Author: Erin Ruhl

FCFP is proud to celebrate its 110th birthday in 2026 with the theme “110 Years Bright,” marking more than a century of philanthropy and lasting impact across North Central Pennsylvania.

Founded in 1916, FCFP manages more than 460 funds and has awarded over $100 million in grants to local nonprofits supporting the arts, education, health and human services, environment, and community development.

“For 110 years, FCFP has existed because people believed in investing locally and working together to address community needs,” said Jennifer D. Wilson, President & CEO. “This birthday is not only a time to celebrate our past, but also an opportunity to look ahead and inspire the next generation of philanthropy. Our theme, ‘100 Years Bright,’ reflects the enduring light of generosity that has guided FCFP since its founding.”

In celebration of this milestone, FCFP has set ambitious goals to expand its reach and engagement. The Foundation aims to secure 110 new fund commitments over the next five years, grow annual giving to the Friends of the Foundation Fund, and increase membership in Pearls with a Passion, its all-women’s giving society. FCFP will also participate in “Will Week 2026”, promoting the PA Giving Pledge and encouraging residents to commit at least 5% of their wealth to support nonprofits, with partnering attorneys offering discounted estate planning services.

Wilson added, “Surpassing a record-breaking $180 million in assets under management, our goal is to continue building on our legacy through our fundraising initiatives and grantmaking awards.”

FCFP’s birthday year will also feature special competitive grant programs. Two $110,000 Field of Interest grants will support organizations serving Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties, with two groups of 110 community members invited to help select the two winners. Additionally, Lycoming County Birthday Grants will award multiple $250,000–$500,000 grants to nonprofits serving Lycoming County residents, honoring the Foundation’s roots in Williamsport.

“From fundholders to volunteers, from nonprofit partners to community members, everyone has played a role in shaping FCFP. This birthday is about recognizing that collective effort and looking forward to the next century of impact,” said Wilson.

FCFP will celebrate this milestone with a monumental event on Friday, November 20, 2026, honoring donors, fund holders, current and former board members, community leaders, and special guests. The celebration will reflect on the Foundation’s century-long impact, recognize philanthropic achievements, and highlight plans for continued community support – all under the inspiring theme of ‘110 Years Bright.’

For more information about FCFP’s 110th birthday, fundraising initiatives, and grant opportunities, visit www.fcfpartnership.org/110-years.

FCFP is pleased to announce the addition of two experienced fundraising professionals to its development team. Kristen Lorson and Stephanie Steinbacher have joined the Foundation as Major Gifts Officers, enhancing FCFP’s capacity to connect with donors and advance its mission of creating powerful communities through passionate giving.

Kristen Lorson joins FCFP with more than 12 years of experience in fundraising and donor engagement. She previously served as a Major Gifts Officer at a local health care nonprofit, where she played an integral role in securing gifts from individuals and families whose values aligned with the organization’s mission to improve community health. At FCFP, Kristen supports efforts in major giving, donor cultivation, and stewardship. Her passion for building meaningful relationships will be instrumental in supporting the Foundation’s strategic philanthropic initiatives.

Stephanie Steinbacher, CFRE, brings over 15 years of experience in nonprofit development across a range of sectors, including the performing arts, disaster relief, and health care. As Major Gifts Officer at FCFP, she is dedicated to fostering deeper donor connections and facilitating their support of the causes they care deeply about. Her successful track record serving in mission-driven organizations positions her to meaningfully engage donors in making a lasting impact and advancing the Foundation’s work.

Kristen and Stephanie join Jason McCahan, Director of Major and Planned Gifts, in forming a dynamic and experienced development team. Jason has been helping donors make an impact for more than 20 years. Since joining FCFP in 2014, he has worked closely with individuals and families to fulfill their philanthropic passions by creating permanent charitable funds at the Foundation. His expertise in charitable gift planning and deep understanding of community needs make him a trusted resource for donors seeking to leave a lasting legacy.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kristen and Stephanie to the Foundation,” said Jennifer D. Wilson, President & CEO of FCFP. “Their combined expertise, energy, and commitment to relationship building—alongside Jason’s depth of experience—will be an incredible asset as we continue to grow our impact in the communities we serve.”

FCFP, in collaboration with the Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships, successfully hosted Raise the Region 2025 on March 12-13, generating an impressive $2,327,536 in donations for local nonprofit organizations. This 30-hour online giving event continues to showcase the generosity and philanthropic spirit of communities across Columbia, Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, Tioga, and Union counties.

“Raise the Region continues to celebrate the generosity and giving spirit of our communities,” said Erin Ruhl, Director of Community Engagement at FCFP. “It’s more than an annual fundraiser, it’s a movement. For 30 hours, our communities unite to support local nonprofits and create lasting change. Every donation, big or small, shows the impact we achieve together.”

More than 8,000 donors contributed over 16,330 gifts, benefiting the 375 participating nonprofit organizations. Since its inception in 2013, Raise the Region has collectively raised more than $21.4 million, strengthening countless missions and programs throughout North Central Pennsylvania.

“At the heart of Raise the Region are the donors whose generosity drives its success,” Ruhl added. “We congratulate the record-breaking number of nonprofits that participated and commend their efforts in rallying support from their donors to make a lasting impact.”

In addition to the $1,986,603 in public donations, participating nonprofits received an additional $340,933 in stretch funds and prizes, generously provided by Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships and associate sponsors.  Over 125 nonprofit organizations received prizes from associate sponsors Evergreen Wealth Solutions, First Citizens Community Bank, Larson Design Group, Pennsylvania Skill by Miele Manufacturing, Subaru, Toyota Motor Corporation, UPMC, UPMC Health Plan, and Weis Markets. 

“Raise the Region wouldn’t be possible without the support of our sponsors. Their commitment amplifies every dollar raised, helping nonprofits expand their reach and deepen their impact. A special thank you to our sponsors, your dedication makes a difference, and we are grateful for your continued partnership in strengthening our region,” said Ruhl.

The highly anticipated Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships Grand Prize is awarded to the small, medium, and large nonprofits with the most unique donors throughout the 30-hour period. Each receiving a $5,000 prize is: 4 Paws Sake PA; Cherished Cats & The Scratching Post; and Camp Susque Inc. Other notable prize winners include Friends & Ferals as the top performing first-time participant with the most unique donors.  Carl Armstrong won the Good Samaritan Prize for donating to 64 different organizations, allowing him to direct a $2,000 award to Camp Susque, the nonprofit of his choice.  A complete list of prize and incentive results is available at www.RaiseTheRegion.org.

Reflecting on this year’s impact, Aubrey Alexander of Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships shared: “I’m incredibly proud of the success of Raise the Region 2025. With a strong finish at $2.3 million, this event continues to highlight the remarkable generosity of our community. For 13 years, our donors have been the heart of this effort, creating a lasting impact throughout North Central Pennsylvania. Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships is honored to be part of something so meaningful and inspired by the unwavering local support. We are truly blessed to have such big hearts in this region.”

FCFP recently awarded a total of $339,918 in 112 scholarships to 95 students for the 2024-2025 academic year.  Eligibility and criteria vary by scholarship.  Scholarships were awarded to students graduating from high schools in Bradford, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Sullivan, and Union Counties. Four non-traditional students already enrolled in a college or university also received scholarships to continue their education.

2024 recipients are as follows

Canton Area School District

Carrie Inman, Marian Jones Donaldson Scholarship Fund, $519.00, To Be Confirmed;

Danville Area School District

Ella DeWald, Patton Family Scholarship Fund, $2,872.00, To Be Confirmed;

Ryan Flatley, FCFP Regional Scholarship Fund, $4,000.00, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania;

Conner Geise, T-Ross Brothers Construction, Inc. Scholarship Fund II, $2,500.00, Pennsylvania College of Technology;

Alexis Snover, Chuck Yost Memorial Scholarship Fund, $500.00, Case Western Reserve University;

East Lycoming School District

Sophia Clark, Journey Bank Scholarship Fund, $1,132.25, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania;

Jersey Shore Area School District

Adalyn Bower, Howard M. & Jane F. Thompson Scholarship Fund, $9,481.00, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania;

Robert Lombardi, Jersey Shore High school Class of 1960 Scholarship Fund, $3,000.00, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania;

Arianna Miller, Lindsay M. Entz Memorial Scholarship Fund, $4,929.00, Lock Haven University;

Celia Shemory, Journey Bank Scholarship Fund, $1,132.25, Lock Haven University;

Alyssa Straub, Jersey Shore High school Class of 1960 Scholarship Fund, $3,000.00, To Be Confirmed;

Lewisburg Area School District

Taylor Howarth, Jennie Stackhouse Erdley Memorial Scholarship Fund, $1,501.00, Indiana University of Pennsylvania;

Isabelle Wood, Mary Jo and Donald L. Ritzenthaler Scholarship Fund, $1,779.00, Clarkson University;

Diana Zheng, Bronze Scholarship Fund, $1,000.00, To Be Confirmed;

Loyalsock Township School District

Ethan Nagy, Dr. Wayne F. Rose Scholarship Fund, $1,500.00, Lock Haven University;

Mifflin County School District

Gabriel Colpetzer, Daniel G. Fultz and Helen I. Fultz Scholarship Fund, $2,598.75, Lycoming College;

Elijah Osborne, Daniel G. Fultz and Helen I. Fultz Scholarship Fund, $2,598.75, Lycoming College;

Montgomery Area School District

Brynn Fisher, Robert E. and Judy More Scholarship Fund, $1,000.00, To Be Confirmed;

Haylie Heverly, Christ Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund, $5,037.00 and Robert E. and Judy More Scholarship Fund, $1,000.00, To Be Confirmed;

Angelica Schmidt, Robert E. and Judy More Scholarship Fund, $1,000.00, Penn State University;

Mitchell Schreiber, Robert E. and Judy More Scholarship Fund, $1,000.00, Penn State University;

Gabrielle Segraves, Robert E. and Judy More Scholarship Fund, $1,000.00, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania;

Kyle Segraves, Robert E. and Judy More Scholarship Fund, $1,000.00, To Be Confirmed;

Owen Sherman, Kenneth and Marcia Johnson Scholarship Fund, $1,907.00, University of Central Florida;

Madison Shrimp, Carl & Lucille Jarrett Scholarship Fund, $5,000.00 and Journey Bank Scholarship Fund, $1,132.25, To Be Confirmed;

Miranda Stoner, Shirley Gray Rightmire Scholarship Fund, $7,092.00, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania;

Montoursville Area School District

Anna Baylor, Jordan M. Bower Memorial Scholarship Fund, $500.00, East Carolina University;

Elise Beishline, Monica E. Cox Memorial Scholarship Fund, $660.00, Penn State University;

Natalie Bennett, Carol A. Fry Memorial Scholarship Fund, $4,501.50, Indiana University of Pennsylvania;

Jordyn Brezan, Judy K. Rupert Memorial Scholarship Fund, $400.00, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign;

Emma Cline, Monica M. Weaver Memorial Scholarship Fund, $1,000.00, Montoursville High School Class of 1967 Memorial Scholarship Fund, $1,600.00, and Ruth D. Adams Scholarship Fund, $5,961.00, To Be Confirmed;

Gavin Cott, Kimberly Marie Rogers Memorial Scholarship Fund, $1,132.00, Pennsylvania College of Technology;

Nate Fisher, Anne L. “Annie” Alexander & Blaise Robert “B R” Alexander Memorial Scholarship Fund, $2,681.75, To Be Confirmed;

Benjamin Foster, Jordan M. Bower Memorial Scholarship Fund, $500.00, Judy K. Rupert Memorial Scholarship Fund, $400.00, and Ruth D. Adams Scholarship Fund, $5,961.00, Grove City College;

Aspen Gair, Ruth D. Adams Scholarship Fund, $5,961.00, To Be Confirmed;

Katelyn Good, Mildred E. Kelly Scholarship Fund, $14,325.00, Messiah University;

Marissa Hartland, Carol A. Fry Memorial Scholarship Fund, $4,501.50 and Journey Bank Scholarship Fund, $1,132.25, Saint Francis University;

Maizy Havens, Eleanor M. Wolfson Memorial Scholarship Fund, $872.00 and James “Jimmy” L. Bender IV Memorial Scholarship Fund, $1,000.00, University of Pittsburgh;

Noah Hepler, Area Scholastics Scholarship Fund, $7,842.00, To Be Confirmed;

Kara Holmes, Michelle E. Bohlin Memorial Scholarship Fund, $241.00, University of Pittsburgh;

Jillian Irion, Julia D. Grimm Memorial Scholarship Fund, $2,281.00 and Ruth D. Adams Scholarship Fund, $5,961.00, Penn State University;

Lauren Kremer, Jody Lea Loudenslager Memorial Scholarship Fund, $1,114.00, Bucknell University;

Nyla Kutney, Jessica L. Aikey Memorial Scholarship Fund, $644.00, Penn State University;

Kayla LeFever, Christina Casselberry Hayes Music Scholarship Fund, $10,000.00, Lock Haven University;

Lacey Lepley, Ray R. and Kay E. Harmon Scholarship Fund, $1,000.00, Pennsylvania College of Technology;

Zach McGarvey, Ruth D. Adams Scholarship Fund, $5,961.00, York College;

Riley Nelson, Cheryl L. Nibert Memorial Scholarship Fund, $755.00 and Deborah Ann Dickey Memorial Scholarship Fund, $631.00, To Be Confirmed;

An Nguyen, Larissa Michele Uzupis Memorial Scholarship Fund, $1,486.00, To Be Confirmed;

Melody Rzeszotarski, Wendy Y. Wolfson Memorial Scholarship Fund, $763.00 and William R. Hyman Memorial Scholarship Fund, $1,619.00, To Be Confirmed;

Chase Snyder, Anne L. “Annie” Alexander & Blaise Robert “B R” Alexander Memorial Scholarship Fund, $2,681.75, Marywood University, PA;

Alexa Tira, Tis A Scholarship Fund, $2,525.00, University of Maryland;

Cole Yonkin, Douglas Dickey Memorial Scholarship Fund, $627.00 and John G. Sharp Memorial Scholarship Fund, $1,000.00, Frostburg State University;

Mount Carmel Area School District

Maddox LaMas, Anne L. “Annie” Alexander & Blaise Robert “B R” Alexander Memorial Scholarship Fund, $2,681.75 and Mark D’Angelo Memorial Scholarship Fund, $1,000.00, Delaware Valley;

Nicholas Swaboski, Anne L. “Annie” Alexander & Blaise Robert “B R” Alexander Memorial Scholarship Fund, $2,681.75, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania;

Muncy School District

Noah Confer, Journey Bank Scholarship Fund, $1,132.25, Susquehanna University;

Lacy Eckard, Margaret E. Waldron Memorial Scholarship Fund, $14,000.00 and Ritter Family Scholarship Fund, $1,000.00, Penn State University;

Cassidy Hadzinikolov, Arlene and James Opp and Howard Opp Scholarship Fund, $4,792.00, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania;

Joshua Hill, Muncy Alumni Wrestling Scholarship Fund, $4,062.00, To Be Confirmed;

Sophia Moyer, Muncy Rotary Club Scholarship Fund, $2,000.00, Lock Haven University;

Kaylyn Rice, Kenneth and Sandra Gardner Leadership Scholarship Fund, $1,000.00, Messiah University;

Carter Rogers, Margaret E. Waldron Memorial Scholarship Fund, $14,000.00, Massachusetts Institute of Technology;

Alecteyona Smith, Muncy Scholars Award Fund, $500.00, Lycoming College;

Angelina Youmans, Daniel C. Berninger Memorial Scholarship Fund, $1,200.00, Messiah University;

Patrick  Zalonis, H. Porter Rathmell Scholarship Fund, $8,000.00, Lock Haven University;

South Williamsport Area School District

Lillian Barrett, Nolan W. Feeser Scholarship Fund, $16,375.25, To Be Confirmed;

Lucy Binkley, Arlene and Fred Stahl Scholarship Fund, $1,927.00, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania;

Kayla Galetti, John A. Savoy Scholarship Fund, $2,000.00, Pennsylvania College of Technology;

Brendan Kuriga, Clarabelle S. and Otis F. Williams Jr. Scholarship Fund, $11,000.00, Penn State Behrend;

Matthew Reid, Jane Salansky-Onzik Scholarship Fund, $1,000.00 and Journey Bank Scholarship Fund, $1,132.25, Indiana University of Pennsylvania;

Aubrey Segraves, ISCALC International Scholarship Fund, $2,125.00, Lycoming College;

Sadie Stahl, Ryan D. Jones Memorial Scholarship Fund, $1,106.00, Lycoming College;

Jackson Swinehart, Nolan W. Feeser Scholarship Fund, $16,375.25, Pennsylvania College of Technology;

Sullivan County School District

Benjamin Carpenter, Corey Richmond Memorial Scholarship Fund, $1,154.00, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania;

Mackenzie Insinger, Arey Scholarship Fund, $1,119.00, To Be Confirmed;

Miranda Klein, L. L. Baumunk & Son, Inc. Scholarship Fund, $1,000.00, To Be Confirmed;

Warrior Run School District

Alexis Hudson, Journey Bank Scholarship Fund, $1,132.25, Grove City College;

Lillian Wertz, Ralph and Josephine Smith Scholarship Fund, $20,000.00, Bucknell University;

Williamsport Area School District

Deacon Brown, Gary L. Brown Jr. Legacy Scholarship Fund, $1,000.00, To Be Confirmed;

Olivia Ciabattari, Albert and Alice Nacinovich Music Scholarship Fund, $395.00, To Be Confirmed;

Hannah Hale, Raymond E. Venema Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund, $497.00 and T-Ross Brothers Construction, Inc. Scholarship Fund I, $1,500.00, Pennsylvania College of Technology;

Alaina Henley, Arthur and Trina Harrison Scholarship Fund, $2,324.25, Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania;

Caden Holt, Arthur and Trina Harrison Scholarship Fund, $2,324.25, To Be Confirmed;

Emma Jamison, Williamsport High School Class of 1970 Scholarship Fund, $505.00, Duquesne University,  Robert E. Barbour Scholarship Fund, $2,966.00, Duquesne University;

Michela Peterman, Journey Bank Scholarship Fund, $1,132.25, To Be Confirmed;

Connor Poole, Tom Vargo Scholarship Fund, $500.00, Lehigh University;

Alanna Ramos, Arthur and Trina Harrison Scholarship Fund, $2,324.25, Ithaca College;

Cayden Robertson, H. James Zellers Scholarship Fund, $1,814.50, To Be Confirmed;

Thomas Takach, H. James Zellers Scholarship Fund, $1,814.50, To Be Confirmed;

Jayden Tempesco, Arthur and Trina Harrison Scholarship Fund, $2,324.25, Indiana University of Pennsylvania;

Muireann Tran, Williamsport Area School District, CAG Supporting Momentum Scholarship Fund, $1,051.00, Wesleyan University;

Non-traditional Students

Trent Kline, T-Ross Brothers Construction, Inc. Scholarship Fund II, $2,500.00, Pennsylvania College of Technology;

Reagan Markley, Richard P. Lauchle Forestry Scholarship Fund, $2,387.00, Pennsylvania College of Technology;

Rory Oden, Warren E. “Whitey” Cole A.S.H.E. Scholarship Fund, $2,627.00, Carnegie Mellon University;

Taryn Toner, Benjamin Franklin Fund of the Williamsport Lycoming Foundation, $3,592.00, Pennsylvania College of Technology.

The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP) is pleased to announce the creation of a new designated fund. This fund was created to benefit three nonprofit organizations with specific goals in mind. Donor, Ann M. Weatherill, would like to support the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble to enhance educational outreach programs. The fund will also help support two public libraries; Bloomsburg Public Library and the Public Library for Union County to also enhance the programs, collections, and services available at those libraries.

Ann Weatherill was previously a long-time resident of Columbia County. She was the librarian at Benton Area High School for over thirty years. Ann has also supported the Bloomsburg Public Library and Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble for over thirty-five years. She has belonged to Friends of the Library for a decade now and has helped volunteer at their annual book sales and supported them in their efforts to raise funds for the library’s expansion. Ann also served on the Board of Trustees for the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble for two terms. These days, Ann calls Union County home but since retiring, she spends a lot of her time traveling the world and learning about new places.

This fund is important to Ann as it honors her family. It honors the memory of her parents, Betty and Paul Weatherill, who instilled a love of reading and education in all their children. Ann’s brother taught her to love traveling and learning about diverse cultures and her sisters, along with their families, have shared their love and support with Ann over the years. “The Weatherill Family Fund was established to honor my family and to support these organizations that are important to me,” says donor, Ann M. Weatherill. “I chose to donate through FCFP because I wanted to make a lasting impact on these organizations that I have spent so many years supporting.”

If you have a cause or an organization that ignites your philanthropic passion and would like to make a supportive gift, FCFP is available to make your vision a reality with a permanent fund! Call to schedule a meeting with Jason McCahan, Director of Major & Planned Gifts at 570-321-1500 x11.