Nominations are now open for the Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Award and the Roseann Smith Alperin Award—two awards that celebrate exceptional women dedicated to strengthening our community!
Presented annually through charitable funds at the Scranton Area Community Foundation, these awards recognize local women who embody leadership, compassion, and service—while also honoring the remarkable legacies of Margaretta Belin Chamberlin and Roseann Smith Alperin.
Margaretta Belin Chamberlin Award
Established in 1992 by the family of Margaretta Belin Chamberlin, this award celebrates women whose vision, dedication, and courage have enriched lives and expanded opportunities in their communities. It honors women whose creative spirit and community service have made a lasting impact in Lackawanna County.
Award: $1,000 to support the recipient’s ongoing work and leadership in the community. Nominations are welcome from charitable organizations or individuals.
Past recipients include: Eleanore Ginader, Rosemary Broderick, Sharon McCrone, Catherine Richmond-Cullen, Mary Elaine Southard, Judith O. Graziano, Carol Weiss Rubel, Charlotte McIlwee Ravaioli, Diana Statsman, Susan S. Belin, Rachel R. Yaklic, Margaret “Peg” Ruddy, Sally E. Bohlin, Andrea J. Mulrine, Natalie Gelb, Mary Ann LaPorta, Sr. Margaret Gannon, IHM, Mary Belin Rhodes, Sondra Myers, Nancy Dressel, Jeanne Bovard, Suzanne Fisher Staples, Jane Oppenheim, Sister Ann Walsh, Nada Gilmartin, Michelle Dempsey, Laurie Cadden, Maureen Maher-Gray, Mary-Pat Ward, Maria Montoro Edwards, Teri Ooms, Karen Clifford, and Carol Shoener.
Roseann Smith Alperin Award
Created by the Junior League of Scranton, this award recognizes a passionate female volunteer who embodies the spirit of Roseann Smith Alperin — a woman whose leadership, compassion, and ability to inspire others uplift her entire community.
Award:
- $500 donated to a nonprofit of the recipient’s choice
- $500 awarded to the nonprofit that nominates the winner
Past recipients include: Jane Oppenheim, Leah Rudolph, Gail Rees, Margaret Kovacic, Ellie Axford, Mary Ann LaPorta, Lynnie Siegal, Elaine Shepard, Laurie Cadden, Regina Boehm, Kathleen Kintzer, Tracy Bannon, Michele Margotta Neary, Michele Bannon, Tara Atkins, Susan Blum Connors, Anne Falzett, Katie Gilmartin, Amy Betts, Linda Robeson, Tami Prall-Nasser, Jennifer Novak, Natalie O’Hara, and Marylou Grogan.
Submit Your Nomination Today! ✨
Help celebrate and uplift the women who make Northeastern Pennsylvania stronger. Nominate someone who inspires change, lifts others, and strengthens our community. Award recipients will be honored at the Women in Philanthropy Annual Celebration on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Stay tuned for more details!
Deadline: Friday, August 1, 2025
How to Submit:
- Visit the Scranton Area Community Foundation Grant Portal.
- Review the instructions on the homepage before creating an account or logging in.
- Need help? Email Grants@safdn.org for assistance.