Community Foundation for the Alleghenies

10/26/2026

The Verna K. Blough Playground transformed an abandoned, blighted corner lot into a playground and recreation center for all ages. The Stonycreek Township park replaced what used to be the Oakland School, which burned down in 1973. It is named for beloved Oakland School educator Verna K. Blough and features a playground, grassy playing fields, and a manicured walking path. We were happy to provide $12,000 in grant funding to help support this project. The Verna K. Blough Oakland Playground Fund remains open, and all donations received will support future maintenance.

When the Verna K. Blough Playground reopened in 2025, project planners described it as a tribute to the longtime teacher and to an Oakland school lost in a 1973 fire.

10/22/2026

Attention Creative Entrepreneurs! 🎨 The CEA grant application is now available through Pennsylvania Creative Industries and Bridgeway Capital. Learn more or apply today at https://keystonecreatives.org/

NOW OPEN! 🎉 Applications for the 2026–2027 Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator (CEA) program are now available on the newly launched Keystone Creatives website.

Pennsylvania Creative Industries offers the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program to creative entrepreneurs who aspire to grow their for-profit creative businesses in ways that positively impact their communities. Bridgeway Capital is proud to share that we are now the statewide administrator for the Creative Entrepreneur Accelerator Program.

Pennsylvania creative entrepreneurs can apply for up to $4,000 (Growth Grant) or up to $17,000 (Impact Grant) — plus access to a creative entrepreneurs network, trainings, and resources. Impact Grant recipients also receive one-on-one business coaching.

Apply now through December 31, 2026. Funding is limited and competitive!

Learn more and apply at keystonecreatives.org.

10/21/2026

🌟 Annual Report Spotlight: America’s County 25/250 Fund 🌟

America’s 250th birthday sent a wave of patriotism and pride throughout the United States. Many communities celebrated with parades, fireworks, concerts, contests, and many more events held throughout the year. But in Somerset County, America’s 250th took on a special meaning, as it coincided with the 25th anniversary of Flight 93, which crashed in a field near Shanksville on September 11, 2001.

This attack thrusted a small rural community onto the national stage, making Somerset County one of the epicenters of a significant historical event. Under the leadership of Henry Cook and in collaboration with the Western Pennsylvania Firemen’s Association Convention, leaders in Somerset County organized a series of events that not only celebrated the 250th birthday of our nation but also commemorated the heroes of 9/11 and honored current first responders and volunteers. Read the full story in our 2026 Annual Report at cfalleghenies.org/annual-report/

📸: The Somerset County 25/250 Celebration

10/20/2026

ARTS GIVE DAY UPDATES! A total of $35,000 has been raised so far to support local arts and cultural organizations! 🤩🎉 For today only, your donations to participating organizations will be matched -- dollar for dollar -- to a maximum of $4,500 for each organization. You don't want to miss out on this incredible opportunity to support arts and culture in our region! Donations can be made online at give.nonprofit-partners.org/campaign/arts-give/c834419. If you'd like to donate over the phone or talk to a CFA staff member about your donation, we will be answering phones until 8:00 p.m.

10/20/2026

Arts Give Day is here! 🎉Donate today at https://give.nonprofit-partners.org/campaign/arts-give/c834419

Today our community is coming together for the inaugural Cambria County Arts Give Day. Thanks to generous pledged support from the Arts Coalition of the Alleghenies, the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, the Cambria County Commissioners, and community partners, your tax-deductible gift to your favorite participating organization will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $4,500.

All donations are securely managed by the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies. Give today to help us keep local culture thriving!

Join us at https://www.facebook.com/events/1090596143703588

10/19/2026

Tomorrow is Arts Give Day! 🎉 In celebration of National Arts and Humanities Month this October, the Arts Coalition of the Alleghenies (ArtsCOA) and Johnstown's Vision Together are launching the inaugural Cambria County Arts Give Day on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

On Arts Give day, your donations to participating arts and cultural organizations will be matched -- dollar for dollar -- to a maximum of $4,500 for each organization. Your contribution's impact will be doubled! Donations will be accepted at https://give.nonprofit-partners.org/campaign/arts-give/c834419 or by calling (814) 536-7741.

10/13/2026

🌟Annual Report Spotlight: St. Michael School 🌟

At the Community Foundation, we help create opportunities for our donors to support the causes that are closest to the hearts. For some of our donors, that means ensuring that their alma mater has a strong foundation so it can continue supporting students for generations to come. This is the goal of the Saint Michael School Futures Endowment Fund, which was established at the Community Foundation this year by an anonymous donor. The fund will provide support for operating costs of Saint Micheal School in Loretto.

St. Michael School prides itself on maintaining excellent faculty, strong academic programs, and a safe, nurturing environment for students; but this requires consistent operational support. The fund will help ensure the school can attract, retain, and support outstanding teachers and staff who make a lasting difference in the lives of their students every day. Read the full story in our 2026 Annual Report at cfalleghenies.org/annual-report/

10/11/2026

10/09/2026

🌟 Annual Report Spotlight: Paul and Bette Slayton 🌟

At the heart of many farms in Bedford County are generations of families with deep farming roots and a strong commitment to agriculture. Paul and Bette Slayton, owners of BearDance Farm, are no exception. For Paul and Bette, farming isn’t just their livelihood, but also an essential part of their story. From their similar upbringing to how they first met, the Slaytons’ love for animals, agriculture, and each other, has always been intertwined in a meaningful way. Wishing to give back to their love for animals and agriculture, the Slaytons recently committed a portion of their estate to two legacy endowment funds at the Community Foundation. You can read more of their story in our 2026 Annual Report at cfalleghenies.org/annual-report