Investing in Women and Girls in Central Pennsylvania

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.

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