State College, PA – Centre Foundation hosted its annual Giving Circle Impact Celebration at University Wine Company, where local nonprofits that received 2023 Giving Circle grants shared updates on their projects. This event brought together Giving Circle members to hear from the three organizations they chose to receive a combined total of $23,000 in grants: Centre County Youth Service Bureau (YSB), Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County, and Housing Transitions.
Centre County Youth Service Bureau (YSB) was awarded a $4,000 grant to expand its Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, which pairs youth with mentors based on factors such as location, personality, and preferences. The program carefully matches youth with “Bigs” to foster supportive, lasting relationships, with oversight provided by Match Support Specialists. In Fall 2023, YSB achieved a remarkable 314% increase in school-based matches, growing from 7 to 29 active pairings, reflecting a 92% overall increase in one year. This success highlights the ongoing need for dedicated volunteers to sustain and further expand the program.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Centre County received a $4,000 grant to support an innovative 3D home build project, marking the first 3D concrete-printed home in Pennsylvania. This groundbreaking initiative is a collaboration with Penn State’s 3D printing organization and the Centre County Housing and Land Trust. The project will utilize advanced 3D printing technology to construct homes more efficiently, offering a new approach to affordable housing in Centre County. Unlike traditional construction methods, this process involves a specialized printer that extrudes construction material layer by layer, streamlining the build and opening up new possibilities for housing solutions.
Housing Transitions was awarded the Giving Circle’s largest grant of $15,000, which included a bonus grant, to renovate a well-used family bathroom in their 100-year-old Centre House shelter. Completed just before Thanksgiving, the renovation transformed the space into a more functional and welcoming environment for families, including the sixteen current residents, nine of whom are children. The upgraded bathroom now features a spacious vanity, additional storage, and improved lighting, providing much-needed comfort and dignity to shelter residents. So far, seventy-one individuals, including twenty-seven children, have benefited from the renovation this year.
The Giving Circle allows individuals to combine their contributions to support impactful community projects. Members review proposals from local nonprofits and select three finalists, who then present their projects at the Giving Circle reception every October. All finalists receive grants, with one earning the top award of $10,000. Annual memberships start at $250, with both monthly and yearly payment options available.
“We’re truly inspired by the generosity of our Giving Circle members, whose support has empowered these three nonprofits to bring about meaningful change,” said Molly Kunkel, President and CEO of Centre Foundation. “Our community is stronger and more vibrant because of the difference these organizations make every day.”
Since its inception in 2006, the Giving Circle has distributed $243,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations throughout Centre County.
For more information on how to join the Giving Circle, visit Centre-Foundation.org or contact Kerry Tolton, Development and Stewardship Director, at kerry@centre-foundation.org or 814-237-6229.
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