News

When people ask me what the Fayette Community Foundation does, I like to say we make good things grow – we’re a farming community, after all! Our donors give generously because they care about Fayette County. Our job at the Foundation is to take those gifts, grow them through careful investment and matching opportunities, and direct them to where they can make the greatest impact.

One of the areas where this impact is clear is community health and wellness. When our neighbors are healthy – both in body and in mind – they are more likely to thrive at school, at work, and at home. We know that children who get a good start in life do better later on. We also know alleviating worries about food insecurity and access to healthcare help adults thrive, too. When people feel more secure, they grow deeper roots and help the community grow, as well. That’s why we’ve made it a priority to support local initiatives that improve both physical and mental health right here in Fayette County.

Over the past several years, the Foundation has partnered with local organizations and sought outside grants to stretch the dollars we receive. That means a single gift from a donor doesn’t just stop at the Foundation’s door—it grows and multiplies, touching many more lives than one person could reach alone.

Because of this approach, we’ve been able to support programs that increase access to mental health resources, provide safe spaces for physical activity, and improve access to preventative care. These investments make a difference for young families, seniors, and everyone in between. Whether it’s a local wellness initiative, a support group, or improvements to recreation opportunities, each project is chosen because it enhances the quality of life for the people who live here.

Some of our recent grant recipients include: The Hope Center (2025), for their work in providing parenting and life skills for families from pregnancy through the toddler years (including empowering fathers); Fayette County Community Voices (2025), for their outdoor education program to connect K-6 students with nature; The Community Sharing Foundation (2024), to purchase refrigerator/freezer units for their food pantry; Eastview Elementary School (2024), for ADA compliant, inclusive playground equipment so all children can enjoy outdoor play; Fayette County Sheriff’s Department (2024), for the restoration of the padded cell in the County Jail, which serves as a safe place for de-escalating those in a mental health crisis; and Firefly Children and Family Alliance (2024), for a safe car seat clinic. 

That list was only a tiny portion of the incredible work done in Fayette County – and it doesn’t cover all the disbursements made by our Designated Funds and Field of Interest Funds, which have either specific designated recipients (a particular park or organization, for example) or areas that the donor wished to support (like helping to fight hunger or elderly care). 

We know that Fayette County faces challenges. Like many rural communities, we’ve seen health concerns rise while resources remain limited. But the good news is that together – with donors, partners, volunteers, and folks sharing information about us to help spread the news about what we accomplish – we can meet these challenges. Every gift, no matter the size, plays a role in creating a healthier, stronger Fayette County.

If you’ve ever wondered how your giving can make a lasting difference, I invite you to connect with us at the Foundation. Together, we can continue to grow the seeds of generosity into lasting health and wellness for all our neighbors. 

– Abigail Roszell, FCF Executive Director