News & Events

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

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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...