New Fund Aims to Support Community Events That Inspire

Sparked by a local event in June, a new fund administered through Centre Foundation will seek to support more community programs designed to inspire.

The Ladies in Formation, Together (LIFT) Fund — with a name nodding to a Beyonce lyric and logo paying homage to Rosie the Riveter — was recently established by Irene Miller, the new executive director of the State College Downtown Improvement District. Prior to joining the DID this month, Miller was development and events coordinator for Centre Foundation.

Earlier this year Miller organized as her own project DreamFest, a free movie-screening of the film ‘Hidden Figures’ and an afternoon with local role models from science, business and government at The State Theatre. Prior to that she led a crowdfunding effort in January to provide a free screening of the movie for local girls.

DreamFest drew hundreds of attendees of all ages, both male and female.

“Although the idea began as a way to inspire younger girls to enter a career in the STEM fields, everyone involved – the event volunteers, the parents, and the living role models –walked away that afternoon feeling rejuvenated and empowered,’ Miller said in a release. ‘Between the movie and the event itself, what struck me the most was what happens when people come together and lift each other up.”

Miller established the LIFT Fund with hopes of encouraging and supporting more inspirational events. It’s a donor-advised fund, meaning Miller will work with Centre Foundation to make grants for projects she would like to see come to fruition.

“After working at Centre Foundation for four years and learning about donor-advised funds, I knew I wanted to start a fund someday,” Miller said. “This year, hosting DreamFest provided me a space to articulate and share my passion with others. I want to keep that positive momentum going. So, ‘someday’ became today.’

Before grant money can be issued, the fund’s principal must reach $10,000. DreamFest will remain a separate project for the time being.

“These are the types of projects that motivate me to action and that I love to share with others. As I continue to refine and grow these types of events, I’m excited to start this longer-term funding mechanism that can grow with me,” Miller said. “It’s the best of both worlds: event impact now, financial impact later.”

For more on the LIFT Fund, visit its page on the Centre Foundation website.