The Harrison and Muriel Dauer Stackpole Fund has opened its latest grant cycle through the Elk County Community Foundation. Driven by the Stackpole family’s philanthropic legacy, this fund aims to improve quality of life for residents across our region.
The advisory committee is actively seeking applications focused on three key areas: -Fulfilling and supporting basic human needs. -Enhancing education and safe recreation access for marginalized and vulnerable groups (specifically youth, seniors, and special needs individuals). -Boosting overall community well-being through family-centric projects.
Key Details: Application Deadline: October 15, 2026 Eligibility & Portal: Review requirements on the official Elk County Community Foundation Website. (https://www.grantinterface.com/sl/70paTe)
https://elkcountyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/logo-1.svg00Jessica Fritzhttps://elkcountyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/logo-1.svgJessica Fritz2026-09-15 12:57:092026-09-15 12:57:12Opportunity for Elk County organizations:
We are thrilled to share that Agape’ Assembly of God was recently awarded a $3,000 grant to help build a brand-new handicap-accessible ramp, railing, and deck!
This wonderful project is supported by the Harrison and Muriel Dauer Stackpole Family Fund, which is administered by the Elk County Community Foundation.
These funds will directly support the church’s community-focused mission, ensuring its upcoming public events and activities are fully open and accessible to everyone in our area. Thank you to the Stackpole family for continuing to invest in projects that strengthen our community!
https://elkcountyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/logo-1.svg00Jessica Fritzhttps://elkcountyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/logo-1.svgJessica Fritz2026-09-15 12:43:242026-09-15 12:43:27Making our community more accessible for everyone!
Our Executive Director, Tiffany Boschert, recently had the opportunity to visit the Brockway Center for Arts and Technology (BCAT) and meet with Executive Director Derek Hansen to learn more about the incredible programs they are providing right here in our region!
This visit was especially meaningful because donors through the Elk County Community Foundation have supported BCAT in various ways, including helping provide meals for students participating in programming. It was exciting to see firsthand a program that our donors believe in and have been proud to support.
During the visit, Tiffany had the opportunity to speak with educators and students about their experiences and the programs offered at BCAT. She also met two of BCAT’s artists-in-residence! Raia gave her a quick pottery lesson, while Caroline shared the metal arts studio and some of her work. It was a great opportunity to see the creativity and hands-on learning happening at BCAT firsthand.
BCAT offers Certified Clinical Medical Assistant & Phlebotomy and Certified Pharmacy Technology training—all locally in Brockway and at NO COST to students. Even more impressive, these programs have a 100% job placement rate! Through its arts programming, BCAT also gives youth and adults opportunities to explore their creativity and learn new skills. In their after-school program, BCAT offers ceramics and metal arts instruction for students in grades 9-12 at no cost.
BCAT serves individuals throughout Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, Cameron, McKean, Clarion, Armstrong, Forest, Venango, and Potter counties.
Thank you, Derek, for the tour, and to the educators, students, and artists who took the time to share their experiences and work!
Interested in supporting BCAT through the Elk County Community Foundation? Reach out to us! We’d be happy to help connect you with opportunities to support their work.
https://elkcountyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/logo-1.svg00Jessica Fritzhttps://elkcountyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/logo-1.svgJessica Fritz2026-09-10 16:28:572026-09-10 16:29:00Firsthand Look at Impact: Elk County Community Foundation Connects Donors with BCAT Programming
ST. MARYS, PA – What started as a group of friends with a shared love of cars has grown into something much bigger—a group committed to giving back to the community they call home.
The Elk County Cruisers Car Club recently awarded $3,400 in grants from the Elk County Cruisers Car Club Fund, held at the Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF). This year’s funding will benefit the St. Marys Airport Authority, Boys & Girls Club of St. Marys, St. Marys Public Library, Crystal Fire Department, and Christian Food Bank.
Founded in 2010 by a group of friends who love cars, the Elk County Cruisers have turned their hobby into an opportunity to make a difference throughout Elk County. Through car shows, cruise-ins, special events, and other activities, the group raises funds that are put right back into local organizations and community projects.
“The Elk County Cruisers are one of those groups I love to tell others about,” said Tiffany Boschert, Executive Director of the Elk County Community Foundation. “They are a true example of what community impact is all about. They came together because of something they love—their vehicles—and turned that passion into an opportunity to raise money and give back to Elk County. They have fun doing it, they bring people together, and our community benefits from their hard work and generosity.”
The Cruisers’ impact extends beyond their annual grantmaking. They have partnered with local organizations on community projects, including working with the St. Marys Servicemen’s Detail and American Legion Post #103 on the flagpole and veterans’ monument at Shawmut Park. They also helped make possible the installation of a United States Flag Retirement Receptacle in front of American Legion Post #103, providing a convenient and respectful place for the public to retire worn American flags.
In 2025, the Cruisers established a donor-advised fund at ECCF to build upon their charitable efforts and create another way to support local organizations and projects for years to come.
Throughout the year, members participate in car shows, cruise-ins, parades, and other events throughout the region. Their story is a testament to what can happen when people come together around something they enjoy and use that passion to make their community stronger.
Donations of any size to the Elk County Cruisers Car Club Fund are gratefully accepted and help the Cruisers continue supporting charitable organizations and projects throughout Elk County. Donations can be made online at www.elkcountyfoundation.org or mailed to the Elk County Community Foundation, PO Box 934, St. Marys, PA 15857.
The Elk County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, is a nonprofit organization that strives to strengthen the region through development, stewardship, and grantmaking while working with donors to achieve their philanthropic goals.
PHOTO: Representatives from local organizations receiving grants from the Elk County Cruisers Car Club Fund join members of the Elk County Cruisers for a check presentation. Crystal Fire Department: Jeff Smith, Brian Gallagher, Ken Weidow, Richard Gavazzi and Shawn Carlson; St. Marys Public Library: Leslie Swope; Christian Food Bank: Mary Ann Valentine; Boys & Girls Club of St. Marys: Joe Jacob; St. Marys Airport Authority: Seth Hall and Tim Ruffner; Elk County Cruisers: Joe Walker, Andy Hoy and Tim Robinson; and Tiffany Boschert, Executive Director of the Elk County Community Foundation.
https://elkcountyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/logo-1.svg00Jessica Fritzhttps://elkcountyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/logo-1.svgJessica Fritz2026-09-09 09:17:172026-09-09 09:17:20Elk County Cruisers Turn Their Love of Cars into Community Impact
The Elk County Community Fund continues to invest in organizations, volunteers and projects that make a difference in Elk County every day. During its most recent grant cycle, The Elk County Community Fund awarded $18,000 to three local organizations for projects that preserve our history, improve accessibility and enhance community resources.
The Historical Society of St. Marys & Benzinger Township received $6,000 toward the purchase of a ViewScan 5. This technology will assist the Historical Society in its continued work to preserve local history and make historical records and resources more accessible to our community.
American Legion Post 103 was awarded $5,500 for repairs to its public-access handicap ramp. The improvements will help ensure the facility remains accessible to our community for public events and will also support the Legion’s Burial Detail as it continues its important service to local veterans and their families.
The St. Marys Sportsmen’s Club received $6,500 for security and technology enhancements. The improvements will support the organization as it continues providing programs, activities and opportunities for our community.
“These organizations are great examples of the work happening throughout Elk County every day,” said Tiffany Boschert, Executive Director of the Elk County Community Foundation. “So much of what makes our community special comes from local organizations and the people behind them who give their time and energy to serve others. The Elk County Community Fund gives us an opportunity to support that work and help make important local projects possible.
PHOTO: Representatives from the three organizations awarded grants through The Elk County Community Fund’s July grant cycle were presented with grant checks by the Elk County Community Foundation. Pictured are Fred Fritz, St. Marys Sportsmen’s Club; Elk County Community Fund Committee members John Mulcahy, Fritz Lecker, Jeff Marzella; and Tim Smith, Commander, American Legion Post 103 (back row); Marcia Bleggi, Jill Cyphert and Barb Samick, Historical Society of St. Marys & Benzinger Township and ECCF Executive Director Tiffany Boschert (front row).
https://elkcountyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/logo-1.svg00Jessica Fritzhttps://elkcountyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/logo-1.svgJessica Fritz2026-09-03 14:04:162026-09-03 15:02:07The Elk County Community Fund Awards $18,000 to Local Organizations
