Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Brittany Pagnotti Recognized

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce that Brittany Pagnotti, Director of Donor Relations & Communications, has earned the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) designation from The American College of Financial Services and has also been recertified as a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) by CFRE International.

The CAP® designation provides advanced training in philanthropic planning, charitable gift techniques, and legacy strategies, preparing professionals to help donors align their charitable goals with estate and financial planning objectives. By earning this designation, Pagnotti joins a distinguished group of professionals worldwide who are uniquely equipped to help individuals and families create meaningful and lasting impact through philanthropy.

The CFRE credential is the only globally recognized, accredited certification for fundraising professionals and reflects a high standard of ethics, knowledge, and leadership in fundraising. Pagnotti has held the CFRE certification since 2020 and continues to demonstrate her dedication to advancing ethical, effective philanthropy in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“These accomplishments reflect Brittany’s ongoing commitment to excellence and to the Foundation’s mission of responsibly stewarding resources and inspiring transformative philanthropy to build a stronger, more vibrant community,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Her expertise enhances our ability to serve donors, advisors, and community partners in achieving meaningful charitable impact.”

Brittany Pagnotti, MBA, CAP®, CFRE, has been with the Scranton Area Community Foundation since 2018 and currently serves as the Director of Donor Relations & Communications. In this role, she leads philanthropic communications, donor stewardship, and strategic initiatives that inspire charitable giving across Northeastern Pennsylvania. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit communications and development. Her leadership supports the Foundation’s mission to responsibly steward resources and build a stronger, more vibrant community through philanthropy.

Greater Scranton YMCA Awarded Grant, Supporting Early Learning Center

In April, 2025, the Greater Scranton YMCA was awarded a $5,000 Community Needs Grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation. The grant supported the replacement of the outdoor fence at the Y’s Early Learning Center in Olyphant.

FROM LEFT:
Frank Caputo, Grants & Communications Coordinator, Scranton Area Community Foundation;
Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA;
Tressa Capoccia, Senior Education Director, Greater Scranton YMCA;
Cathy Fitzpatrick, Director of Grants and Scholarships, Scranton Area Community Foundation

The Olyphant Early Learning Center opened in April, 2024 and currently has 102 children ages zero through five enrolled. The center is located on a busy street and was in need of added security and privacy. Before the new fence was installed, a chain link fence covered 90 percent of the outdoor playground, with the remaining ten percent vinyl. Grant funding has allowed the Greater Scranton YMCA to replace the chain link fencing with a vinyl option.

“The safety and security of the children in our care and of our staff is our top priority,” said Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “This grant award has enabled our Y to replace the old chain link fence around the outdoor playground at the Olyphant center with a vinyl one, enhancing both the safety and privacy of the children we serve. Our YMCA is so grateful for community partners like the Scranton Area Community Foundation.”

For more information about early childhood education at the Greater Scranton YMCA, contact Tressa Capoccia, Senior Director of Education, at tcapoccia@gsymca.org or visit the Y online at www.greaterscrantonymca.org.

Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Laura Ducceschi Selected for National CEO Program

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce that its President and CEO, Laura Ducceschi, has been selected to participate in the 2025–26 cohort of the Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) for CEOs, a national program convened by CFLeads, the country’s premier network of community foundations.

The Executive Leadership Institute (ELI) for CEOs is designed to strengthen the strategic leadership of community foundation executives nationwide. Participants engage in intensive peer learning, reflection, and collaboration to advance bold, equity-centered, and community-driven approaches to philanthropy.

“It is an honor to be selected to join this distinguished cohort of leaders,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “This program will provide invaluable opportunities to learn from peers nationwide, strengthen our leadership strategies, and deepen how we work with and for our community. I look forward to bringing these insights back to Northeastern Pennsylvania as we continue to advance equity, build connections, and drive lasting impact.”

Through the program, Laura will join CEOs from community foundations across the United States to explore emerging challenges, share innovative practices, and strengthen the collective impact of philanthropy in local communities.

“Laura’s selection for this national leadership program reflects both her dedication and the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s ongoing commitment to bold, impactful leadership,” said Ellen Burkey, Chair of the Scranton Area Community Foundation Board of Governors. “We are proud to see Laura representing our region and bringing back strategies that will continue to benefit the communities we serve.”

The Scranton Area Community Foundation has a 76-year history of serving Northeastern Pennsylvania through philanthropy, community leadership, and collaboration. Laura’s participation in CFLeads’ Executive Leadership Institute represents the Foundation’s continued investment in advancing equity, strengthening civic participation, and building resilient communities across the region.

Click here to find more information about the Executive Leadership Institute for CEOs.

NEPA Learning Conference 2025 Empowers Nonprofits

Through the Foundation’s Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce the success of the 2025 NEPA Learning Conference, a signature program of its Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence. The biennial gathering welcomed nearly 200 nonprofit leaders, board members, and volunteers to Fiorelli’s in Peckville from September 17th to 19th for three days of inspiration, collaboration, and professional development.

Carrying the theme Community • Connections • Purpose, the 2025 NEPA Learning Conference offered transformative keynote presentations and interactive sessions designed to strengthen nonprofit organizations across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Keynote speakers challenged, inspired, and equipped attendees to strengthen their leadership and organizational impact. Katie P. Desiderio and Michael G. Frino, New York Times bestselling authors of The Beekeeper and The Stargazer, energized the audience with insights from their books, highlighting how intentional collaboration can unleash team brilliance and drive transformative growth. Dr. Tiffany Manuel, founder and CEO of TheCaseMade, followed with Breaking New Ground, a compelling call to collaborative change built on urgency and shared aspirations. Closing the event, Michael Swenson, a FranklinCovey consultant, engaged participants in hands-on exercises to practice the 13 Behaviors of High Trust to strengthen credibility, build transparency, and lead with integrity.

Conference sessions also explored trust-building, communication, collaborative leadership, and cultivating a healthy organizational culture. Attendees were challenged to lead with integrity, act with urgency, and apply actionable and practical strategies to strengthen teams and expand their community impact.

A highlight of the conference was the presentation of the Nonprofit EXCELlence Awards, which recognized outstanding leadership, innovation, collaboration, and impact:

  • Nonprofit of the Year – The Cooperage Project

The Cooperage Project was honored for its leadership, management, and innovation excellence. From its PopUp Club after-school STEAM program for at-risk middle schoolers to the creative “NEAR cash” initiative that helps families facing food insecurity access local farmers markets, The Cooperage Project continues to expand programming while ensuring long-term sustainability.

  • Collaborative Project of the Year – Student-Led Food Hub

The Student-Led Food Hub, a partnership between The Food Dignity Movement, Wilkes- Barre Area Career & Technical Center, Luzerne/Schuylkill Workforce Development Board, and local family farmers, was recognized for reimagining food access in NEPA. This curriculum-based, student-run hub connects fresh, locally grown produce to nonprofits while providing workforce training to high school students. Since its launch, it has generated more than $900,000 in economic activity, strengthened small farms, and increased access to fresh food for families.

  • Rising Star Award – Amanda Gordineer

Amanda Gordineer, Director of Operations at The Food Dignity Movement, was recognized as an emerging leader transforming food systems. She pioneered the “Take What You Need; Pay What You Can” model and led the development of innovative distribution strategies that deliver produce within 48 hours of harvest, strengthening farms, reducing waste, and ensuring community access to fresh food.

  • NEPA Gives Superstar Award – Outreach Center for Community Resources

The Outreach Center for Community Resources was celebrated as the 2025 NEPA Gives Superstar for its outstanding fundraising success and community engagement during this year’s 24-hour giving day, demonstrating the power of collective philanthropy in action.

“The NEPA Learning Conference is part of our commitment to equip nonprofit leaders with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need to thrive,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Through our Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence, we are proud to invest in the strength of the organizations that serve our region—because when our nonprofits are strong, our communities are strong.”

First launched in 2017, the NEPA Learning Conference has grown into one of the premier nonprofit events in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Alongside keynote sessions and workshops, the conference continues to catalyze collaboration, recognition, and collective impact.

“We are energized by seeing leaders come together to share ideas and leave with practical strategies they can immediately put into practice,” Ducceschi added. The success of this year’s conference was made possible by the generous support of community partners, presenting sponsors, and local funders, including the Moses Taylor Foundation, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, and the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, who believe in advancing nonprofit leadership and capacity in the region. Posture Interactive also played a key role in bringing the conference to life.

The success of this year’s conference was made possible by the generous support of community partners, presenting sponsors, and local funders, including the Moses Taylor Foundation, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, and the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, who believe in advancing nonprofit leadership and capacity in the region. Posture Interactive also played a key role in bringing the conference to life.

Click here to find more information about the NEPA Learning Conference

Nonprofit of the Year
The Cooperage Project was recognized as the 2025 Nonprofit of the Year at the NEPA Learning Conference for its innovative programs that strengthen youth engagement, food access, arts, and culture in Wayne County and beyond. Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi presented the award to The Cooperage Project during the Nonprofit EXCELlence Awards ceremony at Fiorelli’s in Peckville on September 19.

Collaborative Project of the Year
The Student-Led Food Hub, a partnership between The Food Dignity Movement, the Wilkes-Barre Area Career & Technical Center, the Luzerne/Schuylkill Workforce Development Board, and local family farmers, was recognized as the 2025 Collaborative Project of the Year at the NEPA Learning Conference. The project was honored for its innovative approach to connecting fresh, locally grown food to families while providing workforce training to high school students. Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi presented the award during the Nonprofit EXCELlence Awards ceremony at Fiorelli’s in Peckville on September 19. Amanda Gordineer, Director of Operations at The Food Dignity Movement, accepted the award on behalf of the project partners.

Rising Star Award
Amanda Gordineer, Director of Operations at The Food Dignity Movement, received the 2025 Rising Star Award at the NEPA Learning Conference. She was recognized for her leadership in developing equitable food access models that reduce waste, support farmers, and deliver fresh produce to families within 48 hours of harvest. Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi presented the award during the Nonprofit EXCELlence Awards ceremony at Fiorelli’s in Peckville on September 19.

NEPA Gives Superstar Award
Outreach – Center for Community Resources was named the 2025 NEPA Gives Superstar at the NEPA Learning Conference for its outstanding fundraising success and community engagement during this year’s 24- hour giving day, NEPA Gives. Scranton Area Community Foundation Operations Manager Dana Hunter and Philanthropy Associate Jacob Torba presented the award during the Nonprofit EXCELlence Awards ceremony at Fiorelli’s in Peckville on September 19. Lori Chaffers, President and CEO of Outreach, and Angela Seibert, Program Manager, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

Scranton Area Community Foundation Showcases Bell and Inspiration Garden

The Scranton Area Community Foundation proudly hosted the Bells Across Pennsylvania Unveiling & Celebration on Thursday, September 4, 2025, drawing a full house of community members, elected officials, and supporters to its home at the historic Century Club in Scranton.

The highlight of the evening was the unveiling of “A City of Hope, A State of Giving,” a one-of-a-kind fiberglass bell created by local artist Cherie Fruehan. The bell, sponsored by the Scranton Area Community Foundation with generous support from Susan and Dorrance Belin, is one of just 108 to be placed across Pennsylvania as part of America250PA’s statewide public art initiative leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

Members of the Scranton Area Community Foundation Board of Governors gather in front of the newly unveiled “A City of Hope, A State of Giving” bell at The Scranton Area Community Foundation at the Century Club. Pictured (left to right): Ellen Burkey, David Price, Laura Ducceschi, Dr. Joseph Bannon, Ken Okrepkie, Katie Gilmartin, Patti Thomas, and Dr. Patricia Fox.

The Foundation also unveiled its new Inspiration Garden at The Century Club—a welcoming outdoor space designed to honor the community’s spirit of generosity and provide a place for reflection and celebration.

Program highlights included the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Chair Ellen Burkey, followed by remarks from Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Foundation; Leo Malsky, Director of Operations at America250PA; Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan; Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti; and artist Cherie Fruehan. The evening also featured the dedication of a National Votes for Women Trail marker honoring Kate Chapman and recognizing The Century Club’s historic role in the women’s suffrage movement. Following the program, guests enjoyed a reception and a special pop-up art exhibit showcasing Fruehan’s work, with the opportunity to meet the artist and enjoy light refreshments.

Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, artist Cherie Fruehan, America250PA Director of Operations Leo Malsky, and Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan gather in front of the newly unveiled “A City of Hope, A State of Giving” bell at The Scranton Area Community Foundation at the Century Club on September 4, 2025.

“The Inspiration Garden and the America250PA bell embody the very heart of our mission— connecting people, places, and resources so our region can thrive,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Together, they honor our history, celebrate the generosity of our community, and inspire us to imagine the future we can build when civic pride and philanthropy come together.”

Leo Malsky, Director of Operations at America250PA, addresses a packed house during the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Bells Across Pennsylvania Unveiling & Celebration at The Century Club on September 4, 2025.

Scranton Area Community Foundation Awards $5,000 to Camp Create

The Scranton Area Community Foundation granted $5000.00 to Camp Create, A Visual & Performing Arts Camp for Children with Special Needs.  Due to this generous award, tuition was only $25 per week for an entire week of camp during the summer of 2024.  Camp was also offered free of charge if a participant requested a full scholarship. Camp Create tuition fees are kept low due to the extraordinary expenses families of children with special needs face and this grant enabled many children to attend camp during the summer of 2024.  Our themes for 2024 were “Robomania! The Ultimate Robot Adventure Camp” and “Fantasy, Fairytales & Beasts! A Journey into Enchanted Realms”.  Campers created their own works of art and fantastic original plays based around these themes that they presented at the end of each week of camp. 

Camp will also be held during the summer of 2025.  This will be our 25th year of camp!  Camp dates and themes for summer 2025 are:

Session 1: August 4 – August 8, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Galactic Odyssey! A Space Adventure Camp

Session 2: August 11 – August 15, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Imagination Station! Where Dreams Come to Life

You can find our 2025 brochure here.

Camp is held at the Church of the Epiphany (25 Church Hill Rd, Dalton, PA 18414) from 10 AM-2PM Monday through Friday.  We also offer intern opportunities for high school and college students.  If you would like to learn more about attending camp or becoming an intern, please contact Camp Create:

Email:              campcreatePA@gmail.com
Phone:            570.233.3622
Facebook:       https://www.facebook.com/campcreatePA/
Instagram:      https://www.instagram.com/allabouttheatre_campcreate/

Photo: Left to right: Stephen Colley, Camp Create Art Director; Amy Colley, Camp Create Co-Director; Michaela Moore, Camp Create Co-Director; Cathy Fitzpatrick, Scranton Area Community Foundation Director of Grants and Scholarships

Scranton Area Community Foundation to Host NEPA Learning Conference

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce the return of the NEPA Learning Conference, a three-day professional development event designed to strengthen nonprofit organizations and their leaders throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. The conference will take place September 17–19, 2025, at Fiorelli’s in Peckville.

First held in 2019, the NEPA Learning Conference returns in 2025 for its fifth gathering. Over the years, it has become a signature event for the region’s nonprofit community, bringing together staff, board members, and volunteers for a dynamic learning experience centered on leadership, collaboration, and impact. The conference features a robust lineup of national thought leaders and local changemakers offering workshops, keynote presentations, and interactive sessions tailored to the needs of the nonprofit sector.

Drawing more than 200 nonprofit professionals each year, the NEPA Learning Conference has become a highly anticipated opportunity for regional leaders to convene, exchange ideas, and gain fresh perspectives. Attendees represent a wide range of mission areas—from human services and education to arts and environmental organizations—all united by a shared commitment to strengthening their communities.

This year’s keynote speakers offer a powerful mix of inspiration, expertise, and practical tools, each

chosen to address the real-world challenges and opportunities facing today’s nonprofit leaders:

Dr. Tiffany “Dr.T” Manuel, founder and CEO of TheCaseMade, is a national expert on systems change and narrative strategy. She’ll share how nonprofits can shift mindsets and build support through powerful, equity-centered storytelling.

Dr. Katie P. Desiderio Frino and Dr. Michael G. Frino, bestselling authors of The Beekeeper and The Stargazer, will explore how teams can unlock potential through trust, emotional intelligence, and values- driven culture to spark transformative growth.

Michael Swenson, a leadership coach and seasoned FranklinCovey facilitator, will offer insights on leading with clarity and purpose, drawing on his experience as a nonprofit executive, educator, and U.S. Army veteran.

A highlight of this year’s event is the return of the Nonprofit EXCELlence Awards, a peer-nominated program recognizing outstanding organizations, individuals, and collaborative projects that reflect the conference’s core themes of collaboration, innovation, advocacy, and inclusion. Three award categories—Nonprofit of the Year, Collaborative Project of the Year, and the Rising Star Award—honor exceptional leadership and impact across the region. Winners receive unrestricted grants and professional development opportunities, with finalists selected and celebrated by their peers at the conference.

“This conference was created to meet a need we heard again and again from nonprofit leaders— affordable, high-quality professional development grounded in the realities of our local communities,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Our goal is to help nonprofit professionals gain the tools, strategies, and connections they need to lead with confidence and make an even greater impact.”

This year’s conference will explore key themes including:

  • Building trust and team culture
  • Communicating with clarity and credibility
  • Advancing equity and inclusion
  • Strengthening fundraising and board engagement
  • Embracing innovation and technology in the nonprofit space

Attendees will have opportunities to connect with peers, share ideas, and leave with practical takeaways to apply immediately within their organizations. Special bundle pricing is available to encourage participation from entire teams, and scholarships are offered to ensure access for organizations of all sizes.

The NEPA Learning Conference is an initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation through its Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence. It reflects the Foundation’s deep commitment to investing in the strength, sustainability, and success of the region’s nonprofit sector.

“Strong nonprofits build strong communities,” said Ellen Burkey, Board Chair of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “This conference is one of the many ways we’re working to uplift the incredible work being done by organizations throughout our region.”

Registration is now open at nepalearningconference.com. Early bird pricing is available through July 31, 2025.

Scranton Area Community Foundation and Lackawanna Leadership Announce Grant Recipients

The Scranton Area Community Foundation, in partnership with Leadership Lackawanna, is proud to announce the nonprofit organizations selected to receive grants through the 2024–2025 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT) grant cycle. These awards support initiatives in Lackawanna County that assist individuals affected by domestic violence, promote environmental preservation and education, and address food insecurity.

Funded by a $15,000 allocation from the Scranton Area Community Foundation, these grants were determined by the high school juniors of the TLT Class of 2024–2025, who selected the priority areas and reviewed applications as part of their philanthropy curriculum.

The 2025 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today Grant Recipients are:
  • Lacawac Sanctuary Environmental Education Center – “Environmental Stewardship Institute of

Lackawanna County” – $2,500.00

  • WRC – “Empowering Survivors of Domestic Violence” – $2,575.00
  • Child Hunger Outreach Partners (CHOP) – “CHOP Out Hunger – Supporting Our Programs” –

$5,000.00

  • Saint Joseph’s Center – “Saint Joseph’s Center Maternity Residential Services” – $2,575.00
  • Imagine Performing Arts Center – “Countryside Conservancy & Imagine Collaboration – Exploring

the Environment through the Arts” – $2,350.00

Tomorrow’s Leaders Today is a youth leadership program of Leadership Lackawanna that allows high school juniors to meet with community leaders and decision-makers. In addition to leadership development, the students must complete a philanthropy curriculum conducted by the Scranton Area Communication Foundation. TLT seeks to help participants realize what they can do to make a difference in their community as young philanthropists and to develop their leadership skills further.

SACF accepted funding applications through its online grant portal from December 4, 2024, to January 17, 2025. Eligible organizations were invited to request up to $5,000 in support.

Back Row (l-r): Frank Caputo, Grants & Scholarships Manager; Rebecca Farrell, Grants & Scholarships Associate; Cathy Fitzpatrick, Director of Grants & Scholarships; Jennifer Strzelec, Program Coordinator, Leadership Lackawanna; Nicole Morristell, Executive Director, Leadership Lackawanna.

Front Row (l-r): Rachel Santoro, Director of Development & Communications, CHOP Out Hunger; Samantha Christ, Chief Operating Officer, Founder, Imagine Performing Arts Center; Mac McCrory, Director of At Ease Veteran Program, Lacawac Sanctuary Environmental Education Center.

Scranton Area Community Foundation, Frank L. Burke Foundation Distributes $47,000 to Charities

On Saturday, December 21, 2024, representatives from the Frank L. Burke Foundation visited The Farmhouse Sanctuary in Sterling Township for a check presentation to two organizations on behalf of the Frank L. Burke IV Memorial Fund. Each year, the fund hosts the “Bogeys for Burkey” Golf Tournament, and the proceeds from 2024’s event were distributed as follows:

The Farmhouse Sanctuary: $7,000

Make-A-Wish: $40,000

The Frank L. Burke Foundation is administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. Established by Frank’s family in May 2022, the Frank L. Burke Foundation supports the causes, activities, and organizations that honor his memory.

To date, the Frank L. Burke Foundation has distributed over $135,000 in charitable support to the community.

Front Row (l-r): Felix Cummings, Jeannene Quinn, Shannon Burke, Maura Cummings, Mary Alice Burke, and Latte the Goat. Back Row (l-r): Nick Kwiatkowski, Tom Cummings, Jay Yanul, Ali Lahey, Mara Lahey, and PJ Lahey.

Front Row (l-r): Maggie O’Brien (Make-a-Wish), Jeannene Quinn, Shannon Burke, Mary Alice Burke. Back Row (l-r): Jacob Torba (Scranton Area Community Foundation), Jay Yanul, Nick Kwiatkowski, Mara Lahey, and PJ Lahey.