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Grant Wish List

Grant Wish List

The grant wish list is a simple listing of any granting needs from area nonprofits that are served by the Community Foundation.  Submissions to be included are accepted at any time and will be added to the list as we receive them.  This list can be especially helpful for our donor advisors so that they can see what immediate needs there are in our community that align with their interests.  Not only is this list available to the public here on our website, but we also directly share it with our donor advisors and with local media.  Our goal is to help as many nonprofits secure the funding that they need to meet their mission and goals.

Amputee Aid

Project #1:

At Amputee Aid, our mission is to restore hope, independence, and dignity for amputees who lack access to essential resources. We provide life-changing prosthetics and ongoing care to help individuals overcome challenges and reclaim their lives. By addressing the physical, emotional, and practical needs of amputees, we empower them to thrive and embrace a future filled with possibility. To provide for rising client needs given the current economic and healthcare climates and increasing rates of health-related amputations in Pennsylvania, we are always seeking financial contributions. All – 100% - go directly to clients to purchase prosthetics, liners, medications, physical therapy, mobility aides, home modifications, and healthcare supplies. These donations will benefit residents of Armstrong County specifically.

Project #2:
Requesting: Any donation of time

Amputee Aid relies on the generous time of our volunteers to “check in on” and socialize with clients. This can be as easy as a few phone calls, a video chat, a friendly email, or even a handwritten letter or card, to let amputees know we care and we are thinking about them. Please contact us if you are interested in being on our volunteer list. This volunteer time will benefit residents of Armstrong County specifically.

Wish updated: 09/29/2025
Wish expires: 03/19/2026

Arc Manor
Requested amount: Any amount

Arc Manor will soon be opening two new recovery residences in our community: a Women with Children Recovery House and a Men's Recovery House. These homes, which will meet state licensing requirements, will provide a safe, structured, and supportive environment for individuals working toward long-term recovery.

As we prepare these residences, our goal is to create warm, welcoming spaces where residents can begin to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. To help us reach that goal, we are seeking donations of household items and supplies from our Wish List. Your support will make a direct and meaningful impact on the men, women, and children who will call these houses home.

Your generosity will not only help furnish these homes but also remind our residents that their community cares about them and their recovery journey.

  • Women with Children Recovery House:
    Beds - twin size - 7
    Mattresses - twin size - 7
    Mattress - full size - 1
    Bed Pillows - 14
    Extra blankets - 7
    Dining room table and chairs - 1 table and 6-8 chairs
    Bath Towel sets - 12
    Dish towels - 6
    Kitchenware
    -Dishes
    -Pots & pans
    -Utensils
    Pack and Play w/ bassinet - 1
    Pack and Plays - 3
    Umbrella Stoller - 4
    Washing Machine - 1
    Clothes Dryer - 1
    Other: Board games, toys, books for children aged 0-12 years
  • Men's Recovery House:
    Beds - twin size - 6
    Mattresses - twin size - 6
    Bedding (sheets & comforter) - 6
    Bed Pillows - 12
    Extra blankets - 6
    Bath Towel sets - 12
    Dish towels - 6

Wish updated 09/9/2025
Wish expires:  03/09/2026

Armstrong County Arts Council
Project #1
Requesting: $1,500

250th Celebration Sign

The Armstrong County Arts Council proposes the creation of a large-scale, artist- designed celebration sign for in front of the Kittanning Courthouse or in Riverfront Park in honor of the America’s 250th birthday. This artistic installation will serve as both a cultural landmark and a community gathering point, inviting residents and visitors to celebrate our shared history, creativity, and pride in Armstrong County.

The sign will be designed with an interactive component, encouraging families and community members to take photos and share their Armstrong County pride during the 2026 Semiquincentennial celebration. The sign will not only beautify the space but also create a visual connection to this historic anniversary.

Local artists will be engaged in the design process, reinforcing the Arts Council’s mission of elevating art throughout Armstrong County.

ACAC respectfully requests support through the ACCF Wish List Grant program to help cover the costs of materials, design, and installation. The project will be completed and unveiled in 2026 as part of the 250 celebration.

Project #2
Requesting: $2,500

Creative Art Kits for Armstrong County Public Libraries (pilot project)

 The Armstrong County Arts Council proposes providing basic art supplies to the Armstrong County public libraries in support of their Summer Reading programs. These art supplies will give children and families the opportunity to explore creativity through hands-on art projects tied to literacy and storytelling. By placing art tools directly into the libraries, we aim to encourage imagination, reinforce reading themes, and provide families with free access to creative experiences.

The kits would include age appropriate supplies such as sketch pads, markers, colored pencils, glue sticks, scissors, and craft materials, all neatly packaged for use during library programs.

The goal would be 20 art kits per public library. And refilling supplies during the summer as needed.

Project #3
Requesting: $500

The Armstrong County Arts Council respectfully requests funding assistance to cover the annual $500.00 website hosting and maintenance fee. Our website serves as the central hub for connecting the public with cultural opportunities across Armstrong County. It highlights upcoming events, promotes local artists, preserves and shares community art history, and provides resources for residents to engage with the arts.

Importantly, the Arts Council is led by a volunteer Executive Director and a working board of directors, demonstrating our commitment to stewarding resources wisely while expanding arts opportunities for the community.

This grant would allow the Arts Council to continue delivering high-quality digital access to arts, culture, and community engagement opportunities.

Project #4
Requesting: $600

“Art of Healing” exhibition - additional Gallery Hanging System

 The Armstrong County Arts Council respectfully requests funding to purchase additional professional gallery hanging system - including rails, cords, and hardware - for the Art of healing exhibition at Armstrong County Memorial Hospital (ACMH). This exhibition brings rotating displays of local artwork into the hospital’s hallways and display cases in the main lobby, providing comfort, inspiration, and beauty to patients, families, and staff. A dedicated gallery system will ensure that artwork is displayed safely, securely, and professionally, allowing us to expand the reach and impact of this meaningful program.

Studies show that exposure to art reduces stress and improves well-being - this project directly supports patient care and staff morale.

Project #5
Requesting: $3,000

The Armstrong County Arts Council respectfully requests funding to design, create, and install a full-custom commemorative bike rack celebrating America’s 250th birthday in 2026. This functional piece of public art will honor the nation’s Semiquincentennial while promoting healthy lifestyles, outdoor recreation, and community pride.

The custom-designed bike rack will be artist made, incorporating artistic elements that reflect both Armstrong County’s heritage and the national celebration. To further engage the community, the donor will have the opportunity to choose the final installation site from a selection of Armstrong County parks.

This grant would cover a professionally fabricated welded bike rack that will last for decades. Using a local artist and fabricator keeps the dollars in the county.

Wish Updated: 09/29/2025
Wish expires: 03/29/2026

 

Armstrong Community Theater
 

Project #1:
Requesting: $500

We are in desperate need of some organizational/storage items for our costumes!  We need clothing rack signage and separator tags to organize the hanging clothing items, and vacuum storage bags to safely store the specialty items that we do not use as often.

Project #2:
Requesting: $700 

We often run out of comfortable seating when we are practicing for our musicals, and storage space is always an issue.  Cushioned folding chairs and a cart on which to store them when not needed would be wonderful!  This donation amount would cover the cart as well as 20 new cushioned chairs.

wish updated: 07/08/2025
wish expires: 01/08/2026

Armstrong Habitat for Humanity

Project #1:
Requesting: $14,500

Armstrong Habitat for Humanity (AHFH) relies heavily on volunteers to build and repair homes for families in need. Volunteers bring their time and energy, but in order to maximize their impact, we must provide the right tools, equipment, and workspace. Currently, our tools are stored in multiple locations, which leads to inefficiencies, lost time, and challenges in transporting supplies to worksites.

To address this issue, AHFH is seeking funding to purchase and outfit a mobile tool trailer. This trailer will serve as a fully equipped, organized, and transportable tool station that can be taken directly to any job site. With built-in storage, shelving, and secure access, the tool trailer will allow volunteers and staff to have immediate access to the tools and materials needed to complete critical home repairs, new builds, home renovations, and community projects.

Project #2:
Requesting: $9,000

Armstrong Habitat for Humanity (AHFH) seeks funding to purchase a mini excavator to support our mission of providing safe, affordable housing to families in need. Many of the homes we repair or renovate face serious foundation, drainage, and site-related issues that cannot be fully addressed with hand tools or basic volunteer equipment. An excavator would allow our team to safely and efficiently complete these essential repairs, ensuring long-term housing stability for low-income families in Armstrong County..

Wish Updated: 08/26/2025
Wish Expires:  02/26/2026

Armstrong School District
Requesting: $12,000

I joined the Armstrong School District in July 2025 as Superintendent of Schools. One of my primary goals/responsibilities is to develop leaders and the overall leadership capacity of the administrative team on an ongoing basis. For 2025-2026, I have planned several development experiences for the team that require funding. Since I joined the district after the current budget was in place; funds were not ear marked for this important work; as it has not been a priority in previous terms.

In October 2025, our team will be working with Dr. Peter Montminy (Child Psychologist from State College, PA). I have worked with Peter for close to 20 years; developing teams. He will be presenting on current needs of students in 2025, and strategies for addressing those unique needs. Peter will also spend time on “self-care” for members of our team. In Fall 2025; our team is also doing a book read of a classic leadership book (Leadership Secrets of Atilla the Hun); followed by conversations at our monthly meetings.

In Spring 2025, our team will be doing a second book read on (Personal Leadership) written by Dr. Mike McGough. I have also worked with Mike in previous years on leadership development with prior teams and intermediate unit professional development for regional Superintendent groups. Mike will join our
team in April 2025, at one of our leadership meetings to review the tenants discussed in his book, while applying the concepts to work in today’s schools. Mike will then apply leadership lessons on June 18, 2026; as he works with our team on a session called: (Leadership Under Fire/Lessons Learned). This
experience will include a trip to the Flight 93 Memorial, where Mike ties the lessons from the readings to events from 9/11; particularly with respect to the passenger actions of Flight 93.

I am personally excited to provide these experiences to the administrative team of the Armstrong School District. It is imperative that we continue to development the professionals that are responsible for leading and “taking care of”, staff and students on a daily and ongoing basis.

Your consideration of funding this request is greatly appreciated. If I may provide further information or answer any questions; please do not hesitate to contact me.

Wish updated: 10/05/2025
Wish expires: 04/05/2026

 

 

Battles to Bikes
Requesting: $10,000

Battles to Bikes provides free bicycles to local veterans in need – financially, physically and psychologically. Every day, an average of 22 veterans commit suicide in the United States, feeling alone and helpless. One veteran at a time, we strive to change that narrative and help them find solace, enjoyment and peace in cycling and outdoor recreation.

 Battles to Bikes has provided nearly a dozen bicycles to local veterans to date. Each bicycle (analog or electric) plus a helmet and tool kit can cost up to $2,500. With a grant of $10,000, we can provide at least four bicycles to deserving veterans.

wish updated 08/15/2025
Wish expires:  02/15/2026
 

Community Guidance Center
Requesting:  $1,200 (400 for each program)

We are requesting Art Supplies for our Psychological Rehab, Adult Partial and Children’s Alpha Programs. Currently we are seeking funding for art and crafting supplies for these programs.

Art and Craft is a vital component that enables our participants to express themselves creatively that promote healing. This includes providing items such as wheelchair accessible easels. It is our goal to provide a welcoming therapeutic platform to all. The art supplies needed include construction paper, markers, crayons, paint and paint brushes, art paper, yarn, clay, easels scissors are just a few samples. Art and Craft is a vital component of treatment across all programs; that enables our participants to express themselves creatively, engage in gift giving activities that promote healing and improve physical coordination. Being able to process emotions and reduce anxiety stress while improving interpersonal skills.

Wish updated 08/19/2025
Wish expires:  02/19/2026

Dayton Area Local History Society

Project #1:
Requesting: $39,400 or any amount

Chimney /fireplace repair. The Marshall House has two chimneys and 7 fireplaces, with at least one of the chimneys clearly structural to the house, coming from the cellar through the center of the main house. The chimneys are deteriorating. The chimney tops on the roof are crumbling. Wood panels were used to close off the fireplaces years ago, but this is no longer sufficient to keep the birds from getting into the house and brick dust/debris from filtering out around the fireplaces. We have obtained a quote to rebuild the tops of the two chimneys and cap them off, encase the exposed portion of the large chimney in the attic that is in poor condition, and seal off all 7 fireplaces to close off dirt, debris, birds from coming inside of the house.  We will not be able to fund this project on our own. It is well beyond the scope of our finances. Yet we are growing more concerned about the integrity of the house if they are allowed to continue to deteriorate.

Project #2:
Requesting: $3,000 or any amount

We need to purchase archival supplies and storage supplies in order to preserve the various artifacts that have been donated to the house over the years. Our goal is to organize the many treasures donated over the years in a way that preserves them, as well as make them easily accessible for displays throughout the year.

wish updated 06/17/2025
wish expires:  12/17/2025

Divine Redeemer School
Requesting: $4,451.97

We are requesting a grant to install three Elkay LZS8WSLP water bottle filling stations at The Divine Redeemer School. The building was erected in 1958, and the original drinking fountains are now antiquated and non-functional, as they are nearly 70 years old.

For the past four years, we have provided temporary hallway access to drinking water; however, this was never intended as a long-term solution.

We are seeking grant support to install one station each in the cafeteria, first floor, and second floor. These locations will ensure all students have consistent, sanitary, and accessible hydration options throughout the day.

Wish Updated: 05/23/2025
Wish Expires:  11/23/2025

Experience Armstrong
Requesting: $500

Experience Armstrong would like to purchase a GoPro camera with microphones in order to highlight destination and events showcasing Armstrong County.

Wish updated: 04/23/2025
Wish expires:  10/23/2025

 

Ford City Renaissance Community Partnership, Inc.
Requesting: $8,000

Secured sponsorship funding is becoming more and more difficult to obtain in our immediate area with so many events happening….and our fundraising efforts (with ever rising costs) have not met our projected figures for the year, leaving us short of funding to provide light-up festivities for the community. Our expectations of becoming a vendor with our fish fry booth at Iron City Brewery events were shattered when we were later told (after our acceptance email) that we in fact had just been placed on a waiting list of vendors and would only be contacted if a cancellation arose.

Our hearts are broken over our current situation following fourteen years of putting forth our best effort; yet we cannot enter into an event in which we cannot expect to cover expenses. To date, all of our bills are paid, inclusive of those thousands of dollars in costs associated with our recent Great American Ethnic Fest. We have several fundraising activities planned within the next couple of weeks; unfortunately, positive outcomes are not guaranteed, as we may actually find ourselves losing money on the October 4th Concert/Dance. Ford City area children deserve hometown memories; and it deeply hurts that we cannot provide those memories this year. We work hard; we do our best within our means; but our best is no longer enough.

Wish updated 09/22/2025
Wish expires  03/22/2026

Foundation for Christian Counseling  

Request #1:
Requesting: $5,000

Funding to provide mental health & addiction counseling grants for low-income, economically disadvantaged people in crisis. FFCC provides this vital support, by providing counseling grants to subsidize treatment for those who could not afford it otherwise. The objective of our program is to help people get the support and treatment they need, regardless of their financial situation. Without financial support from FFCC many will go under-treated or may not seek treatment at all, due to their financial position.

Request #2:
Requesting: #5,000

Funding to help create two robust, faith-based online marriage and parenting programs: Extraordinary Marriage and Extraordinary Parenting. There is a growing need for accessible, biblically grounded programs that can be used across diverse settings – churches, counseling centers, and homes. The goal is to equip individual clients and group leaders across our community partnerships with an accessible, flexible tool to strengthen marriages and families. The goal is to promote healthy relationships in marriage and parenting. Healthier family relationships have a positive effect and impact on individuals, families, and ultimately our communities, helping to transform communities one family at a time. 

Wish Updated:  06/10/2025
Wish expires:  12/10/2025

Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania

Project #1:
Requesting:  $5,000

The Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE), the foundation of the Girl Scout program, features a variety of fun, challenging, and experiential activities that empower girls as they develop five attitudes, skills, and behaviors essential to effective leadership: Strong Sense of Self, Positive Values, Challenge Seeking, Healthy Relationships, and Community Problem Solving.

Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) approved of a substantial increase in membership dues, which amounts to a 160% hike in price for girl members over two years. None of this revenue stays at our council yet all the expense to cover financial assistance comes from our budget. We provide $2,400 - $2,500 of financial assistance annually in Armstrong County and have projected this to increase to as high as $5,300 by our 2026- 2027 membership year. Your support will help keep girls in Girl Scouting and ensure access to our programming, regardless of background, geography, or financial situation.

Project #2:
Requesting: $10,000

Our Camp Skymeadow is located at the southern tip of Armstrong County, near Avonmore, and is our horse program headquarters. Situated on 371 acres of grassy meadows and forested hills, it features miles of trails that challenge girls as they progress through our riding levels. Skymeadow offers overnight horseback riding, boating, paddleboarding, and trip sessions for older girls, horse and water-based sessions for younger girls, family camp sessions, and Troop Core Camp. We provided Girl Scouts council wide over $7,800 in financial aid to attend this camp last year. Funds would support camp Skymeadow and financial assistance for girls to attend.

Wish Updated: 08/26/2025
Wish Expires:  02/26/2026

Haiti H2O: Hope to Opportunity

Project 1:
Requesting: $1,250
Haiti H2O partners with Haitian doctors and nurses and leaders in three remote villages to host quarterly medical clinics where there are no doctors. Each 1-day clinic sees an average of one hundred patients from the community and surrounding areas. Many people walk miles to attend our clinics. Regular mobile clinics can better treat long-term diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure which are common in Haiti. Left untreated, these conditions often lead to heart attack or stroke. $1,250 provides the medications prescribed during each of Haiti H2O’s mobile medical clinics.

Project 2:
Requesting $475
Haiti H2O partners with Haitian doctors and nurses and leaders in three remote villages to host quarterly medical clinics where there are no doctors. The medical team sees an average of one hundred patients at each clinic. $475 will pay 1 doctor and 3 nurses for their time during one quarterly medical clinic.

Project 3:
Requesting: $200
Haiti H2O partners with Haitian doctors and nurses and leaders in three remote villages to host quarterly medical clinics where there are no doctors. The medical team has to travel to these remote villages to serve the communities. $200 will cover the transportation cost for the medical team for one quarterly medical clinic.

Wish updated 05/13/2025
Wish expires 11/13/2025

Hose Company 6 Kittanning

Project #1:
Requesting: $18,750

Replacement of (2) SCBA Self Contained Breathing Apparatus units that have reached their service life and are no longer compliant to pass flow testing as well as the parts to repair are no longer available for repairs. The cylinders for the SCBA units can no longer be hydrostatic tested due to DOT standards for pressure vessels. They are well over 15 years old. The SCBA units are the primary for firefighter's respiratory protection.

Project #2:
Requesting: $5,200

Replacement of a (TIC) Thermal Imaging Camera. We are in need to replace the camera due to age and replacement parts are no longer available for repairs. The Thermal Imaging Camera is a tool that aids firefighter's in searching for victims in heavy smoke conditions as well as detecting heat sources in wall, ceilings, etc. The Thermal Imaging Camera also has numerous functions in the fire and rescue service.

Wish updated: 04/08/2025
Wish expires:  10/08/2025

Jersey Innovative Services Foundation
Requesting:  $5,000

We partner with 40 universities for Social Work, Mental Health & Family Counseling. Fifty masters level students come to our location a year to learn clinical skills, legal & ethical obligations, finding resources, building linkages, clinical support, treatment planning, team building and advocacy. Interns work as with children 3 to 18 years old with moderate/severe mental health issues traveling to the homes of children in New Jersey. We would hoping to supply each intern with $100 to purchase toys and art supplies.

Wish updated: 05/19/25
Wish expires:  11/19/25

Kittanning Hose, Hook & Ladder Co. #1
Requesting: $6,218

Given our current location, our department is the primary response agency to the Allegheny River in Kittanning. We also respond on mutual aid calls with other local departments along other parts of the river and various local bodies of water.

The cold weather suits are a similar concept to wet suits used for water activities, but a re much thicker and water proof to allow wearers to remain fully dressed and better protected in cold water situations. The helmets also provide an extra level of protection for responders.

We are also asking for rope bags, which allow us to secure responders in rescue efforts, as well as provide lifelines to be thrown to victims, from shore or from a boat.

Our department currently only has a boat and lifejackets and basic ropes that are used in water rescue calls and are limited in our capabilities. The additional requested equipment will greatly help us in responding to such calls in all types of weather conditions.

Questions: Contact 724-664-9103 or by email at pshuster110@gmail.com

wish updated  09/15/2025
​​​​​​​Expires:  03/15/2026

Kittanning Hose Company #4
Requesting: $20,000

26 pagers to up grade our Fire Fighter Response time to emergency calls and also to come into line with the updates to Armstrong County 911 Center.

wish updated:  09/29/2025
wish expires:  03/29/2026

Leatherwood Academy

Project 1:
Requesting: $2000
Cafeteria: Hot and homemade meals are offered to our students twice a week. 

Project 2:
Requesting: $6,000
Benevolence: Assisting families during hardship by helping with tuition costs.

Project 3:
Requesting: $7,500
Supplies: Office and Classroom, including student laptops. 

Project 4:
Requesting: $10,000
HVAC: Temperature, humidity, and air quality control. 

Project 5:
Requesting: $20,000
Framing: To add additional classrooms, bathrooms, and storage. 

Project 6:
$20,000
Electrical: New electrical wiring.

Project 7:
Requesting $75,000
Fire Safety: Fire Escape, fire doors, and alarm system expansion.

Wish updated 05/15/2025
Wish expires 11/15/2025

LIFE Armstrong County
Requesting: $35,000

LIFE Armstrong County serves low income seniors who choose to remain in their own homes. Services provided by LIFE Armstrong to its participants are comprehensive, covering not only the medical needs but also any issues involving their homes that are necessary to maintain the safety and comfort of the residents. This could include ramps, repair of steps and entry ways, air conditioners and heating units, flooring, plumbing, and any other necessities. Funding from this grant will support the LIFE Armstrong Living Safely Fund, a pool of money that will be dedicated to covering the costs associated with maintaining safe and comfortable homes for the low-income seniors living in Armstrong County and served by LIFE Armstrong.

Wish updated: 09/29/2925
Wish expires: 03/29/2026

Life Choices

Project #1:
Requesting: $5,000
Help us repair our clinic driveway so women seeking hope and care can walk through our doors without barriers.

Project #2
Requesting: $5,000
From pregnancy tests to ultrasounds, every clinic supply helps us say ‘yes’ to women in crisis. Your gift stocks the supplies and tools we need to save lives and support families. Our services are 100% free for clients.

Wish updated 09/18/2025
Wish expires:  03/18/2026

Reagan's Journey

Project #1 
Requesting: $350 

Utility Cart for Volunteers:  When equipment comes in, it needs to be cleaned and sanitized so that it is safe for reuse.  This requires cleaning agents, rags, brushes, a steam cleaner, small tools for minor repair, gloves, etc.  Currently, we are using a type of craft cart that has run out of space, and we still need to add the steam cleaner to the collection.  With a utility cart, volunteers will be able to have everything in one place.  Systems create efficiency, and systems allow for volunteers to follow a step-by-step guide with easily accessible items.  Having this setup will allow our items to have a quicker turnaround time for the families we serve.  This cart is similar to a craftsman cart, which will allow us to enjoy its use for years because of the quality of the materials.   

Project #2
Requesting: 150 

Stair Climber Hand Truck/Dolly.  Each week, we receive donated surplus specialized liquid nutrition from agencies and families.  This nutrition is given via tube feeding and is often difficult to obtain because of backorders or insurance limitations.  These items are extremely heavy in large quantities and require multiple trips from the vehicle to the building.  Using this hand truck/dolly will allow us to have more time to meet the needs of the donor/recipient family because we aren’t spending so much time on loading/unloading.  

Project #3
Requesting: $750
 
Commercial 24”x24” Carpet Tiles for one room at our Reagan’s Journey Pediatric Closet in Freeport, PA.  We have a 20’x20’ room in which we house all of the large pediatric equipment, like wheelchairs and walkers.  Currently, the floor is vinyl tile and is showing a lot of wear, including breakage at some of the seams.  This poses an issue for our equipment because each item is on wheels, making it difficult and dangerous to move about.  Also, this is a room where children come with their families to view and try out equipment.  Some children must use the floor to navigate because of their mobility issues, so having a carpeted area would be more ideal for comfort.  Thank you for considering assisting us with this update to the room. 

 Wish Updated: 08/16/2025
Wish expires:  2/16/2026

The Center Midland
Requesting: $5,000

Each week we send home 4-5 individual easy-to-prepare meals and fresh produce with 85-100 students in K4-12th grade. Our community is a 100% free lunch school. While students are able to eat breakfast and lunch at school and dinner at The Center, many struggle under the burden of food insecurity, especially over the weekends. This program, "Snack Shack" allows them to have access to meals and produce each weekend.

Wish updated 08/18/2025
Wish expires:  02/18/2026

Visiting Nurses Association, Western PA (VNA) Home Health
Amount Requesting $50,000

VNA is hoping to begin using an AI – Artificial Intelligence – program for its nurses and other team members to use when helping people with medical needs in their homes.

Documentation requirements can take as long as 2-3 hours to complete for each patient, taking time that could be spent providing medical care to more patients living in Armstrong County. This program will reduce that time, allowing VNA staff to spend more time with residents needing medical care and attention. This grant will help to offset the cost of purchasing and maintaining the program.

Wish Updated: 09/29/2025
Wish Expires:  03/29/2026

 

Worthington West Franklin Joint Parks and Recreation Authority
Requesting:  Any amount

The Worthington West Franklin Joint Parks and Recreation Authority is writing to request your support for critical restoration and facility upgrades to the Worthington Civic Center a community cornerstone that has been repurposed from a former school building into a vibrant, multi-use hub serving Worthington Borough, West Franklin Township, and the greater Armstrong County region.

Originally the Worthington-West Franklin Junior/Senior High School, this facility was transferred to the community in 1985 and has since become home to an extraordinary range of services and programming that directly benefit local residents of all ages. These include:

  • The Worthington-West Franklin Community Library, which offers free membership, access to over 13,000 resources, internet and technology access, children’s programming, job support, and lifelong learning opportunities.
  • The Armstrong Community Theater, which uses the Civic Center’s auditorium and workshop space to bring the performing arts to life for our rural community.
  • The Area Agency on Aging Senior Center, which provides on-site meals and a welcoming space for socialization, wellness, and support for our senior residents.
  • Recreational programming, including a cheerleading group and volleyball organization that utilize the space under affordable rental agreements.
  • Private event rentals for birthdays, weddings, receptions, vendor fairs, and local fundraisers that keep the space active and connected to the community.
  • Local business tenants, including a barber shopbeauty boutique, and psychiatric services, which offer convenient and essential services to the community while also supporting the facility through lease income.

The Civic Center also features a memorial wall honoring former students, educators, and community members a quiet, meaningful tribute that allows families to reflect and remember their loved ones and the legacy of the building.

However, despite its community impact, the building is in urgent need of repairs:

  • Crumbling sidewalks that pose safety risks for seniors and families
  • Peeling interior walls and worn flooring that diminish the functionality and aesthetic appeal of the space
  • A failing furnace in the library wing, threatening access to core services during winter months
  • Limited parking, restricting growth of events, community engagement, and future use

Our goal is to invest in this space not just for preservation, but for transformation. We want to shed the outdated label of “the old school” and establish the Worthington Civic Center as a safe, welcoming, modern community resource for generations to come.

We respectfully ask for your consideration through grant funding or partnership in launching a formal fundraising effort. Your investment would support a unique, multifunctional space where education, recreation, wellness, business, and memory all intersect.

We would be honored to meet with you to further discuss this vision and how the Armstrong County Community Foundation can help bring it to reality.

With sincere appreciation,

Warmest regards,
Jacque Shaulis

Secretary for the Worthington West Franklin Joint Parks and Recreation Authority
218 E Main Street
Building A, Suite 1
Worthington, PA 16262
wwfjpra@gmail.com
724-297-3220

Wish updated 06/02/2025
Wish Expires 12/02/2025

If you are a nonprofit interested in submitting information for the grant wish list, please complete the Grant Wish List Request Form and email to jodi@servingtheheart.org or call 724-548-5897 for more information.