Scranton Area Community Foundation Celebrates 70 Years of Impact The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its 70th Anniversary Campaign, commemorating seven decades of dedicated service and impactful philanthropy in the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. Since its establishment in 1954, the Foundation has been at the forefront of fostering community development, supporting nonprofit organizations, and enhancing the quality of life for residents in Northeastern Pennsylvania. During this special time, the Foundation aims to celebrate the Foundation’s rich history while looking forward to a future of continued growth and community support.To coincide with this milestone year and continue improving on the Foundation’s critical work, the Scranton Area Community Foundation is establishing a permanent home in Lackawanna County in 2024. The Foundation was generously gifted the building that houses the Century Club of Scranton on Jefferson Avenue, directly across the street from its current rented office location in Scranton. This gift will allow the Scranton Area Community Foundation to have a permanent home in Lackawanna County later this year and better serve the community through various on-site services for nonprofits, as well as the ability to convene the community to work on important solutions.The Scranton Area Community Foundation will spend the next few months renovating, improving, and preserving the historic building. During this time, the Foundation seeks support from the community to help finalize this move and continue providing charitable support to the community. “Supporting our anniversary campaign will help us to uplift the communities we serve in Northeastern Pennsylvania and enable us to enact meaningful change across our region,” stated Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO. “By joining our 70th-anniversary campaign, you help us reach our goal as we prepare to move into our new home, honor the Foundation’s legacy, and inspire continued philanthropic efforts in our region,” stated Ellen Burkey, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Chair. “Every contribution makes a difference, and 100% of your donation stays local, supporting the needs of our renovations and our region’s greatest needs,” she added. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and ‘Platinum Jubilee’ anniversary celebration event is planned for December 2024. This event will bring together donors, community partners, nonprofit leaders, and the community to reflect on the Foundation’s accomplishments and celebrate its future. Look for more information on the Platinum Jubilee and ribbon-cutting ceremony to come soon. To support the Foundation’s transformative journey, visit 70.safdn.org to learn more. The Scranton Area Community Foundation works to meet critical community needs and support local causes, programs, and organizations. From improving access to equitable transportation to transforming the lives of women, girls, and their families, building the capacity of nonprofit organizations, advancing various causes in animal welfare, and ensuring all residents have access to safe and healthy housing, the Scranton Area Community Foundation is dedicated to helping to improve the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “The Scranton Area Community Foundation was established as a community trust in 1954 by the Scranton Family. Their initial $1 million gift was the seed that has grown into a permanent vehicle for donors to accomplish their philanthropic goals while helping to support positive change in our community,” Ducceschi stated. “Today, ninety cents of every dollar spent at the Foundation goes directly to grants, scholarships, and programs in the communities we serve,” she added. The Scranton Area Community Foundation offers a range of charitable funds, allowing donors to advance a cause, support an individual organization, provide flexible support for community needs, or recommend individual grants. “Reaching this 70th-anniversary milestone is a testament to the unwavering support of our donors, our nonprofit partners’ dedication, and our community’s resilience,” said Ducceschi. “As we celebrate our 70th anniversary, we remain even more committed to driving positive change and creating a vibrant, inclusive community for all across Northeastern Pennsylvania,” she added. “And we do this all through the support of our generous community.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation invites everyone to participate in the celebration and the 70th Anniversary Campaign activities. Visit safdn.org for more information about upcoming events, grant opportunities, and how to get involved. Naming opportunities and special recognition opportunities exist. Multi-year pledges can also be accepted and are appreciated. The Scranton Area Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania through philanthropy, collaboration, and community leadership. Since 1954, the Foundation has provided over $50 million in grants and scholarships, supporting a wide range of programs and initiatives that address the community’s most pressing needs.
Scranton Area Community Foundation to Benefit from Shine Like Susan 5K The Scranton Area Community Foundation will receive donations from a group of Abington Heights High School students from the Class of 2025 and members of the school’s cross country and track and field teams have gathered to organize the upcoming 3rd annual Shine Like Susan 5K, a race in memory of Susan Burke, who lost her battle with colon cancer in 2022. The race will raise money to benefit the Susan Burke Foundation for Colon Cancer, a fund established in 2022 at the Scranton Area Community Foundation by the family of Susan Burke to provide support to individuals with a colon cancer diagnosis who are experiencing financial hardship. The Shine Like Susan 5K will occur at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Abington Heights Middle School. All proceeds will benefit the Susan Burke Foundation for Colon Cancer at the Scranton Area Community Foundation. The event will include a free kids’ fun run (ages 8 and under), raffle baskets, music, course guides, and more. Interested parties can register online at www.runsignup.com/shinelikesusan. The Shine Like Susan 5K registration fee is $25 online and $30 on race day. Since its beginning in 2022, the Shine Like Susan 5K event has raised over $50,000 to support the Susan Burke Foundation for Colon Cancer.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Announces 2024 Scholarship Recipients Scranton Area Community Foundation has awarded twenty students from thirteen different high schools a prestigious scholarship through the James F. Swift Scholarship Fund. This competitive scholarship provides $5,000 per year for each recipient for up to four years to assist with continuing education expenses. The following students are first-time recipients of a James F. Swift Scholarship: Noah Beckish (North Pocono), Caden Brennan (Carbondale), Jocelyn Brown (Carbondale), Holly Burke (Scranton Preparatory), Carolyn Chakiris (Mid Valley), Elizabeth Cummings (Old Forge), Celia Emiliani (West Scranton), Kate Evans (West Scranton), Nikauri Fernandez (Holy Cross), Emma Field (Scranton), Sarah Goetter (Mid Valley), Geanna Kirchner (Dunmore), Savannah Lockwood (Dunmore), Antonia Piraino (Lakeland), Allyson Stafursky (Valley View), Makenna Stugus (Abington Heights), Alexa Williams (Riverside), Sarah Wolfe (Riverside), Meghan Wong (Scranton), and Angela Zeng (Abington Heights). In addition to the 20 new recipients, there were 57 James F. Swift Scholarship renewals in 2024. The following students are recipients of a James F. Swift Scholarship Renewal in 2024: Ava Aulisio, Emma Aversa, Jacquelyn Bitter, Alexander Bond, Jillian Brennan, Cameron Butka, Joel Cali, Sofia Capozzi, Kaeden Carr, Riley Clarke, Ryan Coleman, Alyssa Cosklo, Ava Decker, Jayden Evans, Erileidi Fernandez, Sofia Flores-Weidner, Hunter Geise, Sadid Hassan, Courtney Hazelton, Matthew Howard, Emma Illian, Elina Joshi, Michael Kazmierczak, Eliana King, Kendal Johnson, Lorna Lynch, Dana Mackin, Hailey Matechak, Sara McCormack, Finley McHale, David McKenney, Thomas Milewski, Connor Monahan, Ayman Mounota, Owen Morgan, Julia Murphy, Mia Muskey, Paige Pezanowski, Ron Prislupski, Meredith Purcell, Mila Racibor, Ritu Regmi, Taralyn Reilly, Lexee Risner, Michael Rodyushkin, Kayla Rose, Chloee Rumford, Ryan Salony, Michael Sewack, Gabrielle Snee, Christian Snee, Ethan Symuleski, Alexis Tanana, Benjamin Thompson, Martin Turi, Jayde Waibel, and Molly White. The James F. Swift Scholarship Fund has awarded over $5 million since 2008, benefiting over 340 local students. Created in 2002 through a gift by Mr. James F. Swift to the Scranton Area Community Foundation, the James F. Swift Scholarship Fund supports higher education for students graduating from high schools in Lackawanna County. Following Mr. Swift’s death in 2006, the Scranton Area Community Foundation gratefully received a significant gift from his estate to the scholarship fund, allowing many students from Lackawanna County to pursue their academic and professional goals through higher education. The scholarship aims to provide an ongoing matriculation stream at Lackawanna County colleges and universities. The Scranton Area Community Foundation aims to award 75% of the scholarships to students who plan to attend institutions of higher learning in the Lackawanna County region. Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi praised Mr. Swift’s generosity, noting that “he has left a permanent and enduring legacy for our region’s youth. His scholarship fund makes higher education more attainable for generations of students.” The Scranton Area Community Foundation partners with the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) in the Partnership for Access to Higher Education (PATH) Program to offer qualifying students additional financial aid. Through PHEAA, scholarship recipients may be eligible for additional dollars toward their tuition. For more information on the James F. Swift Scholarship Fund at the Scranton Area Community Foundation, please contact Brittany Pagnotti, Communications Director of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, at 570-347-6203.
Scranton Area Community Foundation’s NEPA Gives Raises $1.23 Million The Scranton Area Community Foundation’s fifth annual NEPA Gives, which took place on June 6th and 7th, 2024, raised $1,229,151 for 241 local nonprofit organizations and charitable causes across Northeastern Pennsylvania in just 24 hours. The Scranton Area Community Foundation hosted the region’s largest giving event in partnership with The Luzerne Foundation, Wayne County Community Foundation, Greater Pike Community Foundation, Carbon County Community Foundation, the Community Foundation of Monroe County, Posture Interactive, and other community sponsors to raise awareness about the critical work nonprofit organizations carry out across the region and to help charitable organizations raise much-needed funds. Nearly 7,000 donors generously supported NEPA Gives, which was also generously supported by numerous sponsors, including the Moses Taylor Foundation, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Neighborly, Lamar Advertising, Schwartz Mack Foundation, Women in Philanthropy, the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative, the William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, Minooka Subaru, and many others.
Scranton Area Community Foundation to Host 5th Annual NEPA Gives The Scranton Area Community Foundation, in partnership with The Luzerne Foundation, Wayne County Community Foundation, Monroe County Community Foundation, Carbon County Community Foundation, Greater Pike Community Foundation, Posture Interactive, and other community sponsors, will host the fifth annual NEPA Gives event from Thursday, June 6, until Friday, June 7, 2024.Promoted as the largest philanthropy event in Northeastern Pennsylvania, NEPA Gives is a 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 help charitable organizations raise much-needed funds. Over 250 nonprofit organizations from eight counties in Northeastern Pennsylvania will participate in NEPA Gives. Donations to participating nonprofit organizations are accepted at nepagives.org from 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 7. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in matching funds, incentives, and prizes have been secured, provided by various community partners, businesses, and sponsors that make donations to participating nonprofits during NEPA Gives stretch even further. “Because of support from our generous sponsors, it only costs a nonprofit organization a little bit over $2.00 to raise $100,” stated Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Unsurprisingly, over 250 local nonprofits participate in NEPA Gives every year.” Adding to the excitement, there will be in-person events to celebrate NEPA Gives across the region. A NEPA Gives kickoff event, hosted by the Scranton Area Community Foundation and the Luzerne Foundation in partnership with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders and many participating local nonprofit organizations, will be held on Thursday, June 6, from 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. during the RailRiders baseball game at PNC Field. Be part of the action for a night of baseball, NEPA Gives excitement and family fun as the RailRiders take on the Norfolk Tides! The game begins at 6:35 PM. A limited number of specially priced tickets are available for purchase through the Scranton Area Community Foundation to join in the NEPA Gives celebration and an exclusive party at the Kost Tire & Auto Pavilion at PNC Field. Tickets cost $40.00 per ticket, including an all-you-can-eat buffet and special seating along the third base line. To purchase tickets for this event, visit nepagives.org/info/openingevents. On Friday, June 7, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the Scranton Area Community Foundation will be hosting a NEPA Gives Block Party and closing celebration on the 100 Block of Wyoming Avenue in downtown Scranton. This free-admission event features live entertainment, food trucks, games, and fun for all ages. Engage with some of the participating nonprofit organizations, learn about their important work, and how you can help support them during NEPA Gives. Food is available for purchase from vendors, including Butcher Bob’s BBQ, The Hilton Scranton, Jitty Joe’s Ice Cream and Candy Trucks, and more. Additionally, there will be NEPA Gives kickoff events in Hawley and Stroudsburg. The Wayne County Community Foundation and The Greater Pike Community Foundation, in partnership with Settlers Hospitality, will be hosting a NEPA Gives opening celebration at Grants Woods @ Settlers Inn in Hawley (4 Main Avenue, Hawley) on Thursday, June 6, from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. This event is open to the public and includes live music, refreshments, kid-friendly activities, and opportunities to interact with representatives from local nonprofits participating in NEPA Gives. The Monroe County Community Foundation is hosting a NEPA Gives kickoff event at The Willowtree Inn and Restaurant in Stroudsburg (601 Ann Street, Stroudsburg) on Thursday, June 6, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. In addition to opportunities to interact with local nonprofit organizations participating in NEPA Gives, this event will include light refreshments, signature food, a cash bar and drink specials, and giveaways. More information about these events can be found at nepagives.org/info/liveevents. NEPA Gives is hosted by the Scranton Area Community Foundation in partnership with The Luzerne Foundation, Wayne County Community Foundation, Monroe County Community Foundation, Carbon County Community Foundation, Greater Pike Community Foundation, Posture Interactive, and other community sponsors. Support for NEPA Gives is provided by the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, Schwartz Mack Foundation, the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, Minooka Subaru, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, the Robert and Rose Cavanaugh Fund to Feed the Hungry Poor, Houghton Chemical Corporation, the Honesdale National Bank, Neighborly, Wayne Bank, the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Center City Print, PDQ, Cardinal LG, Benco Dental, NET Credit Union, and more. Media partners include Cumulus Media, Audacy, WNEP-TV, WBRE/WYOU TV, FOX56, WVIA, Lamar Advertising, Times-Shamrock Communications, and Pocono Television Network. “NEPA Gives is all about supporting the charities that are doing important work right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” Ducceschi said. “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 hundreds of thousands of dollars in incentives, bonuses, and matching funds available to participating nonprofits, which helps make charitable donations go further during NEPA Gives. This year, we are looking forward to gathering in person in downtown Scranton and during the RailRiders baseball game at PNC Field to celebrate the momentum of NEPA Gives and highlight the generosity of our region and the good work of the many nonprofits taking part in NEPA Gives.” Community members wishing to contribute during NEPA Gives can visit nepagives.org anytime between 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, and 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 7, 2024, to make a secure donation to any of the 250+ participating nonprofit organizations. Participating nonprofit organizations include the Women’s Resource Center, Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, Saint Joseph’s Center, NeighborWorks Northeastern PA, CHOP Out Hunger, Boys and Girls Clubs of NEPA, Lacawac Sanctuary Environmental Education Center, and hundreds more. This is the fifth year for NEPA Gives, which has raised over $4 million for hundreds of local nonprofit organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania in the past four years. These events also coincide with the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s 70th anniversary of creating charitable connections in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Awards $2,000 Grant to Leadership Lackawanna Leadership Lackawanna, an affiliate organization to The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, and a local nonprofit organization dedicated to community leadership and professional development, announces the support from the Scranton Area Community Foundation for its Welcome Scranton! program. In correlation with the Foundation’s Spring Grants cycle, Leadership Lackawanna received a $2,000 Community Needs Grant. The grant funds will be directly used in the support and delivery of Welcome Scranton!, a 2 ½ day program designed to give participants a quick, but thorough, understanding of Scranton and Lackawanna County, along with a revitalized sense of putting leadership into action. enrollment is open to everyone, from newcomers to area natives, from entry-level employees to executives. “Participating in Welcome Scranton gave me an insider look at so many unique places in and around Scranton. I learned more in 2 and a half days than in the 7 years I’ve lived here, and I connected with some wonderful people along the way! We’re so grateful that thanks to this grant, we’ll be able to continue to offer this one-of-a-kind program.” The benefits of the program encompass exploring our area’s hidden gems, enhancing your network of personal and professional connections, hearing inspirational stories from our business community, and gaining exposure to local leaders, issues and service and leadership opportunities. Applications are now being accepted for Welcome Scranton! which begins May 23rd. Interested parties should apply online at www.LeadershipLackawanna.com by May 2.
UNC’s Mid Valley Senior Community Center Starts Ballroom Classes United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UNC) Mid Valley Senior Community Center starts its newest free activity, Ballroom Dance Classes with Vince Brust on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 9:00 am. Any interested older adults 60+ can register by calling 570-489-4415, no experience or partner necessary. The classes are offered in partnership with Arts in Education, Lackawanna County Area on Aging, the Pennsylvania Department on Aging, and the Scranton Area Community Foundation. About Vince Brust, Dance Instructor/Choreographer Vince Brust, a graduate from University of Louvain, Belgium, has taught more than 76,000 Dance lessons since 1975. He has in North and South America, Africa, Australia, and Europe. Vince appeared on Oprah Winfrey Show and was a Rotary International Exchange Dance Professional to Brazil. He conducts residencies in Swing, Latin or Ballroom Dancing for 3rd through 12th grades, and Senior citizens. He draws connections between the history and movements of the dance(s) with his students’ own courses: (e.g. Spanish language studies and Salsa; or Swing dance and WWII era). The benefits of such a residency manifold greater self-confidence, self-esteem, and greater “connectedness” with fellow students.
Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Appointed to ECAC The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia announced this week the appointment of Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, as one of four new members to its Economic and Community Advisory Council (ECAC).The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia’s Economic and Community Advisory Council (ECAC) informs the Bank’s senior leadership of emerging trends, issues, and market conditions that impact monetary policy within the Third Federal Reserve District and across the country. The Council is comprised of members from both the private and public sectors throughout PA, NJ, and DE, and fosters greater integration to encourage economic growth.Ducceschi was asked to serve on the Council because of her deep understanding of issues impacting economic mobility, including community revitalization, workforce development, transportation, and housing, and her commitment to bringing together diverse groups and forging cross-sector partnerships to address regional challenges. Noted as of particular value to the Council is Ducceschi’s focus on developing responsive programs and using resources in innovative ways to advance inclusive growth across Northeastern Pennsylvania, as well as the knowledge she will bring on emerging trends in philanthropic giving and on a community foundation’s role in being a community catalyst. She will serve a three-year term. Ducceschi has been president and chief executive officer of the Scranton Area Community Foundation since 2012. She manages over 320 charitable funds and four foundations with more than $90 million in total assets. Ducceschi has also spearheaded many initiatives, including NEPA Moves with the Philadelphia Fed, NEPA Thrives, Women in Philanthropy, and NEPA Gives, a 24-hour regional giving day in northeastern Pennsylvania.There are 14 members of the Economic and Community Advisory Council. In addition to Ducceschi, the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia has also appointed Ken Kaiser, senior vice president and chief operating officer of Temple University; Jesse McCree, chief executive officer of SCPa Works; and Leslie Smallwood-Lewis, chief operating officer and cofounder of Mosaic Development Partners.A press release from The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia indicates that they help formulate and implement monetary policy; supervise state member banks, bank holding companies, and savings and loan holding companies; and provide financial services to depository institutions and the federal government. It is one of the 12 regional Reserve Banks that, together with the Board of Governors in Washington, D.C., make up the Federal Reserve System. The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia serves eastern and central Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Delaware.For additional information on the ECAC, visit https://www.philadelphiafed.org/our-people/advisory-councils/ecac.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Announces 2024 Scholarship Cycle The Scranton Area Community Foundation now invites students to apply online for eligible scholarship opportunities. This year, over 85 scholarships and $800,000 are available to graduating high school and current college students for various studies, interests, and more. Included in these scholarships is the prestigious James F. Swift Scholarship, which provides $5,000 per year (renewable for a total of 4 years) to assist with continuing education expenses. The James F. Swift Scholarship opportunity is open to local high school seniors graduating from a Lackawanna County high school. Twenty students are selected annually for this competitive scholarship. All scholarship applications must be received through the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s online scholarship portal. 2024 scholarship applications are due Friday, March 1, 2024. Scholarship decisions will be announced in June. The Scranton Area Community Foundation is steward to over 85 scholarship funds, with over $14 million currently invested in scholarships at the Foundation. The Scranton Area Community Foundation distributed over $840,000 in scholarships in 2023. For more information, visit safdn.org/scholarship-application, or contact Cathy Fitzpatrick, Scranton Area Community Foundation Director of Grants and Scholarships, at 570-347-6203 x301, or grants@safdn.org.
Outreach- Center for Community Resources Receives Community Needs Grant Outreach – Center for Community Resources received a grant for $12,000 from the Scranton Area Community Foundation in June of this year for Outreach Evidence-based Early Childhood Education as part of the 2023 Spring Community Needs Grant Cycle. Outreach offers evidence-based home visiting programs for parents and their children. The early childhood education programs focus on child development and school readiness for families with children prenatal to age 3. Services focus on positive parent-child interactions, school readiness, and overall family well-being. Outreach Family Development Specialists visit the homes of the parents and their children weekly. The Outreach home visitors and parents plan ways to help the child learn using parent-child interactions, daily routines, and household materials. Outreach child-serving programs aim to improve school readiness through high-quality activities that enhance cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Outreach parenting programs allow parents to gain the skills to implement positive parenting techniques that result in improved behavioral outcomes for their children and connect them to a social network of other parents. Outreach is very grateful to the Scranton Area Community Foundation for its continued support of the family-serving programs we provide for the regional community. This funding has helped Outreach advance its mission to assist families in achieving stability and economic self-sufficiency. The Scranton Area Community Foundation has been serving the Northeastern Pennsylvania region for over 65 years as a steward, a grant-maker, 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 that 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.
