By: Karen Fitzgerald, Executive Director of The Aspire Foundation for Excentia Human Services
As a fundraiser for over 30 years, I have come to learn that at the heart of every meaningful donation is belief. Donors have the power to turn belief into real visible change when they decide to support an organization. I see this every time I sit with potential or current donors who are ready to create changes in human services right here in Lancaster County and beyond.
When I think about philanthropy, I see it as a partnership between our community and the people we support. Together, we use time, talent and resources to ensure that every person has access to meaningful relationships, safe and stable housing, purposeful work and right community connections.
For many donors, the most important moment is the one when they move from admiring the mission to investing in it. This decision creates a partnership built on belief, trust, and shared purpose. Support, from individuals, families, or businesses, unites a larger community of givers and provides sustainable growth opportunities over time.
I have a donor whom I meet with often and he’ll say to me, Excentia Human Services “just does it right.” When a donor feels this way, they are placing deep trust in the organization. That trust is why Excentia created a sister organization, The Aspire Foundation for Excentia Human Services, to build even more meaningful relationships with our donors. Through the Foundation, donors can support our work not only annually but also into the future, helping ensure we continue to be the creators of change across all communities.
This is the kind of donor relationship that makes my position so enjoyable. Donors are not bystanders; they are partners and change agents. Their gifts help us move beyond everyday needs and provide resources for new initiatives, strengthen existing programs, and shape what is possible. This generosity creates a ripple effect that leads to a more just and welcoming community for all.
Every meaningful gift begins with belief, but it does not end there. When donors choose to partner with Excentia Human Services and The Aspire Foundation, they turn that belief into lasting impact for their neighbors in Lancaster County and beyond. If you are ready to move from admiring the mission to investing in it, we invite you to join this circle of trust, partnership, and possibility – because together, we can “do it right” for every person and every community we serve.
