Registration for CFFC’s “Day of Giving” Closes on August 30

Fayette Gives LogoForty (40) charities have already registered to participate in Fayette Gives, a 12-hour fundraising marathon for local charities that is hosted by the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC). This year’s giving day will take place on November 7, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at www.fayettegives.org. Charities that wish to participate must register on the website by August 30.

Last year’s Fayette Gives raised $687,046 for ninety (90) Fayette County charities. A total of over $2 million has been raised through the first four years of Fayette Gives, thanks to the generous donations from the public and sponsors. (Sponsorships are being accepted for Fayette Gives 2024.)

CFFC is working with a different platform this year to host the Fayette Gives website, called GiveGab/Bonterra. “The new features will add value for the participating charities. They’ll have more options for creating a compelling, personalized Fayette Gives profile, and they’ll have real-time access to donation reports to strengthen their fundraising and stewardship,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.

Also new to this year’s Fayette Gives are cash prizes for charities. Previously, donors were incentivized by a bonus pool that would stretch each donation, based on a prorated percentage. The cash prizes will be based on certain criteria (such as dollar amount raised, number of donors, random selection, timeframes, and charity size) and awarded to charities throughout Fayette Gives day on November 7.

“Fayette Gives has been a great way for the foundation to facilitate charitable giving. You can donate to multiple charities, all in one place – all in one day. It’s an impactful day for the county and for the wonderful charities that work so hard to help others,” said Angela Braun, DC, CFFC Board Chair.

Charities can learn more at www.fayettegives.org and visit the “Trainings” page to register for the next live webinar on August 14 at 10:00 a.m. Please contact Rebecca Wardle, Communications & Grantmaking Coordinator, at 724-437-8600 x203 or rebecca@cffayettepa.org with questions.

 

Applications for Pre-K and K-12 Tuition Assistance

The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is accepting applications for Pre-K and K-12 tuition assistance for Fayette County students attending private schools. Applications are available at the participating schools and families must submit the application to CFFC, with a post-mark date no later than July 31, 2024.

The foundation is an approved Scholarship Organization, Pre-Kindergarten Organization, and Educational Improvement Organization through the Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development (DCED).

Thank you to COE Distributing! Pictured: Renee M. Couser and J.D. Ewing

“There are so many ways to help the community through charitable giving. We extend our thanks to COE Distributing, Key Bank, Laurel Business Institute, Mid Penn Bank, PNC Bank, and United Concordia for donating to these educational programs,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.

Thank you to Mid Penn Bank! Pictured: Ashleigh L. Daniels, Renee M. Couser, Rebecca Wardle

In 2023, CFFC awarded $33,504 in K-12 tuition assistance and $8,000 in Pre-K tuition assistance for Fayette County students attending private schools.  Participating schools included A.G. Montessori School, Calvary Chapel Christian School, Conn Area Catholic School, Chestnut Ridge Christian Academy, Geibel Catholic Junior-Senior High School, Heritage Baptist Academy, Mt. Moriah Christian School, St. John the Evangelist Regional Catholic School, and Verna Montessori School.

More details, including eligibility requirements, are provided on the tuition assistance applications, which are available at the participating private schools. With questions for CFFC, families can call the office at 724-437-8600.

Fayette Gives Charity Training on June 12

Fayette Gives Logo

Have you heard the phrase “give where you live”?
That’s what Fayette Gives is all about!

Fayette Gives is a 12-hour fundraising marathon, hosted by the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC), that is all about the phrase “give where you live.” This year’s giving day will take place on November 7, 2024 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at www.fayettegives.org. CFFC encourages all interested charities to attend the “Getting Ready” webinar on June 12 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

This live webinar will be an online-only training presented by GiveGab, the company that manages the platform for Fayette Gives. Fayette Gives 2024 will have a new look, due to a switch in platform and new features for charity tracking and donor engagement. The foundation believes it is crucial for charities to attend the June 12 training to learn about new features and prepare for a successful Fayette Gives campaign.

Charities must register for the June 12 training on the “Trainings” page at www.fayettegives.org. Click here for the direct link.

Each charity that registers for the “Getting Ready” webinar and (virtually) attends will be awarded a $50 prize to add to their Fayette Gives fundraising. There is a limit of one prize per charity, and prizes will only apply to charities who are approved to participate in Fayette Gives at the registration cut-off date of August 30, 2024. Please contact Rebecca Wardle, Communications & Grantmaking Coordinator, at 724-437-8600 x203 with any questions.

During Fayette Gives, the public donates to participating charities to support their mission and services in Fayette County. Everyone can track live results and leaderboards throughout the “day of giving”, and donors can help their favorite charities win cash prizes to boost their fundraising.

In the first four years of Fayette Gives, the community has raised over $2 million for Fayette County charities.

“We are grateful to everyone who has joined this community-wide effort to build a stronger Fayette, and we’re excited to raise the bar for this year’s Fayette Gives!” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.

Celebrating CFFC’s 25th Anniversary

The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) was founded on November 15, 1999… making this year our 25th anniversary year!

 

2003 CFFC logo

Founding Community Members: John Buchanon; Charles Cluss; Lee Frankhouse; Albert Skomra; Lynda Waggoner; Robert Eberly Sr.

Founding Private Foundations: Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation; Eberly Foundation; Richard King Mellon Foundation; McCune Foundation

 

 

With the generosity of many individuals and businesses over the years, CFFC has grown to over $24 million in assets and stewards nearly 200 charitable funds. Every year, a percentage of these charitable assets are used to support a number of nonprofits and local students.

We value each donor’s charitable giving goals and take pride in the trust and relationships we’ve built. Continuous accreditation since 2008 affirms the foundation’s commitment to meet and exceed the national standards for philanthropic services.

CFFC is here to help make an impact for today, tomorrow, and forever. Join us in building a stronger Fayette County through charitable giving.

Please consider making a 25th anniversary gift to support our Building a Stronger Fayette Fund. This endowment provides grants to Fayette County nonprofits every year, to address a variety of community needs.

Grantwriting Workshop on May 29

The Community Foundation of Fayette County is hosting a Grantwriting Workshop for local nonprofits, facilitated by Nonprofit SideKick, on May 29.

Wednesday, May 29, 2024
12:00 – 4:00 (lunch will be provided)
Fay-Penn Economic Development Council
1040 Eberly Way
1st Floor Business Event Center
Lemont Furnace, PA 15456

The $50 registration fee includes the Grantwriting Workshop and a one-year membership of Nonprofit SideKick. Please register by May 24.

Click here to register!

May 29 Grantwriting Workshop Flyer

CFFC Celebrates 25th Anniversary at the Gala of Giving & Highlights “Catalyst for Change Grant”

The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) hosted 350 guests at the third annual Gala of Giving ~ Catalyst for Change on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, with Fairchance Construction Company as the Presenting Sponsor. The black-tie event featured a champagne greeting, a cocktail hour and dinner with an open bar, online bidding for an array of silent auction items, a live auction, live music by the Kendall Brothers Band and dancing, and an after-party with a buffet, Stix-DiMarco’s Cigar Bar, and live music by Joe Materkowski. Mike Clark of WTAE Pittsburgh Action News 4 was the master of ceremonies, and Tony Quarrick was the auctioneer for the live auction.

Senator Pat Stefano presented a citation to the Community Foundation as a special acknowledgment of its 25th anniversary. He presented it to Renee M. Couser (CFFC Executive Director), Angela Braun, DC (CFFC Board Chair), and Ron Gabriel (CFFC Vice Chair).

Brandon Katzeff (2024 Gala of Giving Auction Chair) spoke more about CFFC’s 25th anniversary, with November 15, 1999 as the founding date. “The foundation has grown to hold about 200 charitable funds and nearly $25 million in assets,” noted Katzeff. Each year, a percentage of the charitable assets is used to support nonprofits through grants and to support local students through scholarships.

Angela Braun, DC (CFFC Board Chair and 2024 Gala of Giving Chair) addressed the Exhibit Hall to share gratitude to Fairchance Construction for their presenting sponsorship. She also spoke about the foundation’s goals with the Gala of Giving. All event proceeds will stay in Fayette County, with a goal of being a “catalyst for change” by investing in projects that can affect change and growth in the community.

“Starting on April 15, CFFC will be accepting proposals for a second $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grant,” said Braun. The foundation is looking for projects that will have county-wide impact, be a true collaboration to address community needs, and serve as a catalyst for change in strengthening Fayette County.

John Wagner III, President and Artistic Director of Main Street Theatre Company, spoke about the first Catalyst for Change Grant that was awarded in fall of 2023 for the organization’s first-ever Fayette County high school musical showcase – “Encore! A Showcase of Local Talent”. The project collaborates with State Theatre Center for the Arts, as the venue host for the showcase, and Fayette County Cultural Trust, as the presenters for the Achievement in the Arts awards that will be announced at the showcase. Tickets are on sale for the May 5, 2024 showcase, with performances at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Wagner explained that he was tasked to announce dinner, “but simply saying ‘dinner will be served’ doesn’t seem very fun… so instead, I’ll say hit it!” Music started to play and attention was drawn to a table when Brennen Wager-Malia popped up from his seat with candlestick props on his arms as he performed Lumiere’s opening lines to “Be Our Guest” from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. As the song progressed, more Main Street Theatre Company performers rose from their seats to join at the front of the room, with a confetti finish for the surprise ensemble performance.

The thrilling live auction included an autographed Troy Polamalu jersey, a JOLTBIKE electric bike, an office makeover from COE Distributing, a Vahan bracelet from Joyce’s Jewelry, concert tickets for either Jason Aldean or Justin Timberlake, Army Navy game tickets, a Deep Creek, MD getaway, and a Nemacolin overnight stay with golfing.

The room was beautifully decorated by ILLUME Lighting + Event Design and flowers were provided by Neubauer’s Flowers & Market House. Signs and print materials were coordinated through FastSigns of Uniontown and Direct Results. A photo booth mirror from The Wow Booth Co. helped guests capture the evening.

“We are so thankful to everyone who has supported CFFC throughout the past 25 years, and to everyone who is supporting the Gala of Giving as a way to strengthen the future of our charitable impact,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.

More information about the Gala of Giving and the Catalyst for Change Grant can be found on CFFC’s website at www.cffayettepa.org. Contact the foundation at 724-437-8600 if you would like to learn more about your charitable giving options.

Follow us on social media @cffayettepa to see pictures!