Each month, we share updates on the Foundation’s initiatives and the charitable funds we manage. We’re proud to collaborate with these funds, which are making a meaningful impact in our community.
To learn more about all of our Funds in greater detail, please visit our website, safdn.org!
NEW FUND SPOTLIGHT: Maya’s Mission
Maya’s Mission, proudly administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, supports individuals and organizations by providing access to mental health and supportive resources for marginalized populations.
Maya, who tragically passed away in 2020 at the age of 13, was a creative, entrepreneurial and compassionate young soul who passionately advocated for social justice. From helping her family raise money for Parkinson’s research to helping children with Autism learn to surf, Maya’s spirit was defined by her warmth, generosity and dedication to her community.
In honor of her goals and vision, her parents, Steve and Jessica, and her brother Joshua established the Maya’s Mission Fund — ensuring marginalized people have access to timely mental health and supportive services.
5th Annual Harry P. McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament &
Dinner Celebration Benefits the Greater Scranton YMCA
Photo (l-r): Meghan Carnevale, Mission Advancement & Marketing Director, Greater Scranton YMCA; Ella McGrath; Gaetano Ardizoni; Michael McGrath; Harry McGrath; Jack Ardizoni; Posie McGrath; Faye McGrath; Maeve McGrath; Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA.
On February 11th, the McGrath family presented a $23,000 donation to the Greater Scranton YMCA, proceeds from the 5th Annual Harry P. McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament held in September 2024.
These funds will support Summer Scholars — a six-week, research-based initiative designed to help elementary students in the Dunmore and Mid Valley School Districts catch up to grade-level reading before the new school year.
The Scranton Area Community Foundation administers the Harry P. McGrath, Esq. Memorial Fund, established in May 2022 by Harry’s family to support the charitable causes and organizations important to him, including the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Summer Loss Prevention Program.
Love in Full Bloom at the ‘Garden of Hearts’
This Valentine’s Day season, over 2,000 hearts were “planted” in flower beds at the Garden of Cedar, a vibrant community garden located in South Scranton.
Each year, the Garden’s “Scranton Has Heart” campaign transforms the space at 715 Cedar Avenue with personalized valentines submitted by people from NEPA and beyond, celebrating love in all of its wonderful forms!
The installation will remain on display for the community to enjoy until the weekend of March 1.
The Garden of Cedar Operating Fund, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, was established in 2018 by Francis Dubas. This fund supports the ongoing upkeep and maintenance of the Garden of Cedar in Scranton.
The Humor Therapy Fund Brings Laughter and Healing to Abington Community
The Scranton Area Community Foundation recently awarded the Abington Community Library with a grant from the donor-advised Humor Therapy Fund for their ‘Laughter Lab’ project to be held in April for teens in the Abington community.
Teens will benefit from creative expression, connection and stress relief from humor and laughter as they learn comedy improv from instructors at Scranton Improv and Comedy in April and stress-relieving laughter yoga that will be donated by Jeannine Luby from her business, Laugh to Live!
Participants of the Laughter Lab will also receive humor toolkits and have an opportunity to show off their improv skills in a performance that will be held after the April workshop.
The Humor Therapy Fund, established at the Scranton Area Community Foundation in September 2005 by Jeannine Luby, helps area nonprofits spread therapeutic humor and laughter to their clients, employees and/or community members.
A Simple Way to Submit Fund News
We want to hear from you! Use our Fund News Submission Form to share updates on news, check presentations, grants awarded, events (past or upcoming) and any other exciting achievements.
Your submission may be featured in future Fund News e-newsletters or on our social media. Thank you for helping us to highlight and amplify the great work happening in our community!