(York, PA, April 7, 2026) The York County Community Foundation (YCCF) is excited to announce the first-round of its 2026 grant awards totaling $626,242 to thirty-four nonprofit organizations across York County that are driving meaningful, lasting change. Through strategic investments in housing, health, education, workforce development, environmental stewardship, and community connection, these grants reflect YCCF’s commitment to ensuring that every person in York County has the opportunity to thrive.
Four committees comprised of 38 community volunteers helped evaluate nearly one hundred grant applications before recommending the thirty-six grants to YCCF’s Board of Directors. These grants will support innovative programs and essential services that address our community’s most pressing needs—while also building momentum for a stronger, more vibrant future. From expanding access to early childhood education and workforce training to protecting natural resources and strengthening support systems for vulnerable populations, YCCF and its donors continue to champion solutions that make York County a better place for everyone.
“Each of these grants represents the power of community—neighbors investing in neighbors to create real, lasting impact,” said Natalee Gunderson, President & CEO of YCCF. “We are proud to partner with these 34 organizations that are meeting the critical needs of today, while also working collaboratively to build a stronger, more resilient York County for the future.”
THRIVE Grant Recipients – Funded by the Fund for York County, Fund for Greater Hanover, Children’s Program Fund, Nonprofit Management Assistance Fund, and the Beautiful York Fund.
United Way of York County received $50,000 for its Early Childhood Education Scholarships Program. This program increases access to affordable, quality childcare for low‑income families to help parents maintain steady employment.
Servants Inc. received $40,000 for its York City Critical Home Repair Initiative Project. This project provides urgent home repairs and accessibility modifications for low‑income homeowners in York City, particularly older adults, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
York Builders Association Workforce NOW Foundation Inc. received $33,000 for its York County Construction Skills Partnership program. This initiative brings together industry and community partners to assess workforce needs and develop data‑driven training strategies that strengthen and expand career pathways in York County’s construction sector.
Bell Socialization Services received $25,000 for its Extended Shelter Stay: A Lifeline for Homeless Families Program. This program provides extended emergency shelter stays beyond 30 nights for families experiencing homelessness.
Community Progress Council, Inc. received $25,000 to expand CPC’s Housing Counseling Program by streamlining services, expanding outreach, and better supporting York County residents on the path to homeownership.
New Hope Ministries received $25,000 for its York County Workforce Development and Stability Program. This program helps low‑income individuals secure family‑sustaining employment by providing personalized coaching, job training in high‑demand fields, and critical supports like transportation and childcare to overcome barriers to employment.
White Rose Leadership Institute received $25,000 to create a $25,000 Stretch Pool for YCCF Agency Fund Holders participating in Give Local York.
York Day Early Learning received $25,000 for its Twilight Care Support Program. This program expands access to safe, high-quality, 24‑hour childcare by providing nurturing, developmentally appropriate evening and overnight care for children of families working second and third‑shift schedules.
York Fresh Food Farms received $18,252 for its FarmWorks Employment Initiative. This program with Oasis House creates employment opportunities for adults with mental health challenges while filling labor needs at the farm and helping participants progress toward independent, competitive employment.
Prodigy Spectrum Management Plus received $15,000 for its Veteran Supportive Housing Expansion Project. This initiative strengthens the organization’s financial, governance, and decision‑making systems to ensure responsible, data‑driven growth and readiness for future expansion of supportive housing for veterans.
The Grotto Community Center received $15,000 for its Creative Workforce and Economic Mobility Program. This program provides hands‑on training, mentorship, and income‑earning opportunities in the creative arts to help York County residents—especially low‑income individuals, teens, and emerging artists—build marketable skills and pathways into the creative economy.
Children’s Aid Society received $10,000 for Scholarships for Early Childhood Education. These scholarships will help families afford high‑quality early education at the Werner Early Learning Childcare Center.
Historic Prospect Hill Cemetery Heritage Foundation received $10,000 to replace the fence at Potter’s Field with a historically appropriate iron fence and accessible gate. A new fence will help restore dignity, improve safety, and honor the site’s significance through respectful preservation.
Off The Streets York received $10,000 for Expanding Housing for Homeless Families. This program supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness by removing financial barriers to housing through security deposits, furnishings, and moving assistance, and helps them transition into safe, stable homes in York County.
York County Alliance for Learning received $10,000 for its Student Career Exploration and Career Development Programs. These programs connect high school students with local businesses to explore career options, gain hands‑on skills, and build the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about their future education and employment paths.
York County Food Bank received $10,000 for the Market at Princess Street, an innovative community initiative designed to address food insecurity and improve the overall health and well-being of residents in York and its surrounding communities.
York County History Center received $10,000 for repairs to the Colonial Courthouse. This project strengthens the York County History Center’s educational and operational capacity by restoring the historic fence and upgrading essential equipment and software.
LegUp Farm, Inc. received $8,000 for Strategic Transition Coordinator Support as the organization initiates collaborative partnerships to improve its operating model for long-term sustainability.
Rainbow Rose Center received $5,200 for its Together We Thrive: Pride Youth & Family Program. This multi‑generational LGBTQ+ support program expands affirming social, wellness, and connection opportunities by strengthening existing groups and creating new inclusive spaces where participants can build community, belonging, and mutual support.
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.
Embracing Aging Grant Recipients – Funded by the Hahn Home Fund for Embracing Aging.
LifePath Christian Ministries received $74,990 for Comfort and Care for Older Adults. This grant supports the health, safety, and dignity of adults age 55 and older experiencing homelessness by providing essential physical, nutritional, medical, and comfort resources within our shelter.
Servants Inc. received $40,000 for its York City Critical Home Repair Initiative Project. This project provides urgent home repairs and accessibility modifications for low‑income homeowners in York City—particularly older adults, veterans, and individuals with disabilities—helping them remain safe, healthy, and independent in their homes while strengthening neighborhood stability.
Springettsbury Township received $10,000 for improvements to Rockburn Park’s age-friendly paved, wide walking trails.
York Jewish Community Center received $4,200 for Enhancing Access and Engagement for Older Adults. This initiative will enhance engagement programs, improve transportation access, introduce intergenerational technology support, and offer responsive arts, grief, and social opportunities shaped by participant input.
Shadowfax Corporation received $4,000 for Fitness Equipment for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. This expansion strengthens health, independence, and community participation for adults with intellectual disabilities and autism by enhancing inclusive, on‑site fitness programming that supports employment readiness and overall well‑being.
White Rose Leadership Institute received $3,000 towards a stretch pool for organizations participating in Give Local York that serve older adults.
Dillsburg Senior Activity Center received $2,200 for exterior renovations. The project improves building safety and accessibility through essential exterior repairs, painting, and upgrades to entrances, including ramps, railings, and concrete fixes.
Environmental Grant Recipients – Funded by Sustainable Energy Program Fund and Codorus Watershed Program Fund.
Partnership for Economic Development of York County received $25,000 for its Codorus Greenway Project, a future 1.4-mile trail through the city’s downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association received $20,000 for The Greener Codorus Initiative. By chopping vegetation along the creek in downtown York, the banks of the Codorus Creek can be “greener” without the need for spraying herbicides.
Watershed Alliance of York received $17,900 for its Myers Mill Dam Removal Design and Permitting Project. This project will improve public safety and restore the Codorus Creek to a free‑flowing, healthy ecosystem by completing the design and permitting needed to remove an obsolete dam, reconnect fish habitat, and eliminate a known safety hazard.
Newberry Township received $9,000 for Lighting Replacement at Terry Dolan Memorial Park. Improved lighting will provide a safer experience for parkgoers.
Eichelberger Performing Arts Center received $5,000 for an LED Lighting System. The project upgrades the Eichelberger Performing Arts Center’s lighting to a modern LED system to improve performance quality, safety, energy efficiency, and long‑term sustainability.
Racial Equity Fund Grant Recipients
YMCA of the Roses received $15,000 for its New American Welcome Center. The Center provides comprehensive, community‑based support for immigrants, refugees, and newcomers in York County by offering language education, employment assistance, health and wellness resources, and guidance with civic, legal, and daily‑living needs to help families successfully build new lives in the community.
Latinos Unidos of York received $10,000 for its Ambassador Program. This program mobilizes trained community volunteers to serve as cultural connectors and advocates, strengthening cross-cultural understanding and civic engagement between Latino and non-Latino residents across York County.
York Art Association received $10,000 for its Bilingual Art Programming. This program expands equitable access to arts education by offering Spanish–English classes and culturally responsive workshops that engage Latino youth, adults, and families in inclusive, creative learning experiences.
Appell Center for the Performing Arts received $1,500 for its Hispanic Heritage Film Series. To commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, the Appell Center collaborates with three prominent York County community members who self-identify as Hispanic to curate an exclusive film series to be screened in the historic Capitol Theatre. The three films chosen have particular significance to each curator due to its relevance to Hispanic culture.
Pictures of grant recipients:
