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South Central PA Residents Invited to Spark Change Through Community Contest

CVBA is a partnership between the Chambersburg and Greencastle-Antrim chambers of commerce.

Offer Valid: 09/14/2025 - 12/31/2025
Residents of South Central Pennsylvania now have the chance to turn their passion into lasting impact through SPARK!, a community contest from the Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) that proves everyone can be a changemaker.

“Philanthropy isn’t just for a select few. It belongs to everyone who cares about their community,” said Jennifer Doyle, President and CEO of TFEC. “SPARK! is about turning passion into action. By sharing your idea, you can spark change that grows far beyond one person. With the power of collective giving, your vision can become a permanent $10,000 fund supporting nonprofits right here in our region. Together, we create something bigger than any one person could achieve.”

SPARK! invites individuals across Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon and Perry counties, along with the Dillsburg area, to submit an idea for a cause they are passionate about. Unlike traditional grant programs, SPARK! is not about organizations applying for funding. It is about people stepping forward to define the issues that matter most in their community.

The winning idea will become a permanent $10,000 area of interest fund at The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC). This endowment will provide grants to nonprofits that address the chosen cause, ensuring that one person’s vision creates lasting change in the community.

Past SPARK! winners show how one idea can grow into lasting impact. The previous winning cause focused on youth ballet, recognizing that children in South Central Pennsylvania needed more access to the arts. From that idea, and with the support of the community, youth ballet now has another financial advocate in the region.

This year, participants can bring forward new causes they care about. From after-school programs to early learning literacy initiatives, animal welfare to entrepreneurial tools, the stage is set for someone to spark change.
 
Timeline to Participate
  • Sept. 15 through Oct. 8: Individuals submit their cause at www.tfec.org/spark
  • Oct. 13 through Oct. 26: Public voting on all eligible ideas
  • Nov. 3 through Nov. 16: Final voting on the top five causes
  • December: Winner announced
SPARK! encourages broad participation by giving every resident the chance to submit, vote and rally support. By focusing on causes rather than nonprofits, the contest demonstrates that philanthropy is accessible to everyone and that collective giving has the power to create lasting impact.

For more information and to submit an idea, visit www.tfec.org/spark.
 

This Member News/Hot Deal is promoted by Cumberland Valley Business Alliance.

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