Investing in Women and Girls in Central Pennsylvania

The Fund for Women and Girls Awards Over $70,000 to Local Nonprofits to
Strengthen Our Community
Nonprofits serving women and girls across South Central Pennsylvania have received
vital funding to strengthen programs made possible through the generosity of local
donors.
The Fund for Women & Girls, a special initiative of The Foundation for Enhancing
Communities (TFEC), awarded over $70,000 in August 2025 to eight organizations that
will expand access to healthcare, provide safe housing and create opportunities for
women and girls to build confidence and leadership skills. Over the last 25 years, the
Fund for Women & Girls has been a steady force for positive change in the region.
Working with local nonprofits, the Fund has helped women and girls take steps toward
safety, health and self-sufficiency. That work might mean helping a mother and her
children move into stable housing, connecting someone with medical care that had once
been out of reach or giving a young woman the tools to pursue her education. Each
grant meets an immediate need while creating momentum for lasting change in the
community.
“Every one of these grants represents a direct investment in the future of our
community,” said Erin Gilbert, philanthropic officer at TFEC. “When women and girls
have the resources and opportunities they need, they build stronger communities. They
contribute to the local economy. They inspire the next generation.”
Since its founding in 2000, the Fund has awarded more than $650,000 to programs that
have served over 20,000 women in South Central Pennsylvania. This milestone year is
also a rallying point for the future. TFEC is working to grow the Fund’s endowment to $1
million, which will allow more than $1.5 million to be returned to the community over the
next 25 years.
2025 Fund for Women & Girls Grantees
Blue Mountain Escape provides housing, basic needs and workforce
development support for women reentering the community from incarceration or
treatment, helping them build stability and independence.
Brethren Housing Association offers transitional housing, case management
and life skills training to single mothers and their children, supporting their path
from homelessness to permanent housing.

Cumberland Valley Breast Care Alliance removes barriers to breast cancer
screening through the MammaGift Project, which offers free mammograms and
follow-up care for uninsured or underinsured women.
Family Promise of Harrisburg Capital Region provides shelter, meals and
essential services to families experiencing homelessness while helping women
achieve their financial and housing goals.
Girls on the Run Mid State PA combines physical activity with life skills
education, mentoring and confidence-building programs for girls in grades 3
through 8.
Healthy Steps Diaper Bank distributes diapers and period products to families
in need, addressing essential health and dignity needs for women and their
families.
LGBT Center of Central PA supports GLO Harrisburg, a safe space for
LGBTQ+ youth and young adults of color, especially women and girls, with
programs to promote health, safety and community connection.
YWCA Carlisle & Cumberland County provides free crisis support, counseling
and advocacy for survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking, along with
prevention education in schools.
One Million Strong
“When we reach our $1 million endowment goal, we will return more than $1.5 million to
the community over the next 25 years,” Gilbert said. “That level of sustained funding will
transform lives and ensure that thousands more women and girls in South Central
Pennsylvania have the opportunities and resources they deserve.”
The Fund for Women & Girls invites the community to be part of shaping the next 25
years of impact. Learn more at www.tfec.org/fwg. To support this critical endeavor, join
the Dream Team today and help us reach the $1 million goal. Then, please stand with
us in celebration at the 25th Anniversary event on Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, from 11:30 a.m.
to 2 p.m. at Hershey Lodge, 325 University Drive, Hershey, PA. Registration closes
Friday, Oct. 10.
Alone, we have ideas. Together we take action.