The Community Foundation has made a commitment to partner with other community organizations to remediate blight and revitalize our communities. Through our donors and our Community Initiatives Grant rounds, we have been able to support these types of redevelopment projects within our region for over three decades.

Our Community and Economic Development Fund supports community projects, such as parks, trails, and restoration of public spaces. It also supports community and economic development activities, such as job training, entrepreneurial and business development initiatives, projects with strong community participation, and other related efforts.

We provided more than $230,000 to support the Johnstown Redevelopment Authority’s blight removal project on Main Street and Franklin Street. This project includes the demolition of the abandoned Robert’s Main Street Pub building as well as rehabilitation within the Franklin Street corridor—a highly traveled area near Conemaugh Hospital. We are excited to see the recent progress at both of these locations.

“The eradication of blight is vital to both economic development and quality of life in our region,” said CFA Executive Director Angie Berzonski. “We are proud to be able to support these types of placemaking projects through our Community and Economic Development Fund and our Community Initiatives Grant round.”

Since inception, the Foundation has provided approximately $2.5 million toward blight removal in our region as well as additional funding for other community development projects.

“We are proud to be able to help get this work accomplished as we all join together to keep our communities beautiful and safe,” said CFA President Mike Kane.

To donate to the Community and Economic Development Fund, click here.