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
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Jun 20, 2023 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) congratulates 87 students who were selected for 2023-2024 scholarship awards. $192,604 in awards will be made from 47 scholarship funds, created to support students who are pursuing higher education. Watch the 2023-2024 slideshow.
“These scholarship funds help us invest in the future of Fayette County, by supporting a variety of students in their education and career path. Our committee carefully reviews hundreds of applications to select the best candidates, aiming to meet the goals of the generous donors who created the funds,” said Angela Braun DC, CFFC Board Chair and Scholarship Committee Chair.
Scholarship funds are created in honor or memory of a loved one, to support certain career paths, or to simply give back to the community. CFFC works with donors to determine criteria for each scholarship fund, including qualifications related to academic achievement, community service, financial need, extracurricular participation, area of study, or school preference.
“Our scholarship program is a team effort between staff, board members, community volunteers, donors, and guidance offices. We thank everyone who makes it possible to support students in this way,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.
Through CFFC’s partnership with the Pennsylvania Access to Higher Education Program, qualifying students may have their scholarship awards matched by the state.
To learn more about ways to support the community through philanthropy, visit www.cffayettepa.org and follow @cffayettepa on social media.
2023-2024 CFFC Scholarship List
Alfred E. and Anna B. Jones Scholarship
Nina D’Andrea
Benjamin Diamond
Haley Filcheck
Alyssa Grimm
Payton Hostetler
Lilianna Hug
Allen Craft Memorial Scholarship
Erica Rishel
Benjamin Wilson
Juliet Wontroba
Arthur and Millicent Gabriel Scholarship
Valentina Gulino
Malcolm Patton
Kylee Kurnot
Brooklyn Williams
Kaitlyn Adams
Jordan O’Brien
Bridget White
Betty Bayne Barnes Scholarship for Women
Brandy Sickles
Burchinal Family Endowment Education Awards
Bethany DuBois
Carly Grimm
Tyler Hawk
Heather Kisner
Elyse Knopsnider
Frank Kula
Jodi Lowery
Gabriel Ranker
Brandy Sickles
Alden Voss
Career and Technical Education Scholarship
Skye Tucker
Carl S. Micarelli Memorial Scholarship
Emmy Wingrove
CFFC Board of Directors Scholarship
Gabriel Kemp
Chris G. and Alice Omiros Scholars Fund
Tyler Hawk
Cupelli Family Scholarship
Carly Grimm
Darrell L. and Norma R. Uphold Family Scholarship
Abigail Wystepek
Deana Martorella Memorial Scholarship
Elizabeth Eddy
Dr. Dennis F. Brestensky Scholarship
Riley Rankin
Dr. Paul Pipik Scholarship for Study in the Health Sciences
Alysse Teeter
Dr. William C. Thomas, Jr. Perseverance Scholarship
Karsyn Lucy
Edward T. Yezioro Memorial Scholarship
Nicholas Pecsko
George M. and Anna w. Hochheimer Scholarship
Alden Voss
Helen Hulvey Scheggia Nursing Scholarship
Mitchel Anderson
Sarah Maldovan
Henry J. Oppermann Scholarship
Dylan Brooks
Austin Molinaro
Hughes Family Scholarship
Chloe Deguia
Johnson Matthey Scholarship
Abigail Barnes
Jerry Jiang
Kathleen DiMarco Gulino Memorial Scholarship
Mia Pierce
Laurel Highlands Mustang Academic Scholarship
Sienna Dean
Mackenzie Nicklow
Legacy Scholarship Fund of Ernst Gottlieb Braun
Keegan Fonder
Lillian’s Legacy Scholarship
Emi Curcio
Paige Miller
Alysse Teeter
Lulu A. Dudley Scholarship
Valen Lilley
Jacqueline Maendel
Gianna Valenti
M. Frances and George J. Plava Educational Award
Jerry Jiang
Sydney Larew
Mary Jane Dailey Wood Scholarship
Parker Kern
Tanner Uphold
Jenna Voyten
Maurice M. Bortz and Bessie D. Rinehart Memorial Scholarship
Frank Kula
Melvin J. and Beatrice Vance Keller Memorial Scholarship
Josie Bittner
Michael S. Carbonara Memorial Scholarship
Bailey Lemansky
My Mother’s Legacy Scholarship
Nina D’Andrea
Nancy Flanegan McManus Nursing Scholarship
Abigail Wystepek
Nancy Vance Jones Scholarship
Trudy Diamond
Alysse Teeter
Jenna Voyten
Palmer F. Sabatine Scholarship
Livia Mehalovich
Parker A. Hess Memorial Scholarship
Charlotte Crouse
Zoey Thomas
Rita P. Peters Scholarship
Maximus Nassar
Robert and Marjorie Rager Scholarship
Audrey Morrison
Robert E. and Elouise R. Eberly Scholarship
Gracie Dally
Sam’s Symphony of Love Scholarship
Elizabeth Eddy
Sergeant Eric Hull Memorial Scholarship
Alyssa Grimm
Suzanne J. McMonagle Nursing Scholarship
Alysha Lessman
Tylar Andaloro Memorial Scholarship
Valentina Gulino
Mia Pierce
Uniontown College Club CFFC Scholarship
Claire White
Virginia Eberharter Scholarship
Autumn Ansell
Arley Wilson
Virginia Springer Memorial Scholarship
Julie Cooper
Benjamin Diamond
Bailey Edenfield
Haley Filcheck
Rebecca Mihalko
Grace Taylor
Kaleb Walls
Wolford Swimmer Memorial Scholarship
Grant Barcheck
Josie Bittner
James Brown
Jocelyn Gratchic
Olivia Hellen
Matthew Kaminsky
Claire Konieczny
Sydney Larew
Brandon Paroda
Brittney Roberts
Braylin Salisbury
Jenna Schnatterly
Laila Suarez
Serenity Swihart-Fullem
Lily Taylor
Zackery R. Nelson Memorial Scholarship
Allison Lowery
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by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Jun 1, 2023 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is hosting the fourth annual Fayette Gives on Thursday, November 9, 2023 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at www.fayettegives.org. Fayette Gives is a “day of giving” that aims to build a stronger Fayette by engaging the community in philanthropy to support local charities. This fundraising marathon helps charities raise money and promote their work in the community. Charities that wish to participate must register at www.fayettegives.org starting June 1, 2023. The registration deadline is August 31, 2023 at 5:00 p.m.
On Fayette Gives day (November 9), the public will be encouraged to make online donations to the participating charities through the website, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Charities can track their fundraising progress with leaderboards that display live results. Check donations will also be accepted, starting September 7.
As a special incentive, each Fayette Gives donation that is received at the CFFC office by 8 p.m. on November 9 will be boosted by a percentage of the bonus pool. This increases the impact of each generous gift.
Participating charities must be a 501(c)(3) organization, must file an annual 990 Form, and must serve Fayette County, PA. All money raised through Fayette Gives must be used to benefit Fayette County. Each charity must provide established services to the county and be in good standing as a public charity.
Charities must re-register each year. Charities will be notified by email when their registration is approved or if further information is needed to determine eligibility. CFFC will provide educational materials to help you run a successful fundraising campaign.
CFFC is accepting sponsorship for Fayette Gives 2023, to support this special opportunity for local charities. Download the sponsorship form here.
Please visit www.fayettegives.org to learn more. Questions can be directed to Rebecca Wardle, Communications & Grantmaking Coordinator, at 724-437-8600 x203 or rebecca@cffayettepa.org.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | May 31, 2023 | CFFC News
The Daily Courier, May 10: Fayette EMS among foundation grant recipients
Herald-Standard, May 12: CFFC grants to help fund several local nonprofit projects
The Daily Courier, May 17: CFFC announces opportunity for Catalyst for Change Grant
The Daily Courier, May 24: CACTC students pursue their dreams
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | May 16, 2023 | CFFC News
A Night to Remember
In addition to the special announcement of the $50,000 “Catalyst for Change Grant” opportunity, guests at the second annual Gala of Giving ~ Catalyst for Change enjoyed an evening with great company, food and drinks, music and dancing, a photo booth, and exclusive auction items. Guests accessed online bidding for the silent auction, which enabled them to keep an eye on their competition and make bids all at their fingertips.
Mike Clark, WTAE Anchor, was the emcee, and entertainment was provided by the Kendall Brothers, Joe Materkowski, Ed Balling, and Levi Graft. The afterparty in the Matterhorn Lounge also included a cigar bar by Stix – DiMarco’s Cigar Bar.
“Thank you to all of the sponsors, guests, and supporters who helped make this another successful event,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director. “Our board of directors is excited to offer a grant of this size, as the first step in being a catalyst for change through the event’s proceeds,” continued Couser.
View all photos on CFFC’s Facebook!
Gala of Giving 2023 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor: Fairchance Construction Company
Platinum Sponsors: First National Bank; Gabriel Family; Specialty Conduit and Manufacturing; Sprowls Insurance Group; Wells Fargo Advisors.
Gold Sponsors: The Braun Family; COE Distributing; The Ewing Family; Fayette Pipe Company; Ford Office Technologies; Gismondi Family Foundation; Joyce’s Jewelry; Mike Kelly Toyota; MountainCreek Properties; Neubauer’s Flowers & Market House; Pine Hollow Mechanical, Inc.; Stoney’s Brewing Company; Mr. & Mrs. Joshua & Maria Swimmer; WVU Health Sciences.
Silver Sponsors: Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania; Direct Results; Mr. and Mrs. Victor Fiano, Jr.; First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Greene County; Liberty Steel; Montgomery Medical; Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC – Uniontown Office; PNC Bank; SagePoint Financial; Somerset Trust Bank; United Bank; Gnagey Propane; Koval Building Supply.
Bronze Sponsors: Higinbotham Law Offices; Mid Penn Bank; Nickman’s Drug; Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus; Point Marion Veterinary Care; Radcliffe Law, LLC; Shallenberger Construction; Zodiac Management Services, Inc.
Patron Sponsors: Todd & Beth Casteel; Charlie & Renee Couser; Wealth Enhancement Group – Devan White.
Hospitality Sponsors: Stahls’; Chestnut Ridge Counseling Services, Inc.; Demco Excavating; EQT; Ford of Uniontown; Jonathan P. Krizner, DDS; Stix – DiMarco’s Cigar Bar; Universal Steel.
Donate to the Gala of Giving Fund
You can donate to the Gala of Giving Fund, at any time, with a check made payable to CFFC or through our online Pay Pal donation portal.
Contact our office at 724-437-8600 x1 if you have any questions.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | May 11, 2023 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) awarded $23,484 to nine local nonprofits for the spring 2023 grant cycle. CFFC hosted a grants presentation on May 9 to recognize the awarded organizations and provide an opportunity for them to speak about their work.
Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director, spoke about a shift in CFFC’s grantmaking. “This grant cycle, the Building a Stronger Fayette Fund was used to support capacity building for nonprofits. Oftentimes, donations and grants are earmarked for a specific purpose or program – they’re restricted. We wanted to provide funding for other costs, like staff training and office equipment, which are crucial to an organization’s ability to provide their services to the community. CFFC is aiming to support long-term sustainability,” explained Couser.
CFFC received a total of forty-one grant applications, with twenty-six of the requests for capacity building. The foundation has been making a focused effort to grow the Building a Stronger Fayette Fund, to increase the available funding for unrestricted grantmaking.
EQT Foundation has supported the Building a Stronger Fayette Fund with $30,000 since the fund’s creation. “It’s important for us to give back to the communities where EQT operates,” said Ellen Rossi, EQT Foundation President. “We trust the experience of the community foundation to direct funding in an impactful way, and we’re proud of our partnership in supporting Fayette County,” said Rossi.
In addition to five grant awards from the Building a Stronger Fayette Fund, four grants were made from field of interest funds, which focus on a specific category of community need.
Building a Stronger Fayette Fund: supporting capacity building – an investment in the effectiveness and future sustainability of a nonprofit. These awards are made with the combined funding from the Building a Stronger Fayette Fund; Fayette County Charities Endowment; Franklin K. and Jean Smith Family Fund; and Thompson Fund.
- Domestic Violence Services of SWPA – Education for Board of Directors and New CEO
- East End United Community Center – EEUCC Board Development
- Main Street Theatre Company – Website Development
- Mary House Inc. – Life Builder’s Project
- Mon Valley Academy for the Arts – Peter J. Daley Cultural Center Project
Burchinal Family Endowment Fund: supports charities that provide health and medical care for Fayette County residents.
- Fayette Emergency Medical Service – Nitonox Units
Community Beautification Fund: supports landscape improvements (including but not limited to planting of trees, shrubs, and flowers) for community beautification projects.
- German-Masontown Public Library – StoryWalk® Adventure
Jack and Diane Hughes Family Fund: supports projects and programs in the areas of community gardens and/or science/environmental education.
- Fayette County Community Action Agency – Community Garden at RFEC Project
Mary and John J. Depcrymski Memorial Fund: supports organizations that provide transportation for Fayette County senior citizens.
- Crosskeys Human Services, Inc. – Transportation – Meals for the Elderly
You can join CFFC in building a stronger Fayette through philanthropy! Browse our website to learn more about our work in the community, and use the “Donate Now” button to contribute to the Building a Stronger Fayette Fund.