Updates: CFFC Operations & Schedule Adjustments

March 17, 2020, Fayette County, Pa. — Like all of you, we here at CFFC sincerely hope this health emergency will pass swiftly and with minimal harm and disruption. To that end, we are following the advice of public health authorities and taking proactive steps to stymie the advancement of (and hopefully the arrival of) COVID-19 in our community.  As the governor has stated: ‘Stay calm, stay safe, stay home’.  For that reason, the CFFC is avoiding large group gatherings and minimizing in-person contact. We believe this is an important moment for our community to show concern, compassion, and prudence by avoiding measures that could put any one of us at risk.

Currently, the office is open, and staff is working in the office and remotely.  We will be available by phone and by e-mail.  However, no visitors will be permitted in the office.  If you need to meet with someone, or drop something off, please call ahead to schedule an appointment.

The following activities have been cancelled:

  • Donor Reception (March 25)
  • The Executive Director Bootcamp (April 1, 8, 15 and 22)

Due to the closure of Fayette County School Districts, our scholarship deadline has been extended to April 3.

  • For questions about scholarships, contact Lee O’Neil at eoneil@cffayettepa.org or 724-437-8600 x202.
  • For questions about your fund statement, contact Glenn Valdiserri at 724-437-8600 x201.
  • For questions about Fayette Gives, go to https://www.fayettegives.org, or contact Rebecca Wardle at 724-437-8600 x203.
  • For questions about existing funds or to open a new fund, contact Renee Couser at rcouser@cffayettepa.org or 724-437-8600 x1.

It is our mission to be here for our community: to help define charitable needs, connect donors with causes that matter to them, supports nonprofit organizations and invest charitable assets to make the community a better place to live.

We’ll be sharing news and informational updates on our Facebook page and at www.cffayettepa.org. Thank you all for your commitment to our community and for your understanding as we work through this new challenge and find the best way forward.

And please do remember to wash your hands, practice social distancing, and above all, if you can stay home, please do so.  It’s a simple but critical way we can look out for one another.

2020-2021 Scholarships Available!

January 2, 2020, Fayette County, Pa. — The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) has posted scholarship applications for the 2020-2021 school year.  Students pursuing post-secondary education are encouraged to apply for over 50 available scholarships.

The scholarships have a variety of criteria.  Some are designated for students who plan to attend a specific school, have a certain GPA, have been involved in sports or community service, or plan to pursue a specific field of study.  For a complete list of scholarships available, visit the Scholarship page on the CFFC website at www.cffayettepa.org.  The application deadline is March 20, 2020.  If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact your guidance counselor or Lee O’Neil at 724-437-8600 x 2.

Scholarship funds are created by individuals and families to honor or memorialize someone, support students and give back to the community. The CFFC and our donors are committed to supporting students as they continue their education and enhance their workforce development skills.  If you would like to create a scholarship fund, or donate to one of our existing scholarship funds, please contact Renee Couser, Executive Director, at 724-437-8600 x 1.

In 2019, the CFFC distributed $237,000 in post-secondary scholarships.  In addition, through the CFFC’s partnership with the Pennsylvania Access to Higher Education Program (PATH), additional awards may be available for students attending a college in Pennsylvania who meet financial criteria.

Scholarships Coming Soon

The CFFC scholarships will be posted on Januray 2, 2020! Students pursuing post-secondary education will have access to around 50 scholarships, with various criteria, to preview and complete applications for at that time. The applications will be listed under “List of Scholarships” on our website menu.

The CFFC Awards Nearly $190,000 in Post-Secondary Scholarships + Scholarship Mixer Photo Gallery

The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) honored over 90 scholarship recipients and their donors at the 7th Annual Scholarship Mixer held on Tuesday, May 21st at Marilyn’s on Main.  The event provided an opportunity for students and donors to meet one another to share congratulations and gratitude.

“Since 2009, the CFFC has awarded more than $1,465,000 in post-secondary scholarships to local students. We are thankful for the many donors that have assisted these outstanding students with the rising costs associated with their continuing education,” said Renee M. Couser, the CFFC Executive Director.

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. The 47 scholarship funds that made awards this year have a variety of criteria for students with academic achievement, community service, financial need, extracurricular participation, area of study or school preference.

Through the CFFC’s partnership with the Pennsylvania Access to Higher Education Program, qualifying students will have the opportunity to have their scholarship awards matched by the state.

Thank you to the donors who support students through these generous scholarships, and congratulations to the selected student recipients. If you are interested in starting a scholarship fund with the CFFC, please contact Renee M. Couser at 724-437-8600.