Scholarship Deadline Extension: May 24, 2024

The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) offers nearly fifty scholarship opportunities for individuals pursuing post-secondary education. Scholarship applications are 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.

Due to changes in the FAFSA system, CFFC’s scholarship application deadline has been extended from April 30 to May 24. We recommend that students answer as many sections of their applications as possible, SAVE their applications, and return when they have all of the data they need to complete and submit the applications.

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. 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.

For assistance, please contact Mrs. Lee O’Neil, Scholarship Coordinator, at eoneil@cffayettepa.org. You can also call the CFFC office at 724-437-8600.

Now Accepting Proposals for a Second $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grant

We had a fabulous evening at the Gala of Giving ~ Catalyst for Change!
Thank you to everyone who helped make the event a success, and thank you to all who support the Community Foundation of Fayette County.
We’ll be sharing photos soon, but first we have a special announcement…

The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) hosts the Gala of Giving ~ Catalyst for Change event to raise money for projects that can affect change and growth in the community. Event proceeds support bigger and bolder grants that will help to strengthen Fayette County. The foundation is accepting Letters of Inquiry for a $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grant, with a deadline of June 15.

Grant description:
The project should be a true collaboration between two or more nonprofits, showing a collective effort to address community needs. The nonprofits must be located in Fayette County or provide a significant benefit to Fayette County. The project should incorporate county-wide impact, both in the number of people impacted by the project and the geographic reach of the project’s impact. Projects that spark economic growth will be viewed favorably. Projects that anticipate sustainability or can become sustainable will be viewed favorably. The grant should be expended within a year of the award.

Selection process:

  • Interested nonprofits submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI). LOIs are reviewed by the CFFC Grantmaking Committee. Nonprofits will be notified if they are invited to submit a full Application.
  • Invited nonprofits submit an Application. Applications are reviewed by the CFFC Grantmaking Committee. Nonprofits will be notified if they are invited to present their proposal.
  • Selected nonprofits present their proposal to the CFFC Board of Directors. The CFFC Board of Directors will make final decisions for the Catalyst for Change Grant in the fall.

Click here to start your Letter of Inquiry!

2023 Community Impact Report

“The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) helps to build a stronger Fayette through philanthropy — with the help of many donors and community partners. On behalf of the CFFC board of directors, I invite you to review this Community Impact Report to learn about our mission and the many ways that charitable giving can impact Fayette County, Pennsylvania.” – Angela Braun, DC, CFFC Chair

Re-Accreditation Affirms CFFC’s Commitment to Legal, Ethical, and Effective Practices

 

CFNS Accredited Foundation

 

The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) has recently received re-accreditation with Community Foundations National Standards®. This accreditation, signified by the Seal shown above, indicates that CFFC meets the highest standards for philanthropic excellence.

“This is a significant accomplishment,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director. “When people trust CFFC with a charitable bequest, to establish a fund, or set up an annuity, they do it knowing that we have met rigorous standards for donor services, investments, grantmaking, and administration,” said Couser.

The accreditation program reinforces integrity, professionalism, and legal compliance by the charitable giving sector.

CFFC’s approval notification stated, “The Community Foundations National Standards® accreditation program represents your foundation’s commitment to go above and beyond federal and state law requirements to demonstrate accountability and excellence to communities, policymakers, and the public.”

In short, Community Foundations National Standards® indicates that CFFC is a sound place to give. To learn more about CFFC and our philanthropic services, please contact our office at 724-437-8600 x1.

Gala of Giving – April 13, 2024 Tickets On Sale

You can now reserve individual tickets for the Community Foundation of Fayette County’s Gala of Giving ~ Catalyst for Change event on April 13, 2024 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Click here for ticket registration. This black-tie event will feature great food, an open bar through dinner, live and silent auctions, live music and dancing, and an after-party. We hope to see you there!

The Community Foundation of Fayette County is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The Gala of Giving will be a special way to celebrate our first 25 years and provide more funding opportunities for local charities. Grants from event proceeds will be awarded from the Gala of Giving Fund to make a meaningful impact in Fayette County.

Please contact Trish Desvarro, Event Manager, at 724-557-0820 with any questions about sponsorship opportunities.

CFFC Recognizes Board of Directors

2024 CFFC Board of Directors

The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is a public charity in Fayette County that was established in 1999 – CFFC is happy to celebrate its 25th anniversary this year. The foundation stewards nearly 200 charitable funds and facilitates philanthropy by providing grant awards to nonprofits, scholarships to students, fundraising dollars through Fayette Gives, and the Gala of Giving event. These efforts are guided by the foundation’s mission and led by a board of directors, consisting of community members who volunteer their service and support.

The 2024 CFFC board of directors is as follows: Edward Balling, Treasurer; Angela Braun, D.C., Chair; Terry Burden; Clifford J. Callahan, CPA; Edward Capuzzi, Jr.; Joshua Ellsworth; James R. Foutz, CPA; Ronald Gabriel, Vice Chair; Michael George; Garnet Gordon, Esq., Secretary; James E. Higinbotham, Jr., Esq.; David Hughes; William James; Brandon Katzeff; Lawrence J. Kiefer; John LaCarte; Casey Leonard, CPA.

“We extend our appreciation to J.D. Ewing, who served on the board for a total of ten years, up through 2023,” said CFFC board chair Angela Braun, D.C. As far as new additions to the board in 2024, the foundation is welcomes Joshua Ellsworth.

Dedicated and involved board members enable the foundation to further its mission to “help define charitable needs, connect donors with causes that matter to them, support nonprofit organizations, and invest charitable assets to make the community a better place to live.” To learn more about CFFC, visit www.cffayettepa.org or contact the office at 724-437-8600.