(York, PA, April 14, 2026) – The York County Community Foundation (YCCF) is proud to announce twenty-three grants totaling $239,780 to twenty-one local nonprofits. This round of grant funding is made possible through 11 donor-established funds dedicated to advancing the causes they care about.
These grants support a diverse group of nonprofit organizations across York County, funding impactful initiatives in education, housing, health, the arts, and services for individuals and families in need. From expanding environmental literacy in local schools and strengthening pathways to homeownership, to increasing access to food, healthcare, and cultural programming, each investment reflects a shared commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive community.
“These grant awards are a powerful reflection of what’s possible when community needs and opportunities align with donor passions,” said Natalee Gunderson, President & CEO of YCCF. “The donors trusted YCCF to address challenges and support community opportunities with these funds, and we are so honored to steward those intents through these grants. Together, helping York County thrive for generations to come.”
The following Field of Interest grant recipients are funded through a variety of funds held at York County Community Foundation.
AIDS Fund Grant Recipient
Family First Health received $3,400 for the Caring Together HIV/AIDS Program. This program supports York County residents living with HIV or AIDS with free HIV testing, community education, and participant‑guided programming that ensures responsive, compassionate care.
Arts & Culture Program Fund Recipient
Cultural Alliance of York County received $1,000 for the York City Poet Laureate Honorarium.
Charlotte R. Langione Fund Recipient
Dillsburg Arts and Revitalization Council received $2,271 for the Dillsburg Semiquincentennial Celebrations – Highlighting Our History Program. The project creates interactive, traveling exhibits, and programs to honor the 2026 Semiquincentennial.
Doris E. Schwartz Fund for Education Grant Recipients
Red Lion Area School District received $61,000 for Environmental Literacy & Sustainability Standards – Community Approach Program. This partnership between Red Lion Area School District and the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association advances environmental literacy by connecting classroom learning to hands‑on, community‑based experiences where students investigate local environmental issues and take action to create sustainable solutions.
Leadership York received $10,000 for CONNECT: A Training Program for Youth Success. This program equips York County professionals who work with children with essential leadership skills and tools.
Wee Connect Early Learning Center received $10,000 for the Building Strong Starts: Behavior & Development Support Program. This program strengthens inclusive early childhood education by embedding a Developmental Behavior Specialist in classrooms to coach educators, support families, and improve developmental and behavioral outcomes for all children.
Douglas and Lorie Sheaffer Housing Fund Grant Recipient
Community Progress Council, Inc. received $8,000 for the Pathways to Homeownership program. A collaborative program between York Habitat for Humanity and Community Progress Council that provides housing counseling and education to prepare prospective Habitat homeowners for successful, sustainable homeownership.
Fund for Greater Hanover Grant Recipient
YWCA Hanover received $5,000 for its STEAM Program which provides low or no cost, hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics learning experiences for students in grades 1–7. Partnering with local businesses and nonprofits to spark curiosity, build critical thinking skills, and expand access to emerging technologies.
Borough of Hanover received $7,500 for its Public Safety Building – Wayfinding Signage Project.
Jeffrey D. Myers LGBTQ+ Fund Recipient
Rainbow Rose Center received $800 for the Together We Thrive: Pride Youth & Family Program. This multi‑generational LGBTQ+ support program expands affirming social, wellness, and connection opportunities for children, youth, teens, and families by strengthening existing groups and creating new inclusive spaces where participants can build community, belonging, and mutual support.
Mabel Slifer Funds for People and Animals in Need Grant Recipients
York County SPCA received $24,000 for the Second Chance Initiative: Supporting Abused and Neglected Animals. The Second Chance Program rescues and rehabilitates abused and neglected animals by providing comprehensive veterinary care, proper nutrition, and compassionate support to help them heal, regain trust, and transition into loving permanent homes.
Parish Resource Center received $20,000 to expand the Pennsylvania Immigration Advocacy Clinic to offer free, weekly immigration legal services in York City. This program will help immigrant families access justice, maintain stability, and fully participate in community life through accessible legal aid and local partnerships.
Power Packs Project received $10,000 to expand the Child Food Insecurity Reduction Program. This program ensures children in York County have reliable weekend and supplemental meals.
West Shore Wildlife Center received $4,100 for its Wildlife Diagnostics and Medical Care Capacity Program. This project strengthens West Shore Wildlife Center’s medical capacity by adding advanced, on‑site diagnostic and treatment tools that enable faster, more effective care and improved outcomes for injured and ill native wildlife.
Women’s Care Center received $2,680 for its Connecting Families to Digital Assistance Program. This program equips families with laptops and mobile workstations so bilingual counselors can help clients overcome technology barriers and successfully apply for education, employment, healthcare, housing, and assistance programs that support long‑term stability and self‑sufficiency.
Shining Stars Therapeutic Riding Program Inc. received $2,500 for its Equine Connection Program. This program provides inclusive, unmounted, relationship‑based experiences with horses that promote emotional well‑being, self‑awareness, and social connection for participants of all ages and abilities, with expanded capacity to meet growing community demand.
White Rose Leadership Institutes received $2,000 for Give Local York 2026, funding awards to participating organizations providing services to people in need.
The Bob Hoffman Sports and Fitness Fund Grant Recipients
Training Leaders Through Athletics received $35,000 for its Everyday Champions – Student Leadership Development Program to purchase fitness equipment.
Lincolnway SportCenter received $16,750 for its York Golden Fists Fitness Challenge Program. This Initiative brings together participants ages 15–55+ in a multigenerational boxing program that promotes lifelong fitness, respect, discipline, and kindness while fostering mentorship, community connection, and opportunities for local and sanctioned competition.
York Jewish Community Center received $4,250 for its Youth Fitness & Wellness Access Initiative. This program enhances safe, inclusive fitness opportunities for children and teens at the York JCC by upgrading youth equipment, expanding skill‑building programs, and creating welcoming wellness spaces that promote physical health, confidence, and social connection for youth across York County.
White Rose Leadership Institute received $2,000 for Give Local York 2026, funding awards to participating nonprofits in the sports and fitness category.
Walter B. Loucks-Michael Alan Bose Arts Fund Recipients
York Art Association received $6,500 for Classroom Expansion Project. This project equips newly added studio spaces with essential furnishings and technology to meet growing demand and ensure safe, modern, and accessible visual arts education for youth, adults, and seniors in the community.
Dillsburg Arts & Revitalization Council received $1,029 for the Semiquincentennial Celebrations – Highlighting Our History Program. The project creates interactive, traveling exhibits, and programs to honor the 2026 Semiquincentennial.
York County Community Foundation creates a vibrant York County by engaging donors, providing community leadership, and investing in high-impact initiatives while building endowments for future generations. The Community Foundation holds over 700 endowed funds and assists donors and nonprofits in reaching their charitable goals. York County Community Foundation granted $12 million in 2025 throughout York County and beyond, and stewards approximately $254 million in assets. For more information, please visit www.yccf.org.
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Pictures of grant recipients:
