Through First Focus, we invite our team and the community to join forces around a key issue. This initiative helps clarify our own efforts—and encourages all of us to advocate for positive change.
Currently on the agenda
Addressing Systemic Racism
In response to a national surge of racist events, we didn’t want to simply make statements. We wanted to take meaningful action. Here’s what FCFP is doing:
Internal Assessment
We’ve taken a close look at ourselves (an ongoing work) by undergoing bias training as a staff. We also diversified our board by adding new voices.
Nonprofit Trainings
After experiencing the benefit to our own team, we decided to offer free bias training (led by a third party) to other area nonprofits.
Listening Sessions
We organize discussions for a cross-section of community members to talk about racism close to home—and what we can do about it.
Updated Application
Our grant application now requests diversity statements. Our funding decisions will prioritize organizations committed to equity.
Equity Academy
We identified 11 nonprofits poised to make a difference and invited them to participate in a free monthly seminar at FCFP.
Community Input
We created a task force of community members with the experience and passion to support our efforts.
Painting for Positive Change
Community Murals
FCFP has taken a vibrant leap into community engagement by fully funding the establishment of three stunning murals, transforming blank walls into canvases of creativity and collaboration. These murals serve not only as eye-catching art pieces but also as powerful platforms for the community to unite, brush in hand, advocating for positive change. Imagine families, friends, and neighbors coming together to splash color on these murals, each stroke symbolizing their hopes and dreams for a brighter future. It’s a delightful blend of artistry and activism, where every painted detail tells a story of resilience, unity, and the collective desire to uplift the community in a truly inspiring way.
Williamsport, PA – “Only Love Can Do That”
Firetree Place Community Center
600 Campbell Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania
Dedicated: December 6, 2021
Project Coordinators: Lynn Estomin and Andrea McDonough
Artist: Kennedy Englert
Milton, PA – “Better Together”
Uptown Dwellings, LLC
Corner of Broadway and South Front Streets
Milton, Pennsylvania
Dedicated: September 8, 2023
Local Leader: Becka Warfel
Project coordinators: Lynn Estomin and Andrea McDonough Varner
Artist: Sara Bordner of Paint by S
Selinsgrove, PA – “commUNITY”
Regional Engagement Center
429 Eighth Street, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania
Dedicated: September 11, 2024
Local Leader: Faye Carlson
Project Coordinators: Lynn Estomin; Andrea McDonough
Artist: Sara Bordner, Paint by S.
Innovation Grant Challenge
Spark Tank
The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania (FCFP) has an exciting opportunity to involve residents in philanthropy and community causes. FCFP has created an Innovation Grant Challenge called “Spark Tank,” designed to build and strengthen communities.
With a current focus on systemic racism, First Focus and the “Spark Tank” are designed to encourage individuals with ideas on advancing or promoting racial equity. We want creative people with big ideas. People with dreams. People that have an idea to make our community better!
Spark Tank is a component of FCFP’s First Focus Project which leverages the Foundation’s leadership platform to address critical issues impacting the quality of life for all members of the community it serves.
Spark Tank is FCFP’s take on the television show ‘Shark Tank’ and is designed to encourage the community to work towards a more equitable society by overcoming obstacles relating to race relations,” said Betty Gilmour, Director of Grantmaking. “If you have an idea, but never had the resources to put your idea into motion, now is your opportunity.
2024 Recipient
Pennsylvania College of Technology Foundation was awarded $25,000 through the Spark Tank grant program for “Lunch and Learns” facilitated by the Special Assistant to the President for Inclusion Transformation Dr. Nathaniel Woods, Jr.
In his application, Dr. Woods mentioned, “diversity training can sometimes lead to reduced diversity when the emphasis is overtly negative or punitive in its messaging, which leads to defensive responses, and feelings of guilt and shame. With these pitfalls in mind, the Lunch and Learn will introduce inclusion topics via the human experience.” His idea is to host a series of Lunch and Learns to bring our community together for meaningful dialogue. Lunch and Learns are informal sessions where people gather over a meal to learn about a specific topic. These sessions will be designed to foster a relaxed and engaging learning environment, and they can be easily adapted to various topics and audiences. They will offer reading materials, and some will even have guest speakers. The idea was born from an event hosted by Dr. Woods during Williamsport’s Juneteenth Celebration in 2023.
The Spark Tank grant dollars will focus on sessions held off the Penn College campus, within the community. “Together, we can make a difference in our communities. By working together to drive inclusion and create an environment where everyone is valued, we can create a lasting impression that will ultimately benefit us all. Let’s work together to foster equity and ensure that our communities are truly educated on inclusive practical steps that can be taken, so that people recognize it and fight for it to be prevalent.” Says Dr. Woods, “A collective effort can bring about positive social change that will help build stronger relationships, better understanding, and a stronger workforce.”
Hi, I’m Jen! First Focus is a top priority – contact me to learn more.
President & CEO
JenniferW@fcfpartnership.org
570.321.1500
We invite other voices
Reach out to us to share ideas and talk solutions.
We’re listening, and we want to help make this community a better—and fairer—place to live.