Equitable and Inclusive Communities Fund: Advancing Equity, Leadership, and DEIB Solutions
State College, PA — Centre Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its Equitable and Inclusive Communities Fund, created to advance equity-centered leadership, capacity building, and address Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) issues in Centre County.
Four local organizations have received grants totaling $2,250 to support community-driven programs focused on equity and inclusion. These grants will fund projects that uplift populations facing systemic barriers, including geographically underserved communities, communities of color, immigrants, refugees, English language learners, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ communities, and other underrepresented groups.
“Equity and inclusion have always been important to Centre Foundation’s mission,” said Molly Kunkel, President and CEO of Centre Foundation. “With the launch of our new five-year strategic plan, we are elevating those efforts—because a strong community is one where everyone has a chance to succeed. We’re excited to see this fund grow and continue to make a meaningful impact in the years to come.”
2024 Grant Recipients and Initiatives
- Park Forest Preschool will receive funding to print brochures in Korean and Russian for non-English speaking families.
- Centre County Youth Service Bureau will receive funding for its Bigs & Littles mentoring program in partnership with Centre LGBT+.
- State College Racial Advisory Commission will receive funding to support a performing arts series in MLK Plaza.
- Under Angel Wings Family Center will receive a grant to support the Empowerment Through Life Skills program, focusing on financial literacy, healthy living, and personal development for underserved families.
In a historic move, Centre Foundation invited community members outside of its board and staff to join the grant review committee. These individuals were thoughtfully selected to reflect the diversity of Centre County and bring valuable lived experiences to the decision-making process.
Addressing complex social challenges requires innovative, community-driven solutions. One example is the need for increased cultural representation in local public spaces.
“One challenge Happy Valley faces is showcasing and including diverse cultural expressions,” said Gary Abdullah, Vice-Chairman of the State College Racial Advisory Commission. “This grant to the MLK Plaza Performing Arts Trust will help create a performing arts series that uncovers and encourages diverse talent while fostering a more inclusive arts culture in our community.”
Another organization that received an EIC Fund Grant, Under Angel Wings Family Center, works to break the cycle of poverty by providing education, support, and advocacy for families. Through its life skills training and community programs, the center empowers families to achieve long-term stability.
Angelique Abdul-Quddus, Executive Director of Under Angel Wings Family Center, shared how the fund will support the organization’s mission. “This program emerged from listening to our community’s needs. With this funding, we can offer critical life skills training that helps families build sustainable futures and fosters a sense of belonging.”
Looking Ahead
With the continued generosity of our community, the Equitable and Inclusive Communities Fund is poised for growth, and Centre Foundation is excited about its potential to drive lasting change. The Foundation is committed to advancing equity and inclusion by supporting programs that amplify diverse perspectives, broaden cultural visibility, and build a more vibrant community where everyone has the opportunity to flourish.
About Centre Foundation:
Centre Foundation’s mission is to foster a culture of giving, support and empower nonprofits, and spark positive community change. Visit CentreFoundation.org for more information or contact Kerry Tolton at kerry@centrefoundation.org or 814.237.6229.
