Editor’s note: This piece was written by Jennifer Doyle, president and CEO, The Foundation for Enhancing Communities
Philanthropy is one of the greatest forces for good in our communities. It fuels the programs that strengthen neighborhoods, supports scholarships that help students achieve their dreams and powers the local organizations that make South Central Pennsylvania a better place to live.
In our communities, philanthropy looks different for everyone. For some, it means creating a charitable fund. For others, it means volunteering, mentoring or simply lending a helping hand to a neighbor in need. At its best, philanthropy connects us. It gives us purpose, reminds us that we belong to one another and turns compassion into action.
As we celebrate Community Foundation Week and National Philanthropy Day, we take time to recognize that philanthropy is not just for the few who can give large sums of money. It belongs to everyone who offers their support to improve others’ lives. Every act of generosity, no matter the size, creates ripples of impact that can change lives for generations.
Philanthropy often begins with a simple belief that things can be better. As one of our team members, Cindy Sullivan, said, “Philanthropy is important because it bridges gaps and fosters hope. It reminds people of our shared humanity and works to erase dividing lines.” This spirit of connection is at the heart of every grant, every scholarship and every fund that TFEC stewards.
For Stefani McAuliffe, our vice president of community impact, the meaning is clear. “Philanthropy is important because it takes connections and relationships to create a healthy community.” That sense of shared responsibility is what drives our work. When people come together—donors, nonprofits, volunteers and neighbors—lasting change is possible.
We see this same spirit reflected across the many nonprofits that partner with TFEC. Their missions are as varied as the communities they serve, but they share a common truth: philanthropy makes their work possible.
One TFEC nonprofit partner wrote that philanthropy is important because it fills the gaps left by other funding sources and allows their organization to meet the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors. Another said that it gives them the flexibility to respond when their community needs them most. Whether through programs that feed families, mentor youth, protect the environment or expand access to the arts, philanthropy gives organizations the means to serve.
As Celina Bertovic from our team put it, “Philanthropy is vital because it helps close the gap between thriving communities and those struggling with poverty. It strengthens the sense of unity within society and creates opportunities for success.”
Philanthropy is also profoundly personal. It is about aligning what we care about most with the change we want to see. As Jenny Black, a TFEC Team member, shared, “Philanthropy is important because it is a way for people to donate money toward what is important to them in their local community.” When someone gives through TFEC, they choose how to make a difference. Some create scholarships to honor loved ones. Others establish funds that provide steady support to causes important to them. The act of giving adds to the collective effort to build a better region.
For Kirk Demyan, senior executive vice president and CFO, at TFEC, philanthropy “illustrates the collective effort of individuals and communities working together for a common goal, fostering a sense of unity, belonging and trust among people from different backgrounds.” That unity has never been more essential. We face complex challenges, from economic uncertainty to inequity to environmental strain, that no single person or organization can solve alone. But together, we can take meaningful action.
National Philanthropy Day celebrates the countless individuals and organizations who give to strengthen their communities. Community Foundation Week, held each November, honors the collective impact of more than 750 community foundations across the United States. TFEC is proud to be part of that movement, working side by side with donors and nonprofits to build a brighter future for Central Pennsylvania.
At The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, we see the power of philanthropy every day. Last year alone, TFEC received nearly 18,000 contributions totaling more than $14 million. We currently manage over 1,100 funds that offer yearly support to programs in the arts and humanities, community development, education, the environment and health and human services.
Through the generosity of donors and the dedication of our partners, we awarded more than 900 scholarships to local students in 2025 and supported nonprofits throughout Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon, Perry and the Dillsburg area of York County with over $1 million in grants. The impact of these contributions represents lives touched, opportunities created and hope renewed.
As we celebrate Community Foundation Week and National Philanthropy Day, I invite everyone to consider how they can be part of that story. Whether through giving, volunteering or spreading kindness, your participation matters.
Alone we have ideas. Together, we take action.
