We are proud to continue standing beside our region’s nonprofit leaders, offering responsive, flexible support to help organizations thrive in times of great need and opportunity. In light of rising costs, growing demand for services, and recent reductions in federal funding that impact key social programs, we are adapting our 2025 grantmaking approach to provide timely, impactful assistance where it’s needed most.
An Enhanced Focus on Critical Needs
Rather than opening a second round of Community Needs Grants this fall, we are channeling our efforts into our Critical Needs Grants program, which is open on a rolling basis through the end of the year. This adjustment allows us to provide immediate, strategic support to nonprofits working on the frontlines of our region’s most pressing issues.
New Flexibility to Meet Urgent Needs
We’ve expanded the definition of critical needs to better reflect the current realities faced by local organizations.
Eligible requests may now include:
• Emergency operational support during financial crises
• Bridge funding for sudden and unexpected revenue shortfalls
• Essential infrastructure or equipment needs to maintain operations
• Budget gaps due to unforeseen reductions in expected funding
To ensure that funding is prioritized for the most urgent cases, applicants requesting support for budget shortfalls will be asked to provide documentation of confirmed or enacted funding reductions (e.g., award letters, official notifications, or budget amendments). Support for anticipated shortfalls may be considered on a case-by-case basis, but may not be prioritized.
To inquire about grant requests over $5,000, please contact the Scranton Area Community Foundation Grants and Scholarships Director, Cathy Fitzpatrick, at cathyf@safdn.org or 570-347-6203, ext. 301.
Eligibility Overview
To qualify, organizations must:
• Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving residents of Lackawanna County.
• Demonstrate an immediate need or a timely strategic opportunity.
• Align with the mission of the Scranton Area Community Foundation.
• Comply with our standard grant reporting requirements.
A Continued Commitment to Partnership
At the Scranton Area Community Foundation, we remain a listening hub and a partner in progress. We are committed to responding swiftly to emerging needs and helping build long-term resilience within the nonprofit sector.
We understand that today’s challenges—from inflation and funding uncertainties to increased service demand—require innovative, compassionate solutions. Our role is to walk alongside nonprofit organizations as they deliver those solutions every day.
Strong communities rely on strong nonprofits. At the Scranton Area Community Foundation, we’re honored to support the organizations that uplift our neighbors, and we are committed to doing all we can to help you continue your vital work.