NEW BLOOMFIELD, Pa. – The Perry County Community Foundation (PCCF), established in 1987 to support the county’s long-term success, has granted $29,171 to 12 nonprofits. These funds will help local families, children and seniors with home repairs, youth activity and access to healthy food.
“These nonprofits provide vital services that strengthen our community,” said PCCF Advisory Committee Chair Lauren Tressler. “We’re proud to invest in their work because every step toward a healthier, more supportive Perry County matters.”
A recent community needs study from The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) shows that 9% of residents live in poverty, 13.4% of children face food insecurity, and an increasing number of households are experiencing housing cost burdens. These grants aim to help groups tackle the region’s most significant challenges and support the community members facing these difficulties, from offering home repairs to expanding youth education and the arts.
“We rely on the Perry County community advisory committee’s local knowledge, so these grants reach neighbors who need help the most,” said Emi Boz, philanthropic officer at TFEC. “Local voices guide our grant decisions and make a real difference.”
Each supported nonprofit fills a unique gap in the area, focusing on education, safety, health or community enrichment:
Girls on the Run Mid State PA
Grant funds will support after-school programs and summer camp for 175 girls in Perry County. Girls will build confidence, learn life skills and complete a 5K. Funds will also provide gear and supplies so all girls can join, no matter their family’s income.
Girls on the Run Mid State PA website
Harrisburg Symphony Association
Grant funds will help cover the costs of a free outdoor concert in Millerstown. The event, which brings live symphony music to Perry County, is part of a more extensive summer series that serves communities across Central PA.
Harrisburg Symphony Association website
Rebuilding Together Greater Harrisburg
Grant funds will be used to make critical home repairs for low-income and disabled residents in Perry County, including roof replacement, water heater installation and safety modifications. Volunteers and local contractors will help complete the work.
Rebuilding Together Greater Harrisburg website
Junior Achievement of South Central PA
Grant funds will be used to provide materials and supplies for free Junior Achievement programs in Perry County schools. These programs teach students about money, jobs and science through hands-on learning and real-world activities.
Junior Achievement of South Central PA website
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA
Grant funds will provide free overnight stays for Perry County families with a critically ill child at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, helping them stay close and focused on their child’s care.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA website
Perry County Council of the Arts
Grant funds will support an open studio program at Landis House, offering art supplies, workshops and outdoor painting experiences to inspire creativity and connect the Perry County community through the arts.
Perry County Council of the Arts website
Rye Township Community Association
Grant funds will be used to replace the aging pavilion roof at Rye Community Park, helping preserve the township’s only public park. The project will ensure continued use by local families, renters and nature school programs.
Rye Township Community Association website
Perry County Literacy Council
Grant funds will be used to create an interactive “Basics Trail” in New Bloomfield’s Community Park, featuring educational signs, art and a Little Free Library. The trail will help young children learn through play and support early childhood development.
Perry County Literacy Council website
Friends of Clarks Ferry Tavern
Grant funds will be used to support exhibit planning, website and newsletter updates and insurance costs for the historic Clarks Ferry Tavern in Duncannon. These efforts help preserve local history and welcome visitors, students and trail users year-round.
Friends of Clarks Ferry Tavern website
Newport Assembly of God Church
Grant funds will be used to install a donated walk-in freezer and upgrade the electrical service at the downtown pantry. This work will support food distribution to over 3,000 people monthly in Perry and Juniata Counties and beyond.
Newport Assembly of God Church website
Watts-Buffalo Community Center
Grant funds will be used to install new flooring in the meeting room and kitchen, improving safety and cleanliness in the center’s most-used areas. The center hosts public meetings, family events and fundraisers year-round.
Watts-Buffalo Community Center website
Join Hands Ministry
Grant funds will support underserved youth in Perry County through extracurricular cost assistance, hands-on STEM workshops and college and career readiness programs. The goal is to give students the tools they need to succeed in school and beyond.
“Grant giving is a cornerstone of TFEC’s commitment to create hope and possibility,” said Caitlin Cluck, director of community investment at TFEC. “When we team up with local nonprofits, we see real change for families and businesses across Perry County.”
PCCF welcomes donations from anyone who wants to support future grants. Gifts create permanent funds that help local nonprofits thrive for generations to come. Since its founding, PCCF has awarded more than $290,000 to the Perry County community. To learn more about giving or to donate, visit tfec.org/pccf.
