Current Grant Opportunities
Idea Fund – Deadline September 30
Chevron Community Fund – Deadline October 15
Charity Fund – Deadline October 30
2017 Fayette Philanthropist – Dr. Norma Thomas
Dr. Norma Thomas – Queen Ester, Edward, and Phyllis Thomas Memorial Fund for East End United Community Center
The inspiration to create this endowed Fund at the Community Foundation comes from a long legacy of service. My parents (Queen Ester and Edward Thomas) instilled in their children the words from scripture that essentially read “To whom much is given, much is required”. Although we would have been considered a low income family, we never went without food, transportation or a roof over our heads so in that, we were rich.
In my work in aging services over many years, I have often spoken about the fact that we need to leave a legacy behind. I believe this is extremely important in the African American community. My mother was one of the original incorporators for the East End United Community Center and she specifically wanted young people who passed through its doors to have exposure to the arts in the broadest definition of the word. In a time when arts programs have essentially disappeared from the educational system, this Fund is designed to give young people exposure to the arts which will help them not only use and or develop their talents, but also assist them in being well rounded individuals. My sister, (Phyllis) who unfortunately died young, was a beautiful singer. In my history I have worked to endow four different scholarship Funds at two different universities. This Fund is to leave a legacy in the community in which I grew up in the name of my sister and parents.
The primary idea for Fundraising has been to send a letter to family and friends asking them to contribute to the Fund based on the “blessings” they have received. Other ideas are a dine out at a local restaurant and a gathering of creative artists at the East End United Community Center.
If you would like to support the Queen Ester, Edward, and Phyllis Thomas Memorial Fund for East End United Community Center, please contact the CFFC office at 724-437-8600 or mail your check, made payable to: CFFC, 2 West Main Street, Suite 101, Uniontown, PA 15401. Be sure to write the Queen Ester, Edward & Phyllis Thomas Memorial Fund in the memo portion of your check.
Please join us on October 5 at The Fayette Philanthropy Dinner being held at the Summit Inn, as we honor the 2017 Class of Fayette Philanthropists, as well as the Philanthropist of the Year, Chevron.
Sponsorships and Tickets are now available.
2017 Fayette Philanthropist – Bill Poninsky
Bill Poninsky – Uniontown Area YMCA
I am entering the 2017 Fayette Philanthropy Project Contest to help raise funds for the Uniontown Area YMCA, which will enable the YMCA to continue to serve the Uniontown area and surrounding communities. The YMCA has provided opportunities for people of all ages to grow and develop in spirit, mind and body since 1888 when the YMCA was founded in Uniontown.
The mission of the YMCA is “To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.“ Some of the spirit development occurs through Bible studies, prayer before meetings and youth sport events, plus programs by Child Evangelism Fellowship a few times per year.
The mind development opportunities occur through the preschool curriculum for the day care, homework help and tutoring in after school programs, Healthy and Wise workshops, First Aid, CPR and AED trainings and nutrition education seminars held at area middle schools.
The YMCA helps people develop physically by providing a wide variety of quality exercise equipment, many different fitness classes, several youth sport instructional classes, leagues and teams.
The YMCA has also been known for years as the place to learn to swim. Through a variety of fundraisers such as Washington Wild Things and West Virginia Black Bears baseball game fundraisers, food sales, donations and other projects we hope to help the Uniontown Area YMCA continue to serve the area through these and many other programs.
If you would like to support the Uniontown Area YMCA Endowment Fund, please contact the CFFC office at 724-437-8600 or mail your check, made payable to: CFFC, 2 West Main Street, Suite 101, Uniontown, PA 15401. Be sure to write the Uniontown Area YMCA Endowment Fund in the memo portion of your check.
Please join us on October 5 at The Fayette Philanthropy Dinner being held at the Summit Inn, as we honor the 2017 Class of Fayette Philanthropists, as well as the Philanthropist of the Year, Chevron.
Sponsorships and Tickets are now available.
The Idea Fund – Grant Opportunity Expanded To Albert Gallatin S.D. and Laurel Highlands S. D.
The Idea Fund was created in 2012 by a generous anonymous donor. Originally the grant was only available to St. John the Evangelist Regional Catholic School and Geibel Catholic Junior-Senior High School. New for this year, Albert Gallatin S.D. and Laurel Highlands S.D. will have the opportunity to apply as well.
Awards may be used to enhance traditional classroom learning in any subject, to show creativity in teaching, and to expand the horizons of the students. Funds may not be used for books, magazines or field trips. Requests of up to $1,500 will be considered.
Fall 2017 Grant Applications Now Available
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is accepting grant applications for the Foundation’s upcoming grant cycle.
Eligible organizations must be non-profit (recognized under Section 501 (c)(3) or equivalent, of the I.R.S. Code), tax-exempt, and located in Fayette County, PA. The Foundation also considers the grant requests of organizations from other areas whose purposes and programs benefit Fayette County.
The Community of Foundation of Fayette County’s General Grant-Making Fund gives priority to programs in the following areas: Arts and Culture, Education, Community Development, and Health and Human Services.
Requests of up to $5,000 will be accepted. If the organization receives a grant, a grant report is required within six (6) months of receiving the award.