Scranton Area Community Foundation Announces 2021 Scholarship Recipients The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce its 2021 scholarship recipients, benefitting 168 local students from various schools in the area from scholarship funds administered by the Foundation. A total of $474,440 was recently distributed through 63 scholarships, including the #GaryInspiredMe Scholarship, the Matt McGloin Scholarship, the Neal J. Fasula Scholarship, and the highly-competitive James F. Swift scholarship. The complete listing of all 2021 scholarship recipients is detailed below. Scholarship recipients are selected annually by various scholarship committees at the Foundation. “We are grateful to the generous donors who make these scholarships possible to benefit so many students from across the region,” stated Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO, Laura Ducceschi. “The Foundation proudly manages over 50 individual scholarship funds established by charitable donors who want to support outstanding students and make higher education more attainable for so many in our communities.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation is a partner with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) in their Partnership for Access to Higher Education (PATH) Program to offer qualifying students additional financial aid. Through PHEAA, many scholarship recipients may be eligible for additional dollars toward their tuition.For more information on any of the scholarships at the Scranton Area Community Foundation, please contact Brittany Pagnotti, Communications Manager of the Scranton Area Community Foundation at 570-347-6203. To establish a scholarship fund in honor of or memory of a loved one or to include a scholarship as a legacy gift in your estate plans, please contact the Scranton Area Community Foundation today or visit safdn.org to learn more. 2021 Scholarship Recipients #GaryInspiredMe Scholarship Natalie Deal (North Pocono)Shiloh Miller (Northwest Area) American Legion A. Pierson Hurd Academic ScholarshipMargaret Domski (Valley View) Angelina Fricchione and Michael Cupple ScholarshipSydney Dana (Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine) Ann Wall ScholarshipNathan Dill (Lackawanna Trail) Anthracite ScholarshipTaylor Bartle (Greater Nanticoke)Joseph Fasula (Scranton Prep)Joseph Ferrara (Wallenpaupak)Hunter Geise (Riverside)John Gilchrist (Riverside)Lindsay Grzyboski (Riverside)Zack Kovalchik (Valley View)Shiloh Miller (Northwest Area)Isabelle Ritz (Hazleton)Matthew Williams (Holy Redeemer) Ashley and Erin Williams Memorial ScholarshipDestiny Anello (North Pocono) Blakely Borough ScholarshipEmma Burak (Valley View) Caroline Ace, LPN/Angela Muchal, LPN ScholarshipMorgan Veina (Career Technology Center) Catherine A. Alu Memorial ScholarshipPaige Martin (Dunmore) Chris Moran ScholarshipChase Poplawski (Mountain View)Michael Rodyushkin (Abington Heights) Chris Till Sender Scholarship Christine Townsend (Scranton) Cinderella’s Closet Scholarship Jillian Brennan (Holy Cross) Constance M. and Joseph A. Brocavich Memorial ScholarshipTravis Bridgeman (Scranton Prep)Samuel Grizzanti (Scranton Prep)Grace Ann Kapacs (Scranton Prep) Danielle Faramelli ScholarshipOlivia Kaschak (Valley View) David Gallagher Memorial ScholarshipKayla Przekop (Abington Heights) Dr. Bernard Shair Memorial ScholarshipPeter Heckman (University of Scranton) Dr. E.C. LaCoe ScholarshipKristin Lipkus (Abington Heights)Tyler Petty (Abington Heights) Dr. George J. Hallesky Memorial ScholarshipAllana Elizabeth Warner (Johnson College) Dulcey Degilio ScholarshipKristin Lipkus (Abington Heights) Edward C. Snyder Memorial ScholarshipJohn Barrera (Kings College) Greg Legg NEPA Diamond ScholarshipZack Kovalchik (Valley View) James F. Swift ScholarshipJillian Brennan (Holy Cross)Shannon Baransky (Marywood)Tanner Begin (Penn State University)Cameron Butka (West Scranton)Sofia Capozzi (Abington Heights)Calista Calabro (Penn State University)Ashley Capone (Marywood)Christina Carachilo (University of Scranton)Hannah Carr (University of Scranton)Ryan Coleman (Valley View)Andrew Cummings (Dickinson College)Ava Decker (West Scranton)James Docalovich (Lehigh University)Caitlin Doughton (University of Scranton)Collin Ennis (University of Scranton)Fione Evans (University of Scranton)Marguerite Flynn (Boston College)Hunter Geise (Riverside)Austin Glidewell (University of Scranton)Nicholas Guerra (University of Scranton)Marilyn Hoskins (Marywood University)Matthew Howard (Scranton Prep)Daniel Jaggars (University of Nebraska)Rebecca Johnson (University of Scranton)Tiffini Kalt (Marywood University)Meghan Keenan (Elizabethtown College)Benjamin Koshinski (University of Scranton)Tori Kovalchick (Penn State University)Korey Kruk (Scranton High School)Kristen Lello (Marywood University)Rebecca Lucas (University of the Sciences)Ximena Maldonado (University of Scranton)Olivia Manarchuck (University of Scranton)Hailey Matechak (Lakeland)Sara McCormack (Scranton)David McKenney (Lakeland)Mark Melesky (Penn State University)Brooke Mickavicz (Marywood University)Tyler Muskey (University of Scranton)Jenna O’Malley (University of Scranton)Gia Occhipinti (University of Pittsburgh)Marisol Olivares (North Pocono)Marley Palmere (Moravian College)Claudia Pitts (University of Scranton)Antonio Pugliese (Penn State University)Megan Purcell (Lehigh University)Meredith Purcell (Scranton Prep)Taralyn Reilly (Valley View)Michael Rodyushkin (Abington Heights)Julia Romanovich (University of Scranton)Kayla Rose (Riverside)Amanda Sakulich (Marywood University)Nina Sampogne (Penn State University)Gerardo Sanchez Garcia (University of Scranton)Kaitlyn Savage (Marywood University)Taylor Seprosky (Marywood University)Gwyneth Serowinski (Keystone College)Christian Snee (Mid Valley)Gabrielle Snee (Mid Valley)Natalie Sottile (University of Scranton)Eric Spivak (Marywood University)Elizabeth Stone (Marywood University)Christopher Talluto (Elizabethtown College)Alexis Tanana (Holy Cross)Benjamin Thompson (North Pocono)Makenna Thorpe (Saint Joseph’s University)Evan Tremback (Marywood University)Maura Turi (University of Scranton)Ryan Turlip (University of Pennsylvania)Alexandra Valvano (Villanova University)Anna Van Wert (University of Scranton)Jacob Vituszynski (University of Scranton)Joshua Vituszynski (University of Scranton)Stone Wormuth (Wilkes University)Alec Yanisko (Johnson College)Drew Yanni (Marywood University) James M. Akens North Pocono Athletic Trust FunCasey Serine (North Pocono)Kyle Serine (North Pocono) Jane H. Rushmore Memorial Nursing ScholarshipLisa Engroff (Career Technology Center)Kacie Szczech (Career Technology Center) Jason Evans Memorial Wrestling ScholarshipJames Brown (Abington Heights) Jefferson ScholarshipSara Reyes Guerrero (Riverside)Jaela Johnson (West Scranton) Jeffrey Morgan Davis Memorial ScholarshipSean Herbert (Holy Cross) Jennifer Morgan ScholarshipLindsey Christian (Pittston Area) John and Grace Kreig ScholarshipJeffery Higgins (Riverside) John R. and Maureen J. Pesavento All Saints Interparochial Academy ScholarshipElla Cohen (Scranton Prep)Nicholas Rusinko (Holy Cross) Joseph (Firp) and Charles Pacino ScholarshipPeter Kawash (Lakeland) Joseph J. Costa Memorial ScholarshipGene Biscontini (Lackawanna College)Lindsey Eason (Lackawanna College)Gilbert Diaz (Lackawanna College) Joseph P. McDonald Memorial ScholarshipDavid Day (Dunmore)Katie McKitish (Dunmore)Steven Qarmout (Dunmore) Junior League of Scranton ScholarshipSara McCormack (Scranton) Keisling Family ScholarshipSarah Tolerico (Carbondale) Margaret Briggs/Lackawanna College ScholarshipTara Palumbo (Lackawanna College)Donald Yarros (Lackawanna College) Matt McGloin ScholarshipBrennan Burnside (West Scranton)Iylah Mosley (West Scranton) Midori Yamanouchi, PhD Scholarship Nevica Molinaro (Riverside) Neal J. Fasula ScholarshipGavin Beck (Marywood University)Mia Castellano (Edinboro University)Kevin Jumper (Holy Cross)Norah Kelly (Holy CrossBryan Melliand (Penn State University)Samantha Meeker (Penn State University)Alexandra Mitchell (Penn State University)Adam Nitch (West Chester University)Will Oliphant (Misericordia University)Frank Rosenski (Abington Heights)William White (Penn State University) Page to the Stage Collegiate Scholarship Damien Chmielewski (Mid Valley) Patrick Andrew Luptak ScholarshipNatalie Deal (North Pocono)Michael Rodyushkin (Abington Heights)Sarah Tolerico (Carbondale) Pay It Forward ScholarshipJessica Kehl (Penn State University)Emma Kernoschak (Penn State University) Raoul Wallenberg ScholarshipTaylor Bartle (Greater Nanticoke Area) Russell J. O’Malley and James E. O’Brien Memorial ScholarshipRichard Rodenbach (Temple University) Sarah Beth Beynon Memorial ScholarshipJadan Zawierucha (Pittston Area) Scotty Cummings Perry Special Ed Scholarship Margaret Domski (Valley View) Scranton Central High School Class of 1964 ScholarshipEmily Kizer (Scranton) Sean J. Calpin Automotive Technology ScholarshipNicholas Wilson (Johnson College) Teddick Family ScholarshipAshtyn Mecca (Lackawanna Trail)Zoe Pickett (Elk Lake)Chase Poplawski (Mountain View) The Melvin-Deininger ScholarshipMadeline Meckwood (Abington Heights) Tolerance ScholarshipTaylor Bartle (Greater Nanticoke) Todd Angelo Memorial ScholarshipPeter Heckman (University of Scranton) Waverly Women’s Club Scholarship Sarah Siddiqui (Abington Heights) Waverly Women’s Club Mildred Mumford English ScholarshipIsabell Holland (Abington Heights) Waverly Women’s Club Technical School Scholarship Spencer Jones (Abington Heights)
Scranton Area Community Foundation Hosting 3rd Annual NEPA Learning Conference The Scranton Area Community Foundation, through its Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence in partnership with Moses Taylor Foundation and The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, will host its 3rd annual NEPA Learning Conference on August 18-20, 2021. This event will offer nonprofit organizations and nonprofit professionals across the region the opportunity to receive in-depth training virtually from local and nationally-recognized presenters. Keynote speakers will include Heather McGhee, author of New York Times bestseller The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together; Ann Mei Chang, author of Lean Impact: How to Innovate for Radically Greater Social Good; and LaShunda Leslie-Smith, Executive Director of Connected Communities, an organization dedicated to building up neighborhoods in the Rochester, New York area by engaging residents, service providers, and community partners in a holistic approach. Attendees of this three-day learning conference will have an opportunity to learn from local and national experts in a variety of fields, network with peers, and discover how they can create a learning culture within their organization. The conference will share strategies for adapting to a post-pandemic world, teach the importance of collaborative learning, and also will touch on important and relevant topics including racial equity, innovation, and donor relations. Attendees have the opportunity to attend in person at the Hilton Scranton & Conference Center (100 Adams Ave, Scranton, PA) or entirely virtually online, via the conference platform app, Whova. A crowd of roughly 200 representatives from nonprofit organizations is expected to attend this hybrid event. While attendance is geared toward nonprofit professionals, registration is open to the public. Registration closes at 12:00 p.m. (noon) on Monday, August 16, 2021. Attendees can register through the conference website at NEPALearningConference.com. “Through the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence, we prioritize the importance of enhancing organizational capacity building and view it as transformative to the region as a whole,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “We are grateful for so many of our partnering foundations right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania supporting our efforts to bring this learning conference to the nonprofit community of our region.” Sponsors of the event include Moses Taylor Foundation, The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, The William C. McGowan Charitable Fund, The Hawk Family Foundation, The Luzerne Foundation, McGrail Merkel Quinn & Associates, Children’s Service Center of NEPA, United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, Hilton Scranton and Conference Center, Wayne County Community Foundation, Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, Knowles Insurance, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA, Center City Print, and Junior League of Scranton. For more information on the 2021 NEPA Learning Conference, please visit NEPALearningConference.com or contact Brittany Pagnotti, communications manager of the Scranton Area Community Foundation at 570-347-6203.
Robert H. Spitz Foundation Announces 2021 Grants The Robert H. Spitz Foundation, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, announces its 2021 grants, awarding a total of $717,500 to 45 nonprofit organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Foundation distributed a total of $717,500 in grants to the following nonprofit organizations: Adopt A Boxer Rescue, Allied Services Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeastern PA, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Bread Basket of Northeast Pennsylvania, Catherine McAuley Center, Dress for Success Lackawanna, Fraternite Notre Dame, GAIT TRC, Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, Jewish Community Center of Scranton, Jewish Family Service of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Johnson College, Junior Achievement of Northeastern PA, Lackawanna Historical Society, Luzerne County Animal Response Team, Marywood University, NativityMiguel School of Scranton, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, NEPA Pet Fund and Rescue, North Shore Animal League, Outreach – Center for Community Resources, PAWsitively for the Animals, Quigley’s Shelter Pet’s, Inc., Saint Joseph’s Center, Scranton Animal Shelter Association Incorporation, Scranton Area Community Foundation, Scranton Lackawanna Human Development Agency, Inc., SPCA of Luzerne County, St. Cats and Dogs of Scranton, Temple Israel of Scranton, The Arc of Northeastern PA, The Humane Society of Wyoming County, Inc., The Salvation Army, The University of Scranton, Treatment Court Advocacy Center of Lackawanna County, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA, Valhalla Veterans Services, Valley Youth House, VNA Hospice and Home Health, Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania, Inc., Wilkes University, and Women’s Resource Center. A complete listing of the 2021 grants awarded by the Robert H. Spitz Foundation can be found on the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s website, safdn.org. “We are extremely grateful that the generosity of the Robert H. Spitz Foundation has allowed for the support of so many worthy charitable organizations in the region,” stated Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation’s President and CEO. “The impact of Mr. Spitz’s legacy is transformative, and on behalf of the Foundation trustees, we are proud to help carry out the Foundation’s mission.” In addition to these 2021 grants, the Robert H. Spitz Foundation also provided $100,000 to COVID-19 relief support earlier this year.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Accepting Nominations for the 2021 Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Award Scranton Area Community Foundation is accepting nominations now until July 30, 2021, for the 2021 Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Award, which is presented annually to a woman who demonstrates commitment to community, ingenuity in response to community need, and leadership in empowering and transforming the lives of women and girls in the community. Nominations are open to anyone who wishes to recommend a female candidate who has made an impact in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The award has been presented since 1992 when a charitable fund was established by the family of Margaretta Belin Chamberlin both to honor her memory and to recognize accomplishments of women in our community while encouraging their personal and/or professional development. The Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Award will be presented at the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Women in Philanthropy Annual Event to be announced at a later date. The recipient will receive a monetary award of $1,000 to be used for the purpose of personal development or to donate to a charitable organization of the recipient’s choice.Past award recipients have included Eleanore Ginader, Rosemary Broderick, Sharon McCrone, Catherine Richmond-Cullen, Mary Elaine Southard, Judith O. Graziano, Carol Weiss Rubel, Charlotte McIlwee Ravaioli, Diana Statsman, Susan S. Belin, Rachel R. Yaklic (10th anniversary youth recipient), Margaret “Peg” Ruddy, Sally E. Bohlin, Andrea J. Mulrine, Natalie Gelb, Mary Ann LaPorta, Sr. Margaret Gannon, IHM, Mary Belin Rhodes, Sondra Myers, Nancy Dressel, Jeanne Bovard, Suzanne Fisher Staples, Jane Oppenheim, Sister Ann Walsh, Nada Gilmartin, Michelle Dempsey, Laurie Cadden, Maureen Maher-Gray, and Mary-Pat Ward. Nominations for the 2021 Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Award will be accepted until July 30, 2021, online through the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s online grant portal, https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=safdn. Individuals wishing to submit a nomination can contact Dana Hunter at dhunter@safdn.org for additional instructions. For more information on the 2021 Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Award, please visit www.supportnepawomen.org or contact Brittany Pagnotti, Communications Manager of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, at 570-347-6203.
Scranton Area Community Foundation to Host NEPA Gives The Scranton Area Community Foundation, in partnership with The Luzerne Foundation, Greater Pike Community Foundation, Wayne County Community Foundation, Carbon County Community Foundation, The Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Nonprofit & Community Assistance Center (NCAC), and other community sponsors, will host NEPA Gives on Friday, June 4, 2021. Promoted as the single largest day of philanthropy in Northeastern Pennsylvania, NEPA Gives is a one-day, 24-hour, online giving extravaganza that’s all about giving back to the community. NEPA Gives aims to raise awareness about the critical work nonprofit organizations carry out across the region and aims to help charitable organizations raise much-needed funds, especially during these challenging times. Over 240 nonprofit organizations from across eight counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania will participate in NEPA Gives. “NEPA Gives is all about supporting charities that are doing important work right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “We know that during these challenging times, nonprofits need our support especially now. We have teamed up with various community partners and businesses eager to provide support for NEPA Gives and we are thrilled to announce that we have secured over $450,000 in incentives, bonuses, and matching funds available to participating nonprofits which helps make charitable donations go further during NEPA Gives.” Members of the community wishing to make a contribution for NEPA Gives can visit www.nepagives.org anytime between 12:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. on Friday, June 4, 2021, to make a secure donation to any of the 240 participating nonprofit organizations. This is the second year for NEPA Gives. Last year, NEPA Gives raised over half a million dollars for 167 nonprofit organizations. Offline donations are also accepted by check made payable to the Scranton Area Foundation indicating “NEPA Gives” in the memo mailed to the Scranton Area Community Foundation, 615 Jefferson Avenue, Suite 102, Scranton, PA 18510. Offline donations to the Scranton Area Foundation via check will be split evenly among all participating nonprofits. Donors wishing to contribute to a specific nonprofit organization offline should contact the specific participating nonprofit for further instructions. The Scranton Area Community Foundation is not able to accept offline donations to specific organizations for NEPA Gives. To learn more about #NEPAGives, visit nepagives.org or contact Brittany Pagnotti, Communications Manager of the Scranton Area Community Foundation at 570-347-6203.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Grant Supports Outreach Center for Community Resources The Scranton Area Community Foundation awarded a $7,000 COVID-19 Critical Needs Grant to support the workforce development programs and educational services that Outreach – Center for Community Resources provides to the regional community. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Outreach has continued to operate and provide assistance to those in need. The Scranton Area Community Foundation is supporting Outreach as the organization responds to an increased demand for essential services and programs. Outreach serves a broad population of those affected by poverty and other challenges: single parents, unemployed workers, educationally at-risk children, veterans, individuals with health, behavioral and cognitive issues, individuals in recovery, and others in transition. Outreach improves the lives of over 5,000 individuals each year with award-winning workforce and family development programs that support individuals as they navigate through life’s challenges. The Scranton Area Community Foundation has been serving the Northeastern Pennsylvania region for over 65 years as a steward, a grantmaker, a charitable resource, and a catalyst for change and growth. The Scranton Area Community Foundation was established as a community trust in 1954 by the Scranton Family, whose initial gift was the seed which has grown into a permanent vehicle for donors to accomplish their philanthropic goals while helping to support positive change within our community. Today the Scranton Area Community Foundation holds and manages a variety of funds from individuals, organizations, and corporations. Through these gifts, the Foundation responds to community needs and has provided grants to support regional nonprofits as they respond to the critical needs of those disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Scranton Area Community Foundation to Launch Special Grants Program The Scranton Area Community Foundation is launching a special funding opportunity to provide critical, emergency grants to address needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Scranton Area Community has received a $100,000 gift from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation to support those in the community experiencing hardship, and 501c3 charitable organizations in the Lackawanna County area can apply for grants up to $10,000. The Scranton Area Community Foundation, administrator of the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, will accept applications for this grant cycle through the online grant management portal until Monday, February 1, 2021, accessible through the Foundation’s website, safdn.org. “We are extremely grateful for this generous gift from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation during this time when there are so many continued needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic,” stated Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation’s President and CEO. This special grants program is in addition to the regular Robert H. Spitz Foundation grants cycle which will begin in Spring 2021. For more information on the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, please contact Brittany Pagnotti, Communications Manager of the Scranton Area Community Foundation at 570-347-6203. More information about the Scranton Area Community Foundation can be found at www.safdn.org.
Scranton Small Business Relief Fund Established to Host Inaugural Scranton Ice Festival A small group of community-minded volunteers in partnership with First Friday Scranton, Scranton Tomorrow, The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, and the Scranton Area Community Foundation, have joined together to host the inaugural Scranton Ice Festival, which will be held on Friday, February 5, through Sunday, February 7, 2021 in Downtown Scranton. The Scranton Ice Festival will feature a number of ice sculptures in front of businesses in downtown Scranton including various businesses located on Adams Avenue, North Washington Avenue, Penn Avenue, Linden Street, and Wyoming Avenue. Family-friendly activities are also planned. Some of these activities include ice sculpting demonstrations, musical acts, and more. The event coincides with First Friday. The Scranton Ice Festival aims to bring people to downtown Scranton to support small businesses after a challenging year caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This free and largely outdoor festival will be an opportunity for the community to safely patronize local businesses and generate charitable support for the Scranton Small Business Relief Fund at the Scranton Area Community Foundation, which will help small business owners and employees experiencing hardship during the coronavirus pandemic. Any and all remaining proceeds from this nonprofit event and its sponsorships will go towards this charitable fund. Contributions will be tax deductible. Small businesses and those interested in getting involved in the Scranton Ice Festival can email scrantonicefest@gmail.com. “The Scranton Small Business Relief Fund at the Scranton Area Community Foundation was established by community members, who really want to make a difference in the lives of small business owners and employees experiencing hardship during the coronavirus pandemic,” Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi stated. “The Scranton Ice Festival aims to be a novel charitable event to bring the community together safely during these challenging times while bringing awareness to the small businesses in the area,” she added. “We want to encourage everyone to use this upcoming First Friday event to show the small business people of downtown Scranton—your friends and neighbors—that you support them during these challenging times,” stated Robert Durkin, President of The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce. For questions about the Scranton Ice Festival, please email scrantonicefest@gmail.com.
