Lackawanna County Grant Process Still Accepting Applications Annually the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties supports a grant program in Lackawanna County with funds collected from individuals, corporations and employee groups made up of Lackawanna County residents during the United Way campaign. This is the first year United Way is implementing the “Lackawanna County Community Impact Grant.” This is a small grant that is built and targeted for grass roots organizations with limited administrative capacity. An effort to try and serve more diverse populations residing in Lackawanna County that may experience difficulties when applying for other funding streams. Organizations can apply for funding for one program with a limit of a $10,000 request. To Qualify: An organization must have an organizational budget of less than $400,000.Organizations must be a 501(c)(3) organization or partner with a United Way approved 501(c)(3) organization.Organization has bylaws that state the purpose of the organization, make provisions for the size of the Board of Directors and provide rules for: selection and tenure of board members, the number of officers and committees, financial and legal procedures, and quorum requirements.Organization has proof of current directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.Organization maintains compliance with all applicable legal licensing requirement and maintains appropriate insurance coverage.All program requests must fit within the one of the 3 priority areas of United Way which are Education, Health and Economic Mobility. Application Guideline: Receiving funds in one fiscal year does not ensure that the grant will be renewed in the following year(s). It is imperative that the organization does not count on United Way funds as a recurring funding stream.In the benchmark section, be sure to state clear numbers of individuals impacted by the program. It is understood that this is a projection until the program is completed. The actual number of impacted individuals must be included in the report section at the end of the fiscal year.While the Committee may fund a capital item, the preferred usage of the United Way funds is for programs that impact individuals in the community.If there are any questions concerning this application process, please contact William Craven via email at wcraven@uwlc.net This grant process is overseen by a group of volunteers that make funding decisions based on the applications that are submitted to the United Way. It is the responsibility of these dedicated volunteers on the Lackawanna County Funds Distribution Committee to ensure donations are spent in the most cost-efficient method in priority areas for the residents of Lackawanna County. All the decisions are made by local volunteers and then approved by the United Way Board of Directors. The Funds Distribution Committee members are the stewards of the community fund. In order to receive login information, you must first contact Will Craven (wcraven@uwlc.net) to receive login credentials. Applications are now available to any organization that meets the above criteria. Application submission deadline is September 21st. For more information, visit, uwlc.net/lackawanna-county-grant-process
PPL Brighter Future Scholarships Do you know a student pursuing a career in engineering or information technology? How about someone studying a skilled trade? We have scholarships available for minority and female students pursuing careers in these areas. Please spread the word about the following PPL Foundation scholarships and encourage students to apply. Power Scholars Scholarship 15 scholarships are available for minority and female students across our territory pursuing a degree in engineering and information technology Each scholarship is $5,000 and available to students entering any year of full-time, post-secondary education at a college or university. Powerful Tech and Trade Scholarship 10 scholarships are available for minority and female students entering any year of full-time, post-secondary career training at a community college or technical school within our territory Each scholarship is $2,500. Interested students can learn more and apply online by March 1, 2022.
Lackawanna Heritage Valley Partnership Grant Funding Lackawanna Heritage Valley has announced the start of a new spring cycle of partnership grant funding, open for application through March 11 at 12 p.m. The program is open to members of non-profit and civic organizations, municipal and governmental agencies, and educational institutions with proposals for projects designed to enhance the quality of life within the Lackawanna Heritage Valley. Successful grant applicants will receive up to $5,000 each to conserve, preserve, and educate the public about Northeastern Pennsylvania’s historic, cultural, economic and natural resources. Lackawanna Heritage Valley, designated as both a national and state heritage area, has provided more than three million dollars in funding assistance to community organizations through its Partnership Grants Program since its inception. Given the dire funding constraints and lack of community programming brought on by the ongoing health crisis, the organization feels this round of grants is perhaps one of its most crucial. Justin Topa, community engagement and programs manager, hopes that Lackawanna Heritage Valley’s spring grant program will continue the organization’s work toward stimulating the region’s economy, enhancing tourism initiatives, strengthening community organizations and increasing the quality of life for area residents. “We are proud to support our creative local partners who help us to tell the region’s story and to preserve and conserve our natural resources,” Topa said. “With each successful grant cycle, we invest in our history, our resources and the families in our communities. In a year that presents unique challenges, we hope that this year’s applicants will find creative ways to showcase our region’s story of perseverance and the strength in working together.” For general information about the heritage area, or for grant program guidelines and applications, those interested are asked to visit www.LHVA.org or call Lackawanna Heritage Valley’s office, via (570) 963-6730.
The University of Scranton Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Program The University of Scranton’s Kania School of Management has announced the launch of the fall 2021 Nonprofit Leadership Certificate Cohort; a comprehensive, practitioner-focused program that tackles the pressing leadership challenges of high-potential nonprofit leaders throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. To further understand the topics covered, here’s an outline of the program as well as a list of organizational goals/capstone projects that could be addressed during the program. For more information or to apply by June 25th, 2020, click here.
NeighborWorks Seeking AmeriCorps VISTA Summer Volunteers Looking for a fun and meaningful way to spend your summer? NeighborWorks is seeking two responsible, self-motivated individuals to provide 10 weeks of service, June 7 to August 13, 2021, through AmeriCorps VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). NeighborWorks is a nonprofit organization that revitalizes neighborhoods and creates opportunities for families to improve their lives through quality housing and financial guidance. VISTA Summer Associates are an integral part of our dedicated, hardworking team, which is devoted to bringing low-income individuals and communities out of poverty. About the PositionVISTA Summer Associates will work with residents and volunteers to improve West Scranton and serve seniors through NeighborWorks’ aging in place program by: • Coordinating volunteer home repair projects• Installing home safety kits for seniors• Visiting businesses to enroll them in a business association• Coordinating neighborhood and park cleanups• Maintaining vacant lots• Picking up litter along main commercial corridors• Documenting and reporting quality of life issues (code violations, missing street signs, etc.) This position requires a commitment to serve as a full-time team member for a 10-week period this summer. Although this is a non-salaried volunteer position, VISTA Summer Associates receive a bi-weekly living allowance and are eligible for an education award or cash stipend at the end of their term of service. For more information about the AmeriCorps VISTA program, visit https://americorps.gov/serve/fit-finder/americorps-vista. Qualifications• U.S. citizen at least 18 years of age• Ability to work independently on a variety of projects and lead others in service activities• Excellent verbal and written communication skills• Basic computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office• Valid driver’s license and privately owned vehicle for service-related travel How to ApplyApplications will be accepted until May 7, 2021, or until the positions are filled. To apply, email your resume to Todd Pousley, Neighborhood Revitalization Manager, at tpousley@nwnepa.org.
