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Dear Molly,
As August breezes hint at the coming fall, Centre Foundation is regrouping and refocusing for the exciting months ahead!
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August is National Make-A-Will Month, emphasizing the empowerment and peace of mind that comes from ensuring your wishes are honored. Read our article to learn why estate planning is one of the best ways to show you care.
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We’re also celebrating Black Philanthropy Month by exploring the rich legacy of Black giving in Centre County.
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Our Impact Spotlight shows how YSB's "Independent Living" Program transforms young lives.
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Amazing grant opportunities are available! Centre County nonprofits can apply for a $10,000+ Giving Circle grant by August 22nd or $160,000 in Field-of-Interest grants by September 26th.
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We’re thrilled to welcome Andrea Cook, our new Accounting Director with 18 years of nonprofit experience.
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We’re proud to have awarded over $421,000 in scholarships to 203 deserving students this year.
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Don’t miss the Happy Valley Latin Festival, which we’re co-sponsoring—a day of dance, food, and celebration.
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Check out the photo gallery from our recent Giving Circle Impact Celebration.
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Learn about our partnership with the FBI to implement Elder Fraud Awareness sessions.
Thank you for your continued support. Together, we’re unlocking new possibilities and creating a positive impact in Centre County!
Molly Kunkel
President and CEO
Centre Foundation
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Finding Home: How Youth Service Bureau
is Transforming Young Lives
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Jordan Yaw, Interim Director of YSB's Residential Runaway & Homeless Youth Services,
surrounded by teen participants of the YSB Independent Living Program.
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Annie didn’t expect to be living out of her car during her senior year of high school. Yet,
there she was, every night, curling up in the back seat of her 1998 Honda Civic, parked at a different lot to avoid suspicion. She was alone, her possessions crammed into plastic bags,
her future uncertain. The school district noticed her frequent absences and slipping grades, prompting a call to the Youth Service Bureau. Continue reading Annie's story.
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The Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2024 Field-of-Interest grants.
It’s that time of year again! Our annual Field-of-Interest grant application is open until September 26, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. This year, $162,000 in grant funding is available across 20 different Field-of-Interest funds at Centre Foundation. Each fund supports a specific cause, population, or geographic area based on the passions or interests of the donor(s) who created the fund.
Learn more about our Field-of-Interest grants, how to apply, and review the 2024 guidelines below. See what happened in 2023 and get inspired!
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Estate Planning: One of the Best Ways to Show You Care
Money, mortality, and family relationships. Each of those topics alone can be tough for anyone to address head-on, and when you combine them, it’s no wonder so many people put off setting up or updating their estate plans.
Establishing a will, trust, and beneficiary designations forces a person to confront decisions about the ultimate division of their assets, and many people think estate planning is more expensive or more of a hassle than it really is.
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August is Black Philanthropy Month!
The 1938 photo above, taken outside St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Bellefonte, PA (courtesy of the Centre County Library & Historical Museum), highlights the church’s crucial role in early Black philanthropy. Churches in the Black Communities often provided essential support during emergencies, funded Black-owned businesses, and met community needs.
In Bellefonte, this spirit of giving extended beyond the church, with social organizations, fraternal groups, fundraising efforts, educational institutions, and giving circles all playing a pivotal role in sustaining and advancing Black livelihoods.
Learn more about The Black History Project in Centre County at www.blkctrco.psu.edu. To learn more about Black Philanthropy Month and this year's theme, "Afro-Futures of Giving," which explores how to use philanthropic and community finance traditions to create better futures for Black people, visit: blackphilanthropymonth.com/2024.
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Centre Foundation's Annual Giving Circle $10,000+ Grant Application Closes on August 22. — Apply Today!
The Giving Circle is a community of generous individuals pooling resources to support dynamic programs in Centre County. They're accepting applications for their $10,000+ grant, open to 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Centre County. Finalists will pitch their projects live at the annual reception, where members vote for the winner. Runners-up receive funding too!
This grant opportunity is open to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that serve Centre County residents. Proposed programs/projects must be located in Centre County and comply with Centre Foundation's Non-Discrimination Policy. The Giving Circle funds new projects or exciting expansions to existing programs.
Note: Previous finalists must skip two years before re-applying.
Applications are due by August 22, 2024. For questions, contact Rachael Hartman, Community Impact Director, at rachael@centre-foundation.org.
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Introducing Our New Staff Member, Andrea Cook | | |
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We are thrilled to announce Andrea Cook as Centre Foundation's new Accounting Director.
Andrea has over 18 years of experience in leadership roles in nonprofit organizations in Centre and Huntingdon County. She has a B.S. in Business Administration from Duquesne University and a Master's in Business Administration from Maryville University.
Andrea is eager to apply her skills to further our mission and strengthen our financial stewardship.
Please join us in welcoming Andrea!
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Centre Foundation Awards Over $421,000 in Scholarships, Empowering Over 200 Students
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Centre Foundation is pleased to announce the distribution of over $421,000 in scholarships to 203 outstanding students attending 47 post-secondary institutions. This funding, supported by 133 scholarship funds established by generous donors, underscores the Foundation's commitment to advancing educational opportunities across Centre County and beyond. | |
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Highlights From Recent Events
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Giving Circle Celebrates Success Stories | | |
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On August 12th, Centre Foundation's Giving Circle Impact Celebration brought together members at University Wine Company for updates from the 2023 grant recipients: Youth Service Bureau, Habitat for Humanity, and Housing Transitions. They shared how $23,000 in grants is making a meaningful difference in the community. View our photo album of the event HERE.
Look out for next month's e-newsletter for a deeper dive into these nonprofits' impact!
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FBI Agent Helps Seniors Combat Fraudsters | | |
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Centre Foundation sponsored an Elder Fraud Awareness session at The Village at Penn State with FBI Special Agent Danielle Wertz, who taught older adults to avoid internet scams. Attendees learned to recognize warning signs, and gained an understanding of how law enforcement works to protect seniors and prosecute fraudsters.
Our collaboration with the FBI and senior communities aims to spread awareness, reinforcing our commitment to proactive community engagement for a better future.
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Take Part in a Vibrant Celebration of Latin Culture!
On Saturday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., prepare to dance, eat, and celebrate at the annual Happy Valley Latin Festival, which Centre Foundation will co-sponsor. Experience the vibrant traditions of Latin culture with live music, captivating dance performances, and delicious food from across Latin America. Learn about Hispanic/Latinx traditions, or just enjoy a good party. This festival is for everyone!
Learn More
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Support Centre Foundation
It is our mission to inspire and facilitate a culture of giving and engagement that cultivates a vibrant, equitable, and inclusive community.
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To ensure these emails go to your inbox and avoid the spam folder, add
molly@centre-foundation.org to your safe sender list.
The official registration and financial information of Centre County Community Foundation may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State toll-free, within Pennsylvania, (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
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