EIGHTY FOUR, Pa. – In response to recent events and growing community need, the Washington County Community Foundation (WCCF) has launched a $250,000 fundraising campaign to garner support for its Close to Home Disaster & Emergency Fund to match a $250,000 anchor gift from an anonymous donor.
The Close to Home Disaster & Emergency Fund exists to provide grants to human service organizations in Washington County in a coordinated and strategic manner to help alleviate suffering caused by disaster or emergency (such as natural disasters, public health emergencies, economic disruptions, and other situations creating sudden, severe community need).
More than $740,000 was issued from the fund in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Then, in November 2025, a new crisis emerged.
The prolonged state and federal budget impasse created an acute emergency in Washington County. With government funding frozen and community needs rising sharply, the Foundation deployed $23,500 in Close to Home Disaster & Emergency Fund grants to Food Helpers, the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank (supporting Washington County food pantries), the Southwestern Pennsylvania Area Agency on Aging, and AMI to help sustain emergency food assistance efforts.
While these grants provided short-term relief, they also underscored a critical gap in available emergency resources and the need for expanded community investment in disaster readiness.
“True community leadership begins with accountability. Every Trustee has made a personal gift to the Close to Home campaign, and we are proud to stand unanimously behind it. Thanks to enthusiastic support from our Board and early donors, the WCCF has already surpassed the halfway mark toward its $250,000 goal. Now, we turn to the broader community with confidence and urgency: the need is real, the moment is now, and every gift matters,” said Michael S. Anderson, WCCF Chairman.
Community members are encouraged to contribute to the Close to Home Disaster & Emergency Fund to help ensure Washington County is prepared to respond when emergencies arise. The Foundation waives administrative fees for the fund, ensuring that 100% of contributions are directed to emergency response efforts.
“Charities across our community are navigating an increasingly uncertain environment where demand for services is rising while resources remain limited,” said Aliesha Walz, WCCF President & CEO. “The Close to Home Disaster & Emergency Fund is a critical tool to help bridge that gap in moments of crisis, but it depends on community support. Every dollar raised through this campaign will stand alongside that generous anchor gift, expanding the resources available to our neighbors in crisis. Your contribution, whatever the size, will help ensure that when the unthinkable happens, no one faces it alone. Please help us rise to the moment with your support.”
To donate, please visit wccf.net or call the Foundation at 724-222-6330.
About the Washington County Community Foundation
The WCCF’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Washington County by promoting and facilitating philanthropy. In addition to issuing grants to local nonprofits, the Foundation also facilitates WCCF Gives, an annual giving event that benefits more than 100 local charities. It also provides free educational opportunities to help strengthen local nonprofits and continues to maintain the Community Snapshot website to identify community needs on an ongoing basis.