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 | Mar 13, 2026 | Building a Stronger Fayette
Women who are pregnant and seeking resources can turn to Alternatives.Yes Pregnancy Support Ministries. The nonprofit provides services 100% free of charge, empowering women to make healthy, informed choices and supporting the family through and beyond pregnancy.
In 2025, Alternatives.Yes created an agency fund at the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) to provide a steady source of income each year. They will receive an annual grant distribution to support their nonprofit, and the fund will be invested for growth.
“We were blessed by the opportunity to set up an agency fund. This fund not only provides annual support, but its existence also loudly conveys to our donors that our ministry is committed to being a long-term presence in our community – saving lives, providing support, and improving early maternal health outcomes for years to come,” said Andrea Pritts, Alternatives.Yes Executive Director.
The creation of this fund comes after years of partnership between Alternatives.Yes and CFFC. The nonprofit has participated in Fayette Gives (CFFC’s day-of-giving) for six years, raising a total of $124,000. They have also received grants from Burchinal Family Endowment Fund and the Building a Stronger Fayette Fund, totaling $20,000 over the past five years. These grants have supported the nonprofit’s conversion to a medical facility and their ongoing programs.
photo courtesy of Alternatives.Yes
2024 was the first full year that Alternatives.Yes offered pregnancy tests and ultrasounds performed by trained medical professionals in their newly formed medical center, the Alternatives Laurel Highlands Pregnancy Center. This added to existing programs like “Earn While You Learn” – mothers earn a “baby buck” for each educational class they complete. A digital curriculum covers hundreds of topics related to pregnancy, labor/delivery, infant care, and life skills. Mothers use the “baby bucks” they earn to purchase items from the Alternatives.Yes pantry, such as car seats, strollers, cribs, clothing, toys, diapers, formula, and other supplies.
Services are also available to help other family members who are caring for an infant under the age of one, including grandparents who take emergency custody of an infant. Additionally, Alternatives.Yes provides around 1,000 referrals to clients each year, connecting them with other nonprofits and social service resources based on their needs and circumstances.
Their recent relocation to a facility at 1829 University Drive in Dunbar houses all their medical, educational, and referral services under one roof. CFFC is happy to be a source of support as they help mothers and families across Fayette County.
Featured photo: Lacey Krysak and Andrea Pritts creating an agency fund for Alternatives.Yes
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Mar 3, 2026 | CFFC News
Women across Fayette County are invited to take part in the Fayette County Spring Opportunity Fair on March 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC), 250 West Main Street, Uniontown.
Hosted in partnership with Dress for Success Pittsburgh, EmployHER Pittsburgh, and CFFC, the free event is designed to remove barriers, build confidence, and connect women with the tools they need to advance in their careers.
The fair will feature local employers actively hiring, along with nonprofit organizations offering resources tailored to women’s personal and professional growth. Attendees will also receive:
- Wardrobe and makeup support to help them look and feel their best
- A complimentary professional headshot
- Employment readiness guidance, including résumé and interview support
- Free lunch during the event
“We’re excited to host this empowering event and bring together a variety of resources for local women,” said Jessica Hajek-Bates, CFFC Chief Executive Officer. “Women may register in advance, and walk-ins are welcome.”
Dress for Success Pittsburgh’s EmployHER Pittsburgh initiative works to ensure women have access to the support, opportunities, and community they need to define success on their own terms. Pop-up opportunity fairs like this one help eliminate common obstacles—such as limited childcare or transportation—by bringing multiple resources together in one accessible location.
Women interested in registering along with local employers and nonprofits interested in participating are encouraged to contact elizabeth@dressforsuccesspittsburgh.org for details.
Attendees and partners are asked to park behind the CFFC building and use the rear entrance.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Feb 2, 2026 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is now accepting scholarship applications for the 2026-2027 school year. With the support of the foundation’s scholarship fund creators, fifty-one (51) scholarships are available for individuals pursuing post-secondary education. Applicants must submit through CFFC’s online scholarship portal by April 10 at 5:00 p.m.
“By working with our donors, the foundation is able to support local students and strengthen the future of Fayette County,” said Jessica Hajek-Bates, CFFC Chief Executive Officer. “We have opportunities for graduating high school seniors, current post-secondary students, and nontraditional students.”
Applicants will complete a “universal” application to determine their eligibility for the various scholarship opportunities. A list of matching scholarships will display; each will have additional questions and must be submitted individually. There are also four (4) stand-alone applications that are listed outside of the “universal” application within the portal; those opportunities must be applied for individually. All local students are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities.
The foundation awards scholarships based on academic achievement, community service, financial need, extracurricular participation, area of study, school preference, and other criteria. The Garbart Memorial Scholarship is a new addition this year, supporting a student with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who shows financial need – with preference to Engineering or Education majors.
Last year, nearly one hundred (100) students received scholarships totaling more than $250,000.
“Being the first in my family to attend a higher level of education, I’m excited to begin this journey and make my family proud. I look forward to continuing my education and taking all that I learn back to my hometown to inspire others,” said CFFC scholarship recipient Jamire Braxton.
“With the daunting cost of college, this scholarship has helped me feel less overwhelmed,” said CFFC scholarship recipient Hanna Lucente.
Visit the Scholarships page at www.cffayettepa.org for more details and call the CFFC office for assistance at 724-437-8600.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Feb 2, 2026 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is accepting sponsorships, program booklet advertisements, auction item donations, and ticket reservations for the fifth annual Gala of Giving ~ Catalyst for Change on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Fairchance Construction Company is the gala’s Presenting Sponsor. Proceeds will support initiatives that drive meaningful progress in Fayette County.
As guests are greeted, they will register for the silent auction’s mobile bidding and enjoy cocktail hour with an open bar. Mike Clark of WTAE Pittsburgh Action News 4 will once again serve as the master of ceremonies. A brief program will highlight CFFC’s efforts to inspire charitable giving, support nonprofits, and nurture positive community impact.
Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a live auction hosted by Tony Quarrick. Following dinner, Kendall Brothers Band will draw guests to the dance floor with live music. The silent auction will close at 9:30 p.m. with auction checkout at 10:00 p.m. The fun will continue at the after party in the Matterhorn Lounge, with live music from Levi Graft and late night snacks.
“We love turning this event into something truly memorable for our guests,” said Angela Braun, Gala of Giving Chair. “The enthusiasm and generosity of our guests support projects that ignite meaningful change in Fayette County. That energy is exactly what this event celebrates.”
The foundation has awarded $175,000 in Catalyst for Change Grants through event proceeds. An additional $100,000 will be awarded this summer.
“We are motivated by the possibilities ahead with additional support and partnership for the Catalyst for Change Grants. The foundation sees this as a big opportunity for growth and impact,” said Jessica Hajek-Bates, CFFC Chief Executive Officer.
Formal attire is requested for the event. Individual ticket sales will be available at a later date.
Please contact Trish Desvarro, Gala Event Manager, with any questions at desvarro@gmail.com or call the CFFC office at 724-437-8600.