by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Feb 1, 2024 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) offers nearly fifty scholarship opportunities for individuals pursuing post-secondary education. Scholarship applications are now available for the 2024-2025 school year through CFFC’s online scholarship software, which can be accessed from the Scholarships page at www.cffayettepa.org. The deadline to apply is April 30, 2024.
Applicants will complete a “universal” application to determine their eligibility for individual scholarship opportunities. Based on the required criteria, applicants will then see a list of scholarships that meet their qualifications. Each application will have additional questions and must be submitted individually.
CFFC awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors, current post-secondary students, and adults wishing to continue their education. “Being a mother and full-time commuting college student is by not means easy, but this will be a tremendous help,” wrote Valen Lilley, a 2023-2024 CFFC scholarship recipient.
Some scholarships target a field of study, participation in extracurricular actives, or a specific post-secondary school. Each scholarship opportunity is made possible by donors who created a charitable fund to support local students in this way. “Your gift helps students from all over Fayette County to afford higher education, and this means bettering the place we call home. My plan is to become a licensed professional counselor one day, and with support like you, I am able to do that,” wrote Brittney Roberts, a 2023-2024 CFFC scholarship recipient.
In 2023, CFFC awarded over $192,000 in post-secondary scholarships. “It has been a great undertaking academically and financially to make it this far in my journey to becoming a physician, and you have eased some of its hardships with your philanthropy,” wrote James Brown, a 2023-2024 CFFC scholarship recipient.
For assistance, please contact Mrs. Lee O’Neil, Scholarship Coordinator, at eoneil@cffayettepa.org.
2024 Scholarship Flyer
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Dec 8, 2023 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County awarded nearly $20,000 in fall grants to local school districts for classroom projects and materials. The grants were provided by donor advised funds held at foundation, through which generous individuals recommend distributions to organizations.
Arthur and Millicent Gabriel Legacy Fund
Uniontown Area School District: $7,679.99
Laurel Highlands School District: $6,634.81
Idea Fund
Albert Gallatin Area School District: $2,263.00
Connellsville Area School District: $2,269.00
Patricia and Robert Metz Educational Fund
Uniontown Area School District: $750.00
Stay tuned for details about the projects and impact of the classroom materials!
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Oct 26, 2023 | CFFC News
The third Gala of Giving ~ Catalyst for Change is set for Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) hosts this event to raise money for significant investments in projects that can affect real change and growth in Fayette County. The first Catalyst for Change Grant, from event proceeds, was recently announced.
CFFC is awarding a $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grant to Main Street Theatre Company, for their Fayette County High School Musical Showcase, in collaboration with State Theatre Center for the Arts and Fayette County Cultural Trust. After Main Street Theatre Company’s October 6 performance of “Godspell”, CFFC’s Executive Director, Renee Couser, presented a check on stage as a special surprise to John Wagner III, Main Street Theatre Company’s Artistic Director.
Photo credit: Kelly Tunney
All Fayette County high schools will be invited to perform a selection from their musical at the showcase, bringing together youth from across the county. The showcase will shine a light on the vibrant arts community in Fayette County and invite youth, family, friends, community members, and people beyond Fayette County to attend performances and support local businesses on show day. Main Street Theatre Company will lead this project, the State Theatre Center for the Arts will provide the space for rehearsals and performance, and the Fayette County Cultural Trust will present their Fayette County Achievement in the Arts awards throughout the event.
“It is our foundational belief – backed up by significant data – that live performing arts experiences bring communities closer together, spur economic development and inspire change, growth and hope in those who participate,” said Kristen Tunney, Vice President of Main Street Theatre Company.
Photo credit: Kelly Tunney
Though showcases like this have been taking place in Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties for years, this project is the first of its kind for Fayette County. An afternoon and evening performance are planned for May.
“This first Catalyst for Change Grant is just the start, and we encourage everyone to save the date for our next gala on April 13 to help us build up the proceeds that will be used for future funding. With the continued support of individuals and businesses, we hope to offer bigger grants in the future to help spark change in Fayette County on a bigger scale,” said Angela Braun DC, Gala of Giving Chair and CFFC Board Chair.
CFFC is currently accepting sponsorships for the 2024 Gala of Giving, and individual ticket sales are expected to open in February. In addition to sponsorship and tickets, donations can be made to CFFC’s Gala of Giving Fund by check or with the “Donate Now” button at cffayettepa.org.
“We are happy to announce that Fairchance Construction Company is the Presenting Sponsor for the 2024 Gala of Giving. Next year, the community foundation will be celebrating its 25th anniversary, and we are excited to get everyone together in the spirit of charitable giving,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.
Mike Clark, WTAE Anchor, will be the event’s emcee, and guests will have access to a cocktail hour and exclusive auction items, dinner with a brief program and open bar, a live auction with big-ticket items, live music by the Kendall Brothers, and an after-party. To make it easier to track bidding and make bids from anywhere throughout the event space, guests will use online bidding again this year for the silent auction.
CFFC invites everyone to play a part in helping to make Fayette County a thriving place to live, work, and play. If you or your business is interested in sponsorships or ads, please contact Trish Desvarro, Gala of Giving Event Manager, at 724-557-0820.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Sep 21, 2023 | CFFC News
Save the date! The Community Foundation of Fayette County is hosting the third Gala of Giving ~ Catalyst for Change on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort.
More details to come. Check our website and social media (@cffayettepa) for announcements, and sign up for our e-newsletter to never miss an update.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Jun 30, 2023 | CFFC News, Uncategorized
Happy Summer! The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is building a stronger Fayette through philanthropy, and we appreciate the support of generous donors who make our mission possible. The Community Foundation of Fayette County helps define charitable needs, connects donors with causes that matter to them, supports nonprofit organizations, and invests charitable assets to make the community a better place to live.
Here are a few ways that YOU can support the foundation. If you have any questions, or would like to learn about other charitable giving options, please contact Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director, at 724-437-8600 x1 or rcouser@cffayettepa.org.
Fayette Gives 2023 Sponsorship
This year’s Fayette Gives will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at www.fayettegives.org. CFFC hosts this “day of giving” to engage the community in philanthropy and support local charities that make an impact in Fayette County. Your sponsorship will help us provide this special fundraising opportunity to the community, in an effort to build a stronger Fayette. Download the 2023 sponsorship form here!
Buliding a Stronger Fayette Fund
The Building a Stronger Fayette Fund is our unrestircted grantmaking endowment. We award grants from this fund to local nonprofits for varoius projects and programs that will support Fayette County and its residents. Your donation will support our grantmaking, to address the ever-changing needs of the community in perpetuity.
Educate Fayette Scholarship Fund
The foundation created the Educate Fayette Scholarship Fund to award scholarships to students pursuing higher education. Donors will be recognized as Silver ($100 – $4,999), Gold ($5,000 – $14,999), and Platinum ($15,000 +) Sponsors. To strengthen the fund in its first year, a generous donor is matching donations. A dollar-for-dollar match will be provided, up to a maximum of $25,000, for contributions to the fund through the end of 2023.
Legacy Gift to CFFC
Including a charitable bequest in your will or estate plan allows you to make a gift to the Community Foundation of Fayette County that will forever leave your mark on the community. Your bequest can be used to establish a special fund that supports broad community needs or focuses on a particular issue or cause that matters to you. Please reach out to Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director, to learn more (724-437-8600 x1).
How to Donate
Our “Donate Now” button at the top of this website now gives you access to our new donation portal! This donation portal is connected to our in-house software, to simplify the donation process and help you select which fund to support. Donors will receive an email with their tax receipt attached after they make an online gift. If you prefer to give by check, please make it payable to CFFC with the name of the fund on the memo line, and mail to CFFC 5 South Mt. Vernon Ave., Uniontown, PA 15401. Please contact the office at 724-437-8600 if you have any questions, and thank you for supporting CFFC.
Donation Portal QR Code
