Centre Foundation’s Giving Circle Awards $25,000 to Local Nonprofits
At an annual reception on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at Axemann Brewery, Centre Foundation’s Giving Circle awarded a total of $25,000 to three local nonprofits: Centre Care Volunteers, Interfaith Human Services, and The Makery of Central Pennsylvania.
Each organization pitched their projects to Giving Circle members, who pool their resources to create a greater impact for the community. After three compelling presentations, members cast their votes, with The Makery receiving the top grant of $13,000.
The Makery of Central Pennsylvania, recently opened The Makery Market in downtown State College—a unique, mission-driven boutique dedicated to items made in Central PA. Along with the opening of its retail store, it launched a new initiative to provide job training and a supportive community for young women transitioning out of foster care. “We are so grateful for this grant, because it is a financial runway for our project to take off,” said Amy Frank, owner of The Makery. “It will allow us to employ four young women in the first quarter of the program, providing the crucial proof-of-concept we need to pursue larger state and federal workforce development grants in the future.”
Interfaith Human Services (IHS) received $4,000 to support their Emergency Vehicle Repair Program. IHS is a nonprofit committed to breaking the cycle of daily crises faced by those in need by offering education and resources that foster long-term stability and security.
Their Emergency Vehicle Repair program helps low-income residents maintain reliable transportation so they can stay employed. “Many of these individuals are one unexpected event away from financial disaster,” said Curt Knouse, Executive Director of IHS. “By helping them keep their jobs, we foster longer-term stability and reduce their dependence on aid programs.”
Centre Care Volunteers was awarded a $4,000 grant to construct wheelchair-accessible greenhouses for its residents. Centre Care is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide programs and services that enhance the lives of its residents, offering both physical and mental well-being.
The greenhouses will allow residents, many of whom are unable to walk, to garden year-round. “Gardening gives our residents a sense of ownership and purpose,” said Betsy Boyer, President of Centre Care. “These greenhouses will provide both therapeutic benefits and the opportunity to grow vegetables for the meals served here. It’s an activity many enjoyed before moving to Centre Care, and this grant helps restore that joy.”
The Giving Circle also offers Amplifier and Ambassador memberships, allowing members to contribute additional funds for an extra vote to award a bonus grant. This year, the bonus grant went to Interfaith Human Services (IHS), bringing their total award to $8,000.
Since its inception in 2006, the Giving Circle has distributed $268,000 in grants, supporting numerous nonprofit organizations throughout Centre County, including previous recipients like Housing Transitions, Habitat for Humanity, Centre Safe, and Out of the Cold.
For more information about the Giving Circle, including membership, visit Centre-Foundation.org or contact Kerry Tolton at kerry@centrefoundation.org or 814.237.6229.
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