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 quiet but powerful role in sustaining and enriching creative life across our region.
This endowment was created with a simple but ambitious mission: to strengthen the local arts and cultural landscape—not just for today, but for generations to come. Designed as a permanent and growing fund, it empowers donors to support the organizations, performances, and programs that bring creativity, culture, and inspiration to our communities.
A Legacy of Creative Investment
Each year, nearly $2,000 in grant funding is awarded to local organizations dedicated to the arts—whether that’s through education, outreach, live performances, or community-building. Though the exact lifetime impact is difficult to measure due to the fund’s age, what’s certain is this: its influence continues to ripple outward with every program it supports.
The endowment was established with the vision of:
- Providing a lasting resource for arts and cultural programs
- Giving local residents the opportunity to contribute to a legacy of creativity
- Enhancing and sustaining the organizations that serve as cultural cornerstones
- Supporting both existing programming and innovative new projects
- Promoting arts education and broadening access to cultural experiences
In a world where arts and culture funding can be unpredictable, the stability and consistency provided by an endowment like this one is critical. It allows organizations to dream bigger, reach farther, and take creative risks that lead to innovation and deeper community engagement.
Grantee Spotlight: Oil Region Ballet
In December 2024, Oil Region Ballet received a $1,000 grant from the Venango County Arts and Culture Endowment to support its enchanting production of Cinderella. The production took place in late February and early March 2025 and marked a significant milestone in the organization’s growth.
This support enabled Oil Region Ballet to officially expand to a two-show season—The Nutcracker in the winter and Cinderella in early spring—allowing the organization to reach new audiences and offer even more students the opportunity to participate in the performing arts.
“We are thrilled to share that this grant has played a vital role in helping the Oil Region Ballet grow to a two-production season, featuring The Nutcracker and Cinderella,” said Deborah Femovich, Artistic Director.
“Through our 2025 season and ORB Outreach campaign, we reached 1,853 patrons and introduced the art of ballet to 1,215 grade school-aged children—an incredible milestone in expanding access to the performing arts.”
The impact of this grant extends far beyond the stage. For many children in our region, this was their first experience with live ballet. For some, it sparked a lifelong interest in the arts. And for the community at large, it was a reminder of the transformative power of creativity.
Why It Matters
Art is not just a luxury—it’s a powerful force for connection, empathy, and understanding. From concerts and theater productions to visual art programs and public performances, cultural experiences help shape the identity and spirit of a community.
For Venango County, the Arts and Culture Endowment is a vital tool for making sure those experiences are accessible and thriving. It supports:
- Small but mighty arts nonprofits that bring music, dance, and theater to life
- Educational initiatives that inspire the next generation of artists
- Community events that bring people together through shared creativity
These investments make our region more vibrant, more welcoming, and more whole.
In many rural areas, access to the arts is limited. But thanks to this fund—and the generosity of the people who contribute to it—our community continues to have opportunities to see, participate in, and be inspired by the arts.
How to Support
Want to help sustain local arts and culture in Venango County?
- Donate online
- Mail a check to Bridge Builders Community Foundations
- Contact BBCF at 814-677-8687 for more information
Your support helps organizations like Oil Region Ballet and many others grow, innovate, and continue to enrich our lives through creativity. Every gift—big or small—makes a difference.
The Venango County Arts and Culture Endowment is more than a fund. It’s a commitment to building a creative, connected, and inspired community—now and for generations to come.
