Scranton Area Community Foundation Archives - The Greater Scranton Chamber

Scranton Area Community Foundation To Host Community Celebration

The Scranton Area Community Foundation will host its 2025 Annual Community Celebration, “Celebrating Community: A Year of Impact, Partnership, and Possibility,” on Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Foundation’s new home in the historic Century Club of Scranton, located at 612 Jefferson Avenue.

The Foundation’s signature year-end event brings together donors, fundholders, partners, nonprofit leaders, and community members to celebrate the generosity that strengthens Northeastern Pennsylvania. The evening will highlight key milestones from the past year, recognize meaningful partnerships, and share stories of impact made possible through charitable giving.

“This celebration is an opportunity to honor the people and organizations who make our region stronger every day,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “The progress we’ve made in 2025—from transformative grants to strategic community initiatives—is a direct reflection of our partners’ generosity and commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change.”

Guests will enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres, and meaningful conversation during an opening networking hour beginning at 5:00 p.m. Dinner stations and refreshments will be available. A brief program will follow at 6:00 p.m., featuring stories of collaboration, progress, and the possibilities ahead for 2026.

The event also offers attendees the opportunity to:

Hear inspiring stories of impact made possible by donor generosity
Connect with fellow supporters, partners, and community leaders
Celebrate shared accomplishments from 2025
Look ahead to new opportunities for partnership in the coming year

The Annual Community Celebration is free to attend, though registration is required. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Guests are kindly asked to RSVP by Sunday, November 30, at www.safdn.org.

Event Details

Scranton Area Community Foundation 2025 Annual Community Celebration

“Celebrating Community: A Year of Impact, Partnership, and Possibility”

Thursday, December 4, 2025 | 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.

5:00 p.m. – Networking, dinner stations, and refreshments

6:00 p.m. – Program

Location: Scranton Area Community Foundation at the Century Club (612 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton)

SACF Honors Michele Bannon and Dr. Tania Stoker

The Scranton Area Community Foundation honored two outstanding community leaders, Michele Bannon and Dr. Tania Stoker, at the 2025 Women in Philanthropy Annual Celebration, held on Wednesday, November 5, at the Foundation’s new home in the historic Century Club of Scranton.

Bannon received the Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Award, and Stoker received the Roseann Smith Alperin Award, two prestigious honors in the region recognizing women whose leadership, service, and vision have made a lasting impact throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“Dr. Stoker and Ms. Bannon are shining examples of what it means to lead with purpose,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Through their compassion, generosity, and tireless service, they continue to strengthen our community and inspire others to do the same.”

Both awards were established at the Scranton Area Community Foundation by generous donors to memorialize and honor women whose values and impact continue to inspire generations.

The Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Award, established in 1992 by the family of Margaretta Belin Chamberlin, honors a woman whose vision, dedication, and courage have enhanced the quality of life and expanded opportunities for others within her community.

The Roseann Smith Alperin Award, established by the Junior League of Scranton, recognizes an outstanding female volunteer who exemplifies the heart and spirit of Roseann Smith Alperin—someone who leads, motivates, and inspires others through her volunteer service and commitment to community.

Michele Bannon, recipient of the Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Award, was celebrated for her joyful and devoted civic engagement in Carbondale and beyond. Her decades of service include leadership roles with NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, the Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce, and the Carbondale Historical Society, where she has been active since 1994. She also volunteers with St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, the Greater Carbondale YMCA, and the Maplewood Cemetery Trust.

Her civic leadership extends to the Lackawanna County Land Bank Advisory Board, the Wayne Memorial Community Board, and the U-Comp Board of Directors through the Pennsylvania Municipal League. Within her parish at St. Rose of Lima Church, she serves on the Finance Committee, Pastoral Council, and as a lector and fundraising chair—roles she approaches with faith and enthusiasm. Bannon’s contributions have previously earned her the 2013 Roseann Smith Alperin Award and the 2019 Pioneer Hero Award.

Dr. Tania Stoker, recipient of the Roseann Smith Alperin Award, has dedicated over 27 years to advancing equity, access, and opportunity through public education. Currently Assistant Superintendent for the Northern Lehigh School District, she has served as a teacher, coach, principal, and district leader dedicated to uplifting students and families.

A dedicated volunteer, Dr. Stoker has been an active member of the Junior League of Scranton since 2017, serving as board member, treasurer, and committee chair. She also lends her leadership to St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, Ronald McDonald House of Scranton, Family to Family, Friends of the Poor, and the Adopt a Single Mom Project. Her service extends to advisory boards for the Workforce Board Lehigh Valley – Business Education Partnership and Lehigh University’s Zoellner Arts Center. Her leadership has been recognized with the Mary Harriman Award (2020), Margaret L. Richards Award (2024), and the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators’ Wanda McDaniel Award (2025).

Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi congratulates Michele Bannon, recipient of the 2025 Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Award, during the Women in Philanthropy Annual Celebration at the Foundation’s new home in the Century Club of Scranton on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO Laura Ducceschi congratulates Dr. Tania Stoker, recipient of the 2025 Roseann Smith Alperin Award, during the Women in Philanthropy Annual Celebration at the Foundation’s new home in the Century Club of Scranton on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

Each year, Women in Philanthropy (WIP), an initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, celebrates the power of collective giving and honors women whose leadership and service strengthen communities across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The 2025 celebration marked a milestone year, taking place for the first time at the Foundation’s new home in the Century Club of Scranton, where supporters, partners, and community members gathered to celebrate over a decade of impact and growing regional momentum. The evening featured stories of empowerment, progress, and generosity that showcased how women’s collective philanthropy continues to change lives across the region.

Guests enjoyed an inspiring program highlighting the initiative’s achievements, including its ongoing support of financial education programs, microgrants for women-owned businesses, and collaborative efforts to address barriers such as childcare and transportation—all aimed at improving economic mobility and quality of life for women, girls, and families in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Through events like this annual celebration, Women in Philanthropy continues to bring together a diverse network of leaders, donors, and changemakers united by a shared vision: to invest in lasting, equitable progress across the region.

Outreach Receives Grant from SACF

Outreach – Center for Community Resources recently received a $10,000 grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation for the Ways to Work car loan program.

Photo (left to right): **Kenneth Okrepkie**, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Member; **Laura Ducceschi**, President and CEO, Scranton Area Community Foundation; **Jennifer Shoemaker**, Outreach Workforce Development Manager, and **Heather MacLennan**, Ways to Work Case Manager, Outreach – Center for Community Resources.

Established in 2024, the Ways to Work program helps low-income individuals obtain a reliable, safe vehicle to maintain and advance their employment opportunities. Eligible participants must meet a series of requirements verified by Outreach staff. Participants can receive up to a $15,000 loan over five years. Outreach employs a Ways to Work program manager who maintains constant contact with the participant throughout the loan, providing support and connections to resources when necessary.

Since starting the program, Outreach has provided vehicles to eight individuals. The program has helped individuals and families attain economic self-sufficiency and family stability, which is the Outreach mission.

Outreach is thankful to the Scranton Area Community Foundation for its support.

SACF’s Laura Ducceschi Selected for National Leadership Cohort

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.

Scranton Area Community Foundation Fights Local Hunger With Fundraiser

The Scranton Area Community Foundation, in partnership with the City of Scranton and the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Counties, is proud to announce the return of The Heart of Scranton: A Virtual Fundraiser to Help Our Neighbors, taking place now through November 30, 2025.

The Heart of Scranton campaign brings together generous donors, caring neighbors, and trusted local nonprofits to address a growing and urgent need: food insecurity. As the cost of living continues to rise and families face the impact of the ongoing federal government shutdown and the potential lapse of food assistance benefits, thousands of residents in Lackawanna County are struggling to put food on the table. According to Feeding America, nearly 33,000 county residents, including many children, are considered food insecure.

Donors may choose to support any of the participating organizations individually, or they may make a single gift to the Foundation’s general Heart of Scranton Fund, with all proceeds evenly distributed among the participating organizations.

“At the Scranton Area Community Foundation, we see every day how generosity strengthens and sustains our community,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Through the Heart of Scranton Virtual Fundraiser, we’re turning that generosity into real results—fueling local organizations on the front lines of hunger to ensure our neighbors have access to food and essential resources. This partnership with the City of Scranton and the United Way reflects what we do best: bringing people and resources together to build a stronger, more resilient community.”

One hundred percent of all donations (minus standard credit card processing fees) will go directly to support these organizations, which are doing mission-critical work to combat hunger in the Scranton area.

This year’s effort builds on the success of the original Heart of Scranton campaign in 2020, which raised over $180,000 in under 48 hours to provide emergency food assistance during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also continues the Foundation’s ongoing partnership with the City of Scranton to address hunger, including a joint $10,000 investment in 2024 to establish the Lackawanna Food Policy Council Fund, strengthening coordination among local food-access agencies.

“Earlier this year, our Hunger Task Force raised the alarm about food security issues in Scranton getting increasingly worse. When times are tough, we know Scranton residents band together to help their neighbors, showing the true heart of this community,” Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti said. “The need for this fundraiser right now isn’t just a reminder of food insecurity during the winter or the holidays. It will also support those around us who may be affected by the pending lapse in food assistance benefits caused by the federal government shutdown.”

Click here to find more information.

Scranton Area Community Foundation Encourages ‘Leave 5%’ to Support Future

As the season of gratitude and giving begins, the Scranton Area Community Foundation is renewing its call for residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania to consider a lasting act of generosity: pledging to leave just 5% of their estate to strengthen their local community for generations to come.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is one of more than 40 community foundations across the Commonwealth participating in the PA Giving Pledge, a statewide initiative of the Pennsylvania Community Foundation Association (PACFA) designed to inspire Pennsylvanians to give back where they live, create sustainable funding for local nonprofits, and address community needs.

“The PA Giving Pledge is a powerful reminder that every one of us can leave a lasting legacy,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “By committing even a small percentage of what we leave behind, we can create permanent, local resources that make life better for our neighbors—today and for generations to come.”

According to data from the Center for Rural Pennsylvania, more than $418 billion is expected to transfer between generations across the Commonwealth by 2030. If just 5% of that wealth were dedicated to charitable causes through the PA Giving Pledge, it could generate $21 billion in permanent community endowments to support critical needs—such as education, healthcare, workforce development, and the environment—across Pennsylvania.

Locally, that potential impact is equally remarkable.

“Here in Lackawanna County, a 5% legacy commitment from residents could generate more than $12.6 million every year to support nonprofits and causes that make our region stronger,” Ducceschi noted. “It’s a simple but transformative way to give back to the place you call home.”

The Scranton Area Community Foundation and its statewide partners also engage professional advisors, business leaders, and philanthropists to spread awareness of the opportunity and help clients plan charitable gifts that reflect their values and vision for the future.

“We’re honored to have the Scranton Area Community Foundation as a leading voice in this effort,” said Michael L. Batchelor, President of the Pennsylvania Community Foundation Association. “Together, we have the opportunity to leave a shared legacy that will benefit Pennsylvanians forever.”

Residents can learn more, calculate their potential impact, and take the PA Giving Pledge by visiting PAGivingPledge.org.

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

“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.”

“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.”

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