The Scranton Area Community Foundation, NEPA Gives Raised Over $1.3 Million for Local Nonprofits More than 8,000 donors rally in support of 257 organizations across Northeastern Pennsylvania The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce that NEPA Gives 2025 raised over $1.3 million in just 24 hours to support 257 nonprofit organizations across Northeastern Pennsylvania. The sixth annual event—held from 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 5 through 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 6—saw more than 8,000 donors come together to uplift the critical work of nonprofits making a difference throughout the region. NEPA Gives is the largest day of giving in Northeastern Pennsylvania, coordinated by the Scranton Area Community Foundation in partnership with The Luzerne Foundation, Wayne County Community Foundation, Monroe County Community Foundation, Carbon County Community Foundation, Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers, Greater Pike Community Foundation, Posture Interactive, and dozens of generous community sponsors. “NEPA Gives is a celebration of community—and a powerful reminder of the generosity that defines our region,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “We are grateful to every donor, sponsor, and nonprofit that helped make this the most successful NEPA Gives to date.” Thanks to over $250,000 in bonus funds, matching gifts, and incentive prizes, donations went even further to help participating nonprofits maximize their fundraising potential. Support came from every corner of the region, both online and in person. A festive NEPA Gives Launch Party was held on June 5 at the Foundation’s new headquarters in the Century Club of Scranton, and the celebration continued at the popular NEPA Gives Block Party on June 6, drawing hundreds of attendees to downtown Scranton for live entertainment, food trucks, and family-friendly fun. Nonprofits of all sizes and missions participated, including returning participants such as Saint Joseph’s Center, Women’s Resource Center, NEPA Youth Shelter, and the Lackawanna River Conservation Association. The event’s success was made possible through the support of generous sponsors, including The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, Moses Taylor Foundation, Coterra, William G. McGowan Charitable Fund, Schwartz Mack Foundation, Fidelity Bank, Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation, Honesdale National Bank, Wegmans, and many others. Media partners such as WBRE/WYOU TV, FOX56, Audacy, Cumulus Media, Lamar Advertising, and Times-Shamrock Communications provided critical promotional support to raise awareness across the region.
Scranton Area Community Foundation Celebrated Its New Home at the Historic Century Club of Scranton The Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Board of Governors joins President & CEO Laura Ducceschi in officially cutting the ribbon. The Scranton Area Community Foundation proudly celebrated a significant milestone on Thursday, May 15, 2025, with a ribbon-cutting and open house ceremony marking the official opening of its new permanent headquarters at the historic Century Club of Scranton. More than 250 guests, including donors, community partners, elected officials, and nonprofit leaders, joined Foundation staff and board members for the celebratory event. The evening featured guided tours of the newly renovated space, meaningful remarks from the Foundation’s leadership and community partners, and the dedication of several named spaces made possible through generous philanthropic support. “This new home is more than just a building—it’s a long-term investment in the future of philanthropy, collaboration, and community impact in Northeastern Pennsylvania,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful to our donors, partners, and the community for helping make this vision a reality.” During the program, special thanks were extended to the Foundation’s Board of Governors, staff, and the architectural team at Fancy Parsley for their commitment to honoring the building’s rich history while enhancing its functionality for modern use. Deep appreciation was also shared for our generous donors, whose support made this vision possible, and for the talented construction team, whose hard work brought the project to life. A warm recognition was given to the Century Club membership, especially the family of the late Maureen Pesavento, for their meaningful support and partnership throughout the transition. Members of the late Maureen Pesavento’s family were honored during the Ribbon Cutting & Open House in recognition of the Century Club’s support and partnership in the Foundation’s transition to its new permanent home. Their presence was a meaningful tribute to Maureen’s legacy and the shared vision that helped make this moment possible. The Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Board of Governors and President and CEO Laura Ducceschi proudly accepted a congressional proclamation presented by the Office of U.S. Congressman Rob Bresnahan, Jr. during the Foundation’s Ribbon Cutting & Open House. The proclamation, delivered by the Congressman’s Outreach Director, Francene Dudziec, officially commends the Foundation on the grand opening of its new home and recognizes its decades of dedicated service to the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. A full house also gathered inside the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Auditorium at the Century Club to celebrate the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Ribbon Cutting & Open House—marking the official opening of its new permanent home and a new chapter for philanthropy in Northeastern Pennsylvania. In a special moment during the evening, the Office of U.S. Congressman Rob Bresnahan, Jr., presented the Scranton Area Community Foundation with a congressional proclamation, officially commending the Foundation on the grand opening of its new home and recognizing its decades of service to the Northeastern Pennsylvania region. “The proclamation was received with deep gratitude and is a meaningful reminder of the Foundation’s role as a trusted civic partner and leader in regional philanthropy,” Ducceschi added. The new location at 612 Jefferson Avenue features flexible meeting spaces, collaborative work areas, and dedicated rooms to support nonprofit growth and learning. During the event, many of the Foundation’s signature spaces—including the Welcome Concourse, President’s Foyer, the Hawk Family Foundation Hall, the Garden Room, the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation Auditorium, and named rooms honoring generous supporters—were unveiled. The Scranton Area Community Foundation looks forward to continuing its work to connect people, ideas, and resources to create lasting, positive change from its new home in the heart of Scranton.
Hospice of the Sacred Heart Receives Grant from Scranton Area Community Foundation Hospice of the Sacred Heart recently received a $7,000 grant from the Scranton Area Community Foundation to support a pediatric patient initiative called the Kids’ Kloset. The grant is part of the Scranton Area Community Foundation Community Needs Grant Fund. The Kids’ Kloset is open to Hospice of the Sacred Heart pediatric patients and their siblings. Electronics, arts and crafts, stuffed animals, games and various toys are made available at no charge. The hospice also makes every effort to fulfill special requests for items not stored in the Kids’ Kloset. “Infants, children and adolescents facing a life-limiting illness deserve a gift now and then to bring them joy. We are grateful to the Scranton Area Community Foundation for their financial support to help make this program flourish,” said Diane Baldi, CEO, Hospice of the Sacred Heart. The Kids’ Kloset is located at the Hospice of the Sacred Heart office on E.D. Preate Drive in Moosic. We are proud to offer exemplary pediatric hospice care in conjunction with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The mission of Hospice of the Sacred Heart is to provide comfort, care, hope and choice to patients and their families, while guiding them through the end of life journey.
The Scranton Area Community Foundation Creates Flood Relief Fund Scranton, PA – In response to the severe storms that struck our county on Saturday, September 9th, 2023, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has established the Lackawanna County Flood Relief Fund to support community organizations directly affected by flood events and which are experiencing financial hardship as a result. Identifying the need for a rapid response to severe conditions brought on by flood events, the Lackawanna County Flood Relief Fund was created with seed money by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. The Lackawanna County Flood Relief Fund will solicit additional charitable donations from other organizations and individuals in order to respond effectively. “In critical situations like this, we know the needs are going to be great, so as a Community Foundation we are trying to prepare for how best to serve those who will need assistance. We have a very generous community, and I believe that others will also step up and support this very important cause,” said Laura Ducceschi, President & CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. The fund is currently accepting charitable donations, 100% of which will go toward supporting those affected in Lackawanna County. Donations to the fund can be made online at https://scranton.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=4598f. Donations can also be mailed via check to The Scranton Area Foundation, 615 Jefferson Ave., Suite 102, Scranton PA 18510, and made payable to “Scranton Area Foundation” with “LC Flood Fund” in the memo line. Donations may also be made by using the QR code below. Additional program information, including eligibility, parameters, and how to apply for support from the Lackawanna County Flood Relief Fund, will be released early next week. For more information about the Lackawanna County Flood Relief Fund, please contact Frank Caputo, Grants & Communications Coordinator at the Scranton Area Community Foundation.
The Scranton Area Community Foundation to Host Free Spay and Neuter Program The NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative is launching a free dog spay and neuter program for eligible participants in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, made possible because of a recent Bob Jones Dog Trust grant.The program will help eligible participants get their pet dog spay/neuter surgeries at no cost. This program is open to those who live in Lackawanna or Luzerne County and have a dog over the age of six months. Participants must prove eligibility before surgery is provided. To qualify for the program, participants must submit a copy of one of the following documents: Access Card award letter, dated utility receipt showing LIHEAP assistance, SSD/SSI award letter, PACE card, WIC card, or Medicaid card. This program is first come, first served until the grant funding is depleted.Interested participants can email AWC@safdn.org to apply. The services will be at the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic at Indraloka Animal Sanctuary, 336 Oak Drive in Dalton.The NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative is dedicated to bettering the life and care of pets in Northeastern Pennsylvania. “By providing this free spay and neuter program, the Collaborative will not only be able to get local dogs critical veterinary care, but we will also be able to keep more dogs from being surrendered to local shelters and rescues,” stated Bella Ceccoli, the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative Coordinator. “The need for affordable spay and neuter services is great within our community, and this program, made possible because of a grant from the Bob Jones Dog Trust, will help eligible participants get their pets the services they need,” added Ceccoli. For more information about the spay and neuter program, please contact Bella Ceccoli, Scranton Area Community Foundation’s NEPA Animal Welfare Coordinator at AWC@safdn.org.
DEADLINE EXTENDED! Apply Today for The NEPA Workforce Leadership Academy! The NEPA Workforce Leadership Academy is accepting applications for the 2023 Fellowship Cohort until Friday, February 3, 2023 at 5PM. What is the NEPA Workforce Leadership Academy?The NEPA Workforce Leadership Academy is designed to support leaders in workforce development committed to the advancement of the local workforce ecosystem. It brings together leaders from across the local workforce ecosystem for a year-long series of retreats, workshops, and action learning projects. Who can participate?Senior-level managers engaged in or planning workforce development efforts connecting workers to quality jobs and/or career pathways are encouraged to apply for this Fellowship.Applicants should be: Located and working within Lackawanna and/or Luzerne Counties. Working within nonprofit organizations, business associations, community colleges and universities, union-based training efforts, public agencies, economic development, and other workforce development organizations. In a position of leadership and decision-making authority related to workforce development efforts, with the capacity and ability to execute strategies on behalf of their organization. Engaged in or planning workforce development efforts in Northeastern Pennsylvania related to connecting workers to quality jobs and/or career pathways. Interested in designing and implementing effective strategies to strengthen their local workforce system. Committed to achieving equity across race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, and sexual orientation. Eager to collaborate with others in their local workforce system, reflect on their current work, explore leadership practices, and gain feedback from colleagues. Why Apply? Gain personal and professional leadership. Help strengthen your organization. Apply a race and equity lens to assess and improve workforce services and strategies. Play a leadership role in systems change and field building for workforce development in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Develop a community of peers and practice. Become a part of the Aspen Fellows Network. How many Fellows will be selected?18 – 24 Fellows in Northeastern Pennsylvania will be selected through a competitive application process.Application DeadlineThe deadline to apply for this Fellowship is Friday, February 3, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. Applications will be reviewed by the NEPA Workforce Leadership Academy Advisory Council.
SACF Promotes Maggie Martinelli The Scranton Area Community Foundation announces a staffing update in relation to its continued growth in the region. Maggie Martinelli was recently promoted to Chief Operating Officer at the Scranton Area Community Foundation. In her new role, Martinelli will assume a higher level of responsibility for aspects of internal operations, internal dynamics, and processes. “This role is important for a growing, expanding organization,” stated Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO at the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Maggie will be focused on supporting the Foundation’s operations to ensure continued growth for the Foundation and the high quality expected of the Foundation’s work, and deepening the impact of our expanding community initiatives.” Since joining the Foundation in 2016, Martinelli has helped to establish nearly 100 charitable funds and has helped to process over $14 million in grants and scholarships for projects and programs in the community. Highlights of Martinelli’s work include the integration of a new grants and fund management system, providing real-time access for 300+ charitable fund holders, and immediate, convenient access to online scholarship and grant applications. She has managed programming through the Foundation’s Center for Community Leadership & Nonprofit Excellence, providing access to dozens of cutting-edge training and technical assistance programs for nonprofit organizations annually, and the NEPA Learning Conference, which serves over 200 local nonprofit professionals on a biennial basis. “Aligned with the Foundation’s goal to respond to the needs of the communities the Foundation serves, Maggie was instrumental in helping to create and deliver a streamlined application process which enabled nonprofit organizations to access grant funding quickly through the Foundation’s $1.2 million NEPA COVID-19 Response Fund,” stated Ducceschi. “We are proud to have her on our team as we continue to grow and serve,” she added. In her volunteer work, Martinelli has served on the boards for six organizations, including serving as the President of the Junior League of Scranton and Cinderella’s Closet of NEPA. She has been recognized on the Northeast Pennsylvania Business Journal‘s Top 20 Under 40 and has received a number of Junior League awards including the Mary Harriman Award, the Margaret L. Richards Award, and the Association of Junior League International’s Rising Star Award. Photo: Maggie Martinelli, Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer
Now Accepting Letters of Intent for Fall 2022 Innovative Impact Grants The Scranton Area Community Foundation is now accepting grant applications for Fall 2022 Innovative Impact Grants, and invites charitable organizations working to address the needs of people living in the Lackawanna County region to complete a Letter of Intent by Friday, September 30th. Innovative Impact Grants(up to $25,000) seek to provide resources for a nonprofit, or collaboration of nonprofits and other partners, to make a measurable improvement in the region.These competitive grants are made to those applying organizations that are committed to new, innovative, transformational, and/or collaborative efforts to: Carry out an important goal or address a specific challenge;Become more impactful, effective, and sustainable in their work;Achieve a greater impact in the community they serve;Meet their organizational missions. Applications must meet the following requirements: Impact: Applicants must demonstrate how this program/project will make the community better, what data will be collected in order to measure success, and what goals have been set for the program/project to achieve Budget: Applicants must supply a detailed program/project budget, which includes the uses and sources of funds. The organization’s budget must also be included. Sustainability: Applicants must demonstrate how the program/project will continue after grant funds are expended and what the plan is to build sustainability for the future. Timeline and Evaluation: Applicants must describe when the desired impact might be realized and which populations will benefit from the program/project. Additionally, applicants need to detail how the program/project will be evaluated both during the course of the program/project, and also following the program/project’s completion. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to establish collaborative partnerships Deadlines: Interested applicants must complete a Letter of Intent (LOI) by Friday, September 30th through SAF’s online grant management portal.If invited to apply, applications will be due Tuesday, November 1st. All grants must be used for a charitable purpose and be granted to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Complete an LOI for Fall 2022 Innovative Impact Grants Ready to apply? As part of our ongoing commitment to building the capacity of our nonprofit professionals and to better serve our grant seekers, our grant application process is now streamlined through our online grant management portal. All grant requests are handled through the online portal. No paper or emailed applications will be accepted. The grant application process generally begins with submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI) through the online portal. To submit an LOI, you will need to log on to your organization’s account in our online grant management portal. If your organization does not have an account established, you will need to create an account. If you are unsure of your organization’s account credentials, please contact your organization’s leadership to inquire or email us at grants@safdn.org for further instruction. ACCESS ONLINE GRANT MANAGEMENT PORTAL 1. At the login page, please follow the appropriate next step: a. If you have already created a login: you must login using the credentials you’ve utilized for previous grant applications. NOTE: username is always an email. b. If someone else in your organization has already created a login: please email grants@safdn.org to have a new user added to your organization. c. If your organization has never accessed our online grant portal, create your account using the following information: A username that is an email addressYour contact informationYour organization’s information, including the EIN/Tax ID number (required)Contact information for the organization’s Executive Officer 2. On the applicant dashboard, select “Apply” along the top menu to view available grants.We have provided additional resources, including a written tutorial, to help you with our new grant application process. To access the written applicant tutorial, visit the Applicant Tutorial – Grants All submitted LOIs will be reviewed and select organizations will be invited to submit a full grant application through the online portal before the grant application deadline. If you have any questions about our grant application process, please contact us via email at grants@safdn.org.
