More than $288,000 in grants will support nonprofit organizations working to meet Franklin County residents’ needs and strengthen communities across the county.
The Franklin County Community Fund, Palmer Family Foundation Fund and Harold L. and Dolores K. Brake Legacy Fund made 28 grant awards totaling $288,156.58 in 2026.
The organizations and their work were celebrated Sept. 17 during the Franklin County Community Foundation’s annual celebration, which brought together nonprofit leaders and community supporters.
“It was an inspiring evening filled with community connection, meaningful conversations, and a shared appreciation for the people and organizations making Franklin County a stronger place to live, work and give,” said Liz Denlea, chair of the Franklin County Community Foundation Advisory Committee.
People are also reading…
Franklin County Community Foundation
The Franklin County Community Foundation awarded $97,872 to 18 nonprofit organizations. The grants support programs and services that respond to needs across Franklin County and improve quality of life for residents.
2026 recipients are:
- Alexander Hamilton Memorial Free Library
- Children’s Aid Society, Southern District Church of the Brethren
- Cumberland Valley Breast Care Alliance Inc.
- Cumberland Valley School of Music
- Diaper Depot Central
- Fannett-Metal Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Company
- Friends of Fannett-Metal Athletics
- Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County
- Mission Central Inc.
- Peyton Walker Foundation
- RCI Committee Inc.
- Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA
- Setebaid Services Inc.
- TrueNorth Wellness Services
- Waynesboro Area YMCA
- Waynesboro Community & Human Services
- Waynesboro New Hope Shelter Inc.
- West End Fire & Rescue Co. No. 3
Palmer Family Foundation Fund
The Palmer Family Foundation Fund awarded $65,284.58 to seven nonprofit organizations supporting visual and performing arts in Franklin County.
Recipients are:
- Capitol Theatre Center Foundation
- Chambersburg Ballet Guild
- Chambersburg Community Theatre Inc.
- Cumberland Valley School of Music
- Downtown Chambersburg Inc.
- Franklin County Historical Society, Kittochtinny
- Totem Pole Playhouse
Harold L. and Dolores K. Brake Legacy Fund
The Harold L. and Dolores K. Brake Legacy Fund awarded $125,000 to three organizations for projects serving St. Thomas, Peters and Hamilton townships.
Boy Scout Troop 370/Detrich-Brechbill St. Thomas American Legion Post No. 612 received $15,000 to support scouts attending the Sea Base High Adventure program in the Florida Keys.
Franklin County Library System received $35,000 to replace its aging Book Buggy, a mobile library that brings books, story times and literacy resources to children at childcare centers throughout the county.
Franklin Fire Co. received $75,000 toward replacing aging fire engines that serve Hamilton, Peters and St. Thomas townships.
Together, the grants show how local philanthropy can give nonprofits the resources to meet current needs while creating opportunities that strengthen Franklin County for the future.
“This is the power of community philanthropy: people choosing to invest in the place they call home and local organizations having the resources to respond to the needs they see every day,” said Jennifer Doyle, president and CEO of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities. “For anyone who wants to make a difference in Franklin County, TFEC can help connect that generosity with the causes and organizations that matter most to them.”
Individuals interested in learning more about the Franklin County Community Foundation or ways to support charitable work in Franklin County can visit tfec.org/fccf or contact Erin Gilbert, philanthropic officer at TFEC, at 717-236-5040.
