Residents of the Mechanicsburg area will benefit from $73,802 in new grants awarded to 13 local nonprofit organizations working to improve lives and strengthen the community.

The grants will support programs that provide everything from literacy and job training to hospice care and youth development. The funding comes from the Mechanicsburg Area Community Foundation (MACF), one of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities’ (TFEC) regional foundations. Each year, MACF conducts a competitive grantmaking program for nonprofits serving zip codes 17050 and 17055, with a focus on innovative, collaborative approaches that lead to measurable outcomes and long-term impact.

“MACF is about neighbors coming together to make a difference,” said Stefani McAuliffe, vice president of community impact. “Each grant awarded reflects the generosity of donors who believe in the power of collective giving. Together, we are helping create lasting change right here at home.”

This year’s grant recipients include:

Board of Child Care (Mechanicsburg Campus) to provide equine, music and art therapy for youth with complex behavioral and mental health challenges.

Carlisle CARES to support services and referrals for individuals and families experiencing homelessness in Mechanicsburg.

Cumberland County Library System Foundation to offer free literacy programs to prepare children in Mechanicsburg for school.

Employment Skills Center to provide nurse aide training to equip Mechanicsburg residents for caregiving careers and community health.

Girls on the Run Mid State PA to use physical activity and an evidence-based curriculum to help girls build confidence and reach their potential.

Homeland Hospice to provide 32 hours of free monthly in-home care for hospice patients and their caregivers.

Hospice of Central PA to provide compassionate end-of-life care and support for patients and families.

Junior Achievement of South Central PA to teach Mechanicsburg and Cumberland Valley students money management skills for financial security.

Keystone Service Systems to support individuals with disabilities in receiving service dogs for mobility and independence.

Mission Central, Inc. to assist with warehouse costs that provide space for partners and resources to benefit Mechanicsburg residents.

New Hope Ministries, Inc. to provide basic needs and job training to help residents achieve stability and independence.

Singer Band of Mechanicsburg to improve band operations and enhance community performances.

YWCA Carlisle & Cumberland County to provide crisis support, counseling, legal assistance and prevention education for victims of sexual violence and human trafficking.

“Supporting local nonprofits means supporting the heart of our community,” said Tashia James, philanthropic officer at TFEC. “When residents engage with MACF, they become part of something larger, a community of giving that ensures the Mechanicsburg area remains a place where people feel connected and cared for.”

Founded in 1986 by Mechanicsburg community leaders, MACF was created to build permanent endowments to benefit residents of the 17050 and 17055 zip codes. Today, the regional community foundation manages 78 funds with assets totaling over $8.2 million. Gifts to MACF are more than one-time contributions. They help build a lasting source of support that will benefit the community for generations to come. By joining together in collective giving, donors ensure that local nonprofits have the resources to address today’s needs while preparing for tomorrow’s challenges. Community members can make a gift online at www.tfec.org.

As one of TFEC’s regional foundations, MACF is guided by an advisory committee of local leaders who bring insight into community needs and opportunities. TFEC’s staff works closely with each regional foundation to provide seamless operations, while advisory committees focus on strengthening fundraising and grantmaking for the benefit of their communities.

For more information about MACF and how to get involved, visit www.tfec.org.