant historical figures through mini-musicals at local schools. A donor advised fund at the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) brought the program to the Uniontown Area High School auditorium and covered transportation costs for the students.
Photo credit: Archie Carpenter and Pittsburgh CLO
“We see students’ faces light up as they enter the auditorium and look around, clap at the end of songs, and raise their hands for a chance to ask the performers a question during the Q&A. When asked if this was anyone’s first time seeing a musical, a number of kids raised their hand,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.
Photo credit: Archie Carpenter and Pittsburgh CLO
The performance followed a young student, Gabriella, as she journeys back in time to meet Galileo Galilei. Together, they experience the joy of scientific discovery and the importance of curiosity, from questioning Aristotle’s belief that the Earth was at the center of the universe to realizing that Galileo’s telescope could be used to see what was above Earth in the sky.
Students attended from Albert Gallatin, Brownsville, Laurel Highlands, Uniontown, and St. John the Evangelist Regional Catholic School. Back in the classroom, teachers can use a guide provided by the Pittsburgh CLO to help students think about the themes and learnings from the performance.
This is the tenth year that Gallery of Heroes has come to the stage for Fayette County students, thanks to a generous donor at the community foundation who values bringing the arts to young people.