Dear Molly,


As the crisp air of September ushers in the beginning of fall, Centre Foundation is gearing up for an exciting season!

  • National Hispanic Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the vibrant traditions and achievements of the Hispanic community. We are proud to spotlight two Latino staff members, Maddie and Melissa, whose contributions are integral to our mission.
  • The Centre PACT membership application is now open for Centre County high school students interested in making a difference for youth in our community.
  • We're excited to introduce the Equitable & Inclusive Communities Fund to advance equity and inclusion in Centre County.
  • Centre Foundation hosted its annual Giving Circle Impact Celebration at University Wine Company, where local nonprofits that received 2023 Giving Circle grants shared exciting updates on their projects.
  • Our Impact Spotlight highlights how the Red Cross’s Disaster Services and Recovery Assistance program has been crucial in supporting those affected by emergencies in Centre County.
  • We’re thrilled to sponsor two exciting upcoming events: the Happy Valley Latin Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and our Sip & Socialize Giving Circle Info Event for Young Professionals at Big Spring Spirits in Bellefonte on Wednesday, Sept. 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. Details below!

Thank you for your continued support. Together, we’re unlocking new possibilities and positively impacting Centre County!


Molly Kunkel

President and CEO

Centre Foundation


From Ashes to Hope: A Journey with the Red Cross



Being uprooted by a disaster is a profoundly disorienting experience. The familiar comforts of home can vanish in an instant, leaving individuals grappling with loss and uncertainty. In such a crisis, the world can feel chaotic and overwhelming.


Fortunately, in situations like these, one local organization is there to provide immediate relief and support.

Read More


Latest News


Discover How You Can Make a Real Impact!

Millennials and Gen Xers are shaping the future of philanthropy, driving social impact with fresh perspectives and digital engagement.


Are you a young professional eager to learn how you can drive local impact, challenge nonprofits to evolve, and ensure transparency and effectiveness in the causes you care about as a Giving Circle member?


Don’t miss the Centre Foundation’s Sip & Socialize Giving Circle Info Event at Big Spring Spirits in Bellefonte on Wednesday, September 18th, from 6 to 8 pm.

Learn More & RSVP

Centre 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 to local nonprofits until September 26, 2024, at 11:59 p.m.


This year, over $162,000 in Field-of-Interest grant funding is available for programs and projects throughout Centre County focusing on education, health and social services, the arts, youth development, and more.

Learn More

Inspiring Good Habits: Tips for Better Giving


Centre Foundation is committed to sharing tips and insights that can help you get more satisfaction from your charitable giving and, in turn, make an even bigger difference in the causes you care about. Check out our latest article for practical advice on these three key strategies!

  • Achieve more effective giving
  • Give with genuine intent
  • Engage your children in philanthropy
Read More

Empowering Next-generation Philanthropy


The Centre PACT (Philanthropic Actions Created by Teens) membership application is OPEN! All Centre County high school students who are interested in making a difference in our community are invited to participate. The application form can be found HERE.

 

Centre PACT is a hands-on philanthropy program open to all Centre County high school students. Throughout the program year, students identify issues affecting their peers, solicit and review grant applications, fundraise, and distribute grants to local nonprofits that will positively impact youth in our community. Grant funding is provided by contributions from generous community members, local businesses, and the Centre PACT Fund, a permanent endowment fund that supports this program. Since 2016, members of Centre PACT have raised and granted over $52,000 to local nonprofits.


Please share this with a Centre County high school student you know who may be interested; we would love to have them join us!


For more information, email CentrePACT@centre-foundation.org.

Announcing the Equitable and Inclusive Communities Fund


Centre Foundation is excited to introduce the Equitable & Inclusive Communities Fund to advance equity and inclusion in Centre County. This grant opportunity supports 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental agencies working on projects that address diversity and systemic barriers.


This grant is available to 501(c)(3) nonprofits and governmental units/agencies for projects in Centre County. Priority is given to initiatives that support populations facing systemic barriers, such as underserved communities, people of color, immigrants, refugees, English language learners, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ communities, and other underrepresented groups.


Applications are due by 11:59 pm on Thursday, September 26, 2024. Learn more.


For questions, contact Rachael Hartman, Community Impact Director, at rachael@centre-foundation.org or (814) 237-6229.

Giving Circle Grantee Success Stories!

Centre Foundation hosted its annual Giving Circle Impact Celebration at University Wine Company, where local nonprofits that received 2023 Giving Circle grants shared updates on their projects. This event brought together Giving Circle members to hear from the three organizations they chose to receive a combined total of $23,000 in grants: Centre County Youth Service Bureau (YSB), Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County, and Housing Transitions.

Read More

Hispanic Heritage Month Staff Spotlight

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are excited to shine a spotlight on two of our incredible Latino staff members who bring invaluable perspectives and talents to our team. Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the vibrant traditions, histories, and accomplishments of the Hispanic community, and we are proud to recognize and share the stories of those who play a vital role in our mission.

Melissa: As a first-generation American with an Ecuadorian father and Colombian mother who arrived in America in the mid-sixties, Hispanic Heritage Month is a powerful reminder of the roots that shaped me.


Though I was born in America, Spanish was my first language, and I only learned English once I started school. My family, language, and culture were integral to my early life. However, it wasn’t until I reached adulthood that I truly understood the profound impact my Hispanic heritage had on my worldview.

Read More

Maddie: To me, Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to embrace, share, and celebrate the incredibly vibrant spirit of Hispanic culture.


As diverse as it is colorful, there is so much to learn from Hispanic culture - from fantastic food to innumerable dialects to outrageously fun music and dance!


Our family loves participating in local celebrations, like the upcoming Happy Valley Latin Festival, and enjoying these cultural experiences right in our own kitchen.

Read More 


Upcoming Events


Take Part in a Vibrant Celebration of Latin Culture!


On Saturday, Sept. 14, from 11 am to 5 pm, 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.

Sip & Socialize: Calling all Young Professionals! Join Our Giving Circle Info Event.


Join us at Big Spring Spirits in Bellefonte on Wednesday, September 18th, from 6 to 8 pm for a fun Giving Circle Info Event.


Enjoy a cocktail or non-alcoholic beverage and connect with like-minded young professionals. Learn how joining Centre Foundation's Giving Circle empowers you to make a real impact in our community's future. Learn more.

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.

Donate Now

Centre Foundation | www.centre-foundation.org

Facebook  Instagram  Linkedin  

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 Foundation, Inc. may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State toll-free, within Pennsylvania, (800) 732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.