Community Foundation Distributes Nearly $200k to Local Nonprofits

Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, in partnership with its donors, is awarding $198,285 through CFA’s 2019 Spring Grant distribution. This funding empowers 68 nonprofit initiatives in Bedford, Cambria, and Somerset counties.

Grants range in amounts from $500 to $10,000. They’re funding undertakings to preserve local heritage, nurture the arts, provide educational opportunities, invigorate community building, and cultivate well-rounded young people, ready for a purposeful and prosperous future.

Here’s a county-by-county look at how the grants are being distributed. Click here for a list of every grant awarded:

Bedford County: $21,800 supporting 8 nonprofits
Bedford County highlights:

• Once again, CFA donors are supporting a voucher program at the Bedford Farmers’ Market for children and veterans. This program provides access to fresh produce for people who may otherwise not have it. It also supports small local businesses and enhances the farmers’ market’s feeling of community.
• The United Way of Bedford County will use CFA funding to bring the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to Bedford County. This initiative will send books to 200 local children, helping families to bond through reading, and fostering and early love of learning.

Cambria County: $70,740 supporting 22 initiatives
Cambria County highlights:

• The Salvation Army Dental Center will use CFA funding to continue providing life-changing dental care to those who otherwise couldn’t afford it.
• Girls living in Johnstown’s public housing complexes will have an opportunity to attend summer camps through the Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania. These camps expose underserved girls to education and leadership programs that have a strong track record of positive influence.
• Franklin Borough and Conemaugh Independence Fire Companies are implementing a merger, using CFA funding to qualify for other necessary grants. This merger will improve emergency services through a more efficient use of resources.

Somerset County: $36,080 supporting 15 nonprofits
Somerset County highlights:

• The Meyersdale Area School District will provide mini-grants to local educators for classroom equipment, benefiting students in both academics and extracurricular activities.
• Soroptimist International of Somerset County will make STEAM learning fun for young girls through a local Lego league. The program provides hands-on learning in computers, programming, and robotics, cultivating teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Laurel Arts is supporting a Somerset Chamber Leadership team that’s joining a growing movement to bring large-scale art projects to Somerset County, starting with a highly visible mural depicting the culture and history of Somerset County. Through community art projects, local nonprofits will elevate the visitor experience with rich aesthetics that convey Somerset’s rural quality of life.

Multi-County Initiatives: $69,665 supporting 23 nonprofits
Multi-county highlights:

• The Conemaugh Valley Conservancy will utilize CFA funding to expand the Inclined Plane Hillside Park into another 9 acres of donated land. In partnership with Vision2025 volunteers, the CVC will be able to prepare and build new outdoor trails, with all of the survey and maintenance work that goes along with that.
• Peniel Drug and Alcohol Residential Treatment Facility will provide addiction and mental health recovery services to patients who have no financial support, aiding our community in abating the local drug crisis.
• Coaches 4 Kids will provide a new recreational site in Dale Borough, creating a safe haven for economically disadvantaged kids from Johnstown and all surrounding areas. Along with Coaches 4 Kids summer programs, this facility creates opportunities for young people to engage in activities improving both mental and physical health.

“Community Foundation grant funding is a clear manifestation of the compassion found in our communities, and the commitment of individuals here to uplifting our region one person at a time,” says CFA President Mike Kane.

CFA brings together the generous donors who make this funding available, with the projects making a clear impact. Together, we’re creating a better tomorrow.

For more information about grants, contact Program and Communications Officer Angie Berzonski, aberzonski@cfalleghenies.org / (814) 315-2982.