The Fund for Centre County1:1 Match · Through December 31
An opportunity to do more,
right now.
For 45 years, Centre Foundation has helped turn generosity into lasting impact across Centre County. This anniversary year brings an opportunity to double it: every gift to the Fund for Centre County is matched dollar for dollar, up to $225,000, through December 31.
1:1 match · up to $225,000 · $450,000 together
Progress to goal
$87,837
raised of $225,000
39%Goal
$137,163 to go before December 31.
Why support matters
A strong community can still have neighbors living without a margin for error.
Centre County is a place people are drawn to — but its strengths and challenges exist side by side.
Housing, food, child care, mental health, transportation and health care pressures affect communities differently from State College to our rural townships.
The power of community is our ability to see those gaps, respond together, and make sure need is not overlooked simply because it is less visible.
Centre County households
57,295
total households in the county
14%
Living in poverty
~8,000 households
~8,000 households
30%
ALICE households
~17,200 households
~17,200 households
56%
Above the ALICE threshold
44%
of Centre County households struggle to afford basic needs — and most of them are working.
*United For ALICE / Centre County United Way, 2026 Centre County one-sheeter (2024 data). ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed.
44% of our neighbors are one setback from crisis. Your gift is doubled until December 31.
Why this moment matters
Across Centre County, organizations are seeing more people ask for help.
The requests cluster in five places. At the same time, the nonprofits meeting them are being asked to do more with rising costs and limited resources.
Projected local impact · Centre County
An estimated $2.4 million in federal food and housing support is at risk in Centre County.
Every number below reflects the projected impact here in Centre County — not statewide or national figures. They show how changes in federal food and housing programs could affect local households, grocers, and the rental market. Local philanthropy can help our community respond as needs emerge.
All figures below: Centre County, Pennsylvania · population ~157,000
$2.4M
in annual food and housing support is projected to disappear
Roughly $544,000 in food benefits and $1.9M in housing grants — funding that supports local households, grocers, housing programs and nonprofits.
Projected cut
14,037
residents rely on Medicaid today
About 1 in 11 of us — including 4,106 covered through ACA expansion, with new work requirements and twice-yearly recertification ahead.
$544K
in projected annual SNAP benefit losses
Food assistance that could stop reaching Centre County households and circulating through local grocers as residents lose eligibility.
PROJECTED BENEFIT LOSS
51%
drop in federal HUD grants to Centre County
Funding fell from $3.76M to $1.83M between FY2024 and FY2025. If funding remains at this level, Centre County could continue to receive approximately $1.9M less annually for housing programs.
HISTORICAL DECLINE · PROJECTED FUNDING GAP
1,104
federally assisted rental units in Centre County
These homes require continued investment to preserve affordability and keep housing accessible to Centre County residents.
Philanthropy can’t replace public funding — but it can fill critical gaps when other resources fall short.
Voices from the front lines
We asked the people who see it every day.
Across Centre County, human services organizations are meeting our neighbors at their hardest moments. We sat down with two of the leaders doing that work and asked what they’re facing right now. Their numbers tell the story.
Growing Up Under Pressure
From early childhood through young adulthood, Youth Service Bureau has a unique view of the pressures facing Centre County families — and what can happen when rising costs, unstable housing, childcare challenges and mental health needs begin to converge.
See what our youth are facing →
When One Problem Becomes Five
Across Centre County, one setback can become a crisis. Organizations like Centre Helps stand between struggle and stability, seeing the growing need firsthand every day.
See what our families are facing →No single organization can meet the need alone.
Why this matters
Every gift to the Fund for Centre County reaches dozens of these organizations.
The conversation
What we heard when we got everyone in one room.
A look at the needs facing Centre County today — and what becomes possible when a community responds together.
Roundtable
Centre Foundation staff, board, donors, nonprofit leaders and subject matter specialists
A candid conversation about what local human service organizations are seeing right now, and what an unrestricted, fast-moving fund makes possible for neighbors facing difficult circumstances across Centre County.
Centre Foundation · The Fund for Centre County
For the Needs That Don’t Make Headlines
Right now, every dollar counts twice.
The Edward and Charlene Friedman Charitable Foundation has made an extraordinary commitment in honor of Centre Foundation’s 45th anniversary: a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $225,000 for gifts to the Fund for Centre County. Every gift you make right now is immediately doubled, directing unrestricted support to local families and organizations navigating their most difficult moments.
Together, this match will generate $450,000.
That is not simply a number — it is food on tables, families stabilized, and organizations empowered to keep showing up for our neighbors.
Progress to goal
$87,837
raised of $225,000
39%Goal
$137,163 to go before December 31.
Donate today →Why discretionary support?
An unrestricted gift gives us flexibility to respond where needs are greatest as they emerge.
It moves fast.
Flexible enough to respond in weeks, not funding cycles.
It reaches further.
One gift supports dozens of nonprofits, not one.
It’s informed.
45 years of knowing where support is needed most.
A Community Rising to the Moment
A look at the needs facing Centre County today, and what becomes possible when a community responds together.
Watch on YouTube
A Special Opportunity
$1 for $1 Match for the Fund for Centre County
For 45 years, Centre Foundation has helped turn generosity into lasting impact across Centre County. This anniversary year brings an opportunity to double your impact if you give before December 31.
Centre Foundation · 45 Years of Inspiring Possibilities
Take It With You
The story, the data, and a deeper look at the needs shaping Centre County.
PDF · At a Glance
The Need Next Door
Eleven numbers that reveal some of the human service needs facing Centre County today.
Download the summary ↓
PDF · Campaign Booklet
Help Meet This Moment
A concise look at the issues, the data, and how the $1-for-$1 match for the Fund for Centre County can help strengthen human services.
Download the booklet ↓
Article · Read More
A Deeper Look at Human Service Needs in Centre County
Explore the forces behind the numbers and what they mean for neighbors, nonprofits, and our community.
Read the article →Share the numbers — then double your impact before December 31.
Talk with us
A community that cannot wait.
Needs are rising, and the moments that matter most don’t arrive on a convenient timeline. the Fund for Centre County exists precisely for times like these — flexible enough to move quickly, and trusted enough to know where support is needed most.
Give to the match
Kerry Tolton
Development & Stewardship Director
Kerry@centrefoundation.org
·
814.237.6229
Centre Foundation · 1377 Ridge Master Drive, State College, PA 16803
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.