From the Executive 
Director’s Desk
Have a question about Centre Foundation or an idea about how to make Centre County a great place to live? We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch at (814) 237-6229 or [email protected].
Things are definitely heating up! I'm excited to share with you some of the impactful things that have been happening in the community lately.

No matter where you look, our community is making an impact: online with Centre Gives, in nature with Centred Outdoors, through the next generation with the Centre PACT students, and all together as we secured a Guinness World Record!

This impact would not be possible without your enthusiasm and support, so thank you! Here is a numerical look at what that support was able to accomplish in our community this past year: 2016 By the Numbers.

As always, thank you for being a part of our generous community,
Molly Kunkel
Executive Director
Centre Foundation
Guinness World Record: 5,622 Ice Luminaries

A Guinness World Record has been officially set by the hundreds of community members who participated in the February 4th “ Light Up State College” event that featured a record-setting 5,622 ice luminaries filling Allen Street in downtown State College.
 
“We wanted to transform Downtown State College into a winter wonderland and achieve a world record, but we knew we needed the community to make it happen,” said John Stitzinger, event organizer and a founder of The Make Space.
 
Stitzinger received a grant to fund his idea via the  the Knight Cities Challenge (KCC), which funds ideas to make communities more vibrant places to live and work. Ideas like Stitzinger’s are eligible for KCC and other granting programs sponsored by the Knight Foundation through the greater State College area’s designation as a Knight Community. Centre Foundation has a long-standing relationship and is proud to partner with Knight Foundation on these types of innovative projects.    
In the Community:
Centre PACT Students: $8,495 in Grants!

Centre County high school students distributed $8,495 to six local organizations working to address the students' theme of "Educating and Inspiring Youth for a Healthier, Brighter Future." The grants capped the 2016-2017 Centre PACT student philanthropy program at Centre Foundation.

Centred Outdoors Project Launches!

The latest Centre Inspires grant program is launching just in time for summer fun! ClearWater Conservancy received a $100,000 grant from Centre Foundation for this guided outdoor adventure series.  

  “Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing, a guided exploration of a yet-unexplored trail, a healthy ‘PARx’ recommendation, or a learning experience with flora and fauna sightings – Centred Outdoors will have something for everyone,” noted Kunkel.

Centred Outdoors events will begin in June, featuring guided hikes and outdoor activities. Participants who track their progress online will be eligible to win end-of-summer prizes!
Centre Gives: $1.4 Million Impact!

In just 36 hours, community members demonstrated how much they love where they live! This generosity translates to $1.4 million that will go back to non-profit organizations serving Centre County in the areas of arts, animals, education, environment, and health & social services!

Since 2012, Centre Gives has invested about $5.4 million into our local non-profit network.

Campbell Legacy Society Luncheon

Members of the Campbell Legacy Society will meet for their annual luncheon this month. Please call Centre Foundation at 237-6229 to RSVP.

To learn more about how to plan a future gift of any size and for any passion that you have, please click on the link below or contact our office.

Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will be happy to work with you to ensure that you are able to meet your philanthropic goals.

Your legacy starts now!

To inspire and facilitate a culture of giving which creates a vibrant community.
Centre-Foundation.org  |  [email protected]  |  (814) 237-6229