News & Events

Explore news, upcoming events, and highlights of our work in scholarships, grants, and community engagement across Northwestern Pennsylvania.

Why Local Giving Has a Different Kind of Impact

When people think about charitable giving, large national organizations often come to mind. Those organizations do meaningful work. But giving locally operates differently — and in many cases, the...

What Does a Community Foundation Actually Do?

If you stopped someone in Northwestern Pennsylvania and asked them what a community foundation is, chances are they wouldn’t have a clear answer. Many people have heard the term, but few can explain...

Stronger Together: A Community Conversation on Food Insecurity in Venango County

Food insecurity isn’t always visible — but in Venango County, it’s very real. Nearly 50,000 people call this county home. More than 1,200 families live below the poverty line, and over 1,600...

How to Navigate Local Scholarship Opportunities: A Guide for Students and Families

Applying for scholarships can feel complicated, especially if this is your first time going through the process. Between schoolwork, activities, jobs, and deadlines, it is not always obvious where to...
BBCF supports students through a centralized scholarship application connecting local donors to educational opportunities.

How BBCF Supports Students Through More Than 70 Local Scholarships

Each year, students across our region take a major step toward their future by applying for scholarships. For some, that support makes higher education possible. For others, it reduces financial...
Forest County Community Foundation Giving Tree Celebrates Loved Ones & Generosity

Forest County Community Foundation Giving Tree Celebrates Loved Ones and Generosity

The Forest County Community Foundation’s Giving Tree held special meaning for many Forest County residents this holiday season. Through this annual initiative, community members were invited to honor...

Honoring a Legacy of Leadership: The Coach Patterson Charitable Foundation

Few people leave the kind of lasting impact that Coach Pat Patterson did in the Oil City community. As an educator, coach, and mentor, his influence extended far beyond the classroom and the field—he...

Enriching Our Region Through the Arts: The Venango County Arts and Culture Endowment

Since its founding in 1997 by the former Venango Area Community Foundation (now an affiliate of Bridge Builders Community Foundations), the Venango County Arts and Culture Endowment has played a...

Bridge Builders Community Foundations Celebrates 50 Years of Philanthropy and Community Impact

Today, April 30, 2025, Bridge Builders Community Foundations (BBCF) proudly marks a major milestone—50 years of philanthropic service and transformational community impact across the Oil Region....

Celebrating 50 Years of Impact: What to Expect in 2025

Bridge Builders Community Foundations is officially turning 50—and we’re celebrating in a big way! Since 1975, we’ve been connecting people who care with causes that matter, and in 2025, we’re...

Supporting Future Healthcare Heroes: The William H. Locke Memorial Scholarship

For nearly five decades, the William H. Locke Memorial Scholarship has been opening doors for students in Oil City, Pennsylvania—helping them pursue education beyond high school and build meaningful...

Autism Stands : Building a Brighter Future for the Autism Community

For families of individuals with autism, navigating everyday challenges can feel overwhelming—especially when it comes to securing basic necessities that align with their unique needs. That’s where...

Our 2025 Annual Report is Now Available!