On a crisp morning in Westmoreland County, the hum of community life was in full swing. Business owners, local leaders, and nonprofit champions gathered at the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce for an important announcement: The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County (CFWC) had been named Nonprofit of the Month.
For more than a decade, CFWC has stood as a beacon of philanthropy and community development, channeling resources where they are needed most. The foundation’s journey took a transformative step in 2015 when it officially merged with The Pittsburgh Foundation. This partnership ushered in a new era of collaboration, offering donors lower fees and ensuring that a greater portion of funds went directly toward grantmaking. Today, CFWC oversees nearly 200 funds valued at $21 million and has distributed more than $14 million to local nonprofit organizations.
At the heart of CFWC’s mission is the belief that donors should have direct access to expert guidance in grantmaking, financial management, and philanthropy. Whether someone grew up in Westmoreland County, built a business there, or simply appreciated its charm, CFWC offered an avenue to create lasting impact.
One of the foundation’s most impactful initiatives is its commitment to nonprofit leadership development. Through a variety of workshops and training programs, CFWC equips local leaders with the knowledge and resources they need to serve their communities effectively. These initiatives feature insights from both local and national experts, fostering a culture of growth and innovation within the nonprofit sector.
Advocacy is another pillar of CFWC’s mission. By working closely with local government and civic leaders, the foundation champions policies that support nonprofits and the vulnerable populations they serve. McCrae Martino, Executive Director of CFWC since 2021, has played a crucial role in these efforts. With over 20 years of experience in nonprofit management, her leadership has strengthened grantmaking efforts and expanded networking opportunities for local organizations.
Under Martino’s leadership, CFWC has secured crucial funding for workforce development, emergency shelters, and financial transparency initiatives. Her dedication to the community extends beyond the office—whether she’s advocating for nonprofit funding, camping with her family, or riding dirt bikes with her children in Murrysville, she embodies the spirit of Westmoreland County.
As part of The Pittsburgh Foundation, CFWC provides a suite of donor services that includes financial updates, educational events, and grantmaking expertise. Its WestCo Nonprofit Network further supports professionals through networking events, advocacy efforts, and specialized grant opportunities.
Looking ahead to 2025, CFWC’s funding priorities will focus on revitalizing communities and promoting public health initiatives. With a strong emphasis on research and needs assessments, the foundation is ensuring its grantmaking remains impactful and responsive to community needs.
The recognition of CFWC as Nonprofit of the Month is more than just an accolade—it is a testament to the foundation’s unwavering dedication to Westmoreland County. Through strategic grantmaking, advocacy, and nonprofit support, CFWC is not just shaping the present but ensuring a thriving future for generations to come.
