Periodically, we like to share news and updates about the Funds that we manage. We’re proud to work with these charitable funds that are making a difference in our communities! To learn more about all of our Funds in greater detail.
Harry P. McGrath, Esq. Memorial Fund Supports the Greater Scranton YMCA
On Monday, March 18th, the McGrath family presented the Greater Scranton YMCA with an $18,000 donation, which represents proceeds from the 4th Annual Harry P. McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament. The tournament was held on September 15, 2023, at Glen Oak Country Club.
Tournament proceeds will support the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Summer Learning Loss Prevention Program, Summer Scholars. Summer Scholars is a free research-based and research-proven six-week summer learning program. The goal of the program is to get elementary students on track to read at or above grade level by the start of their next school year. In summer 2024, the program will serve rising first, second, and third grade students attending the Dunmore School District.
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.
(l-r): (YMCA STAFF): Rich Surridge, CFO/COO, Greater Scranton YMCA; Meghan Carnevale, Mission Advancement & Marketing Director,Greater Scranton YMCA; Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA.
(l-r): (HARRY MCGRATH’S GRANDCHILDREN): Gaetano Ardizoni, Faye McGrath, Harry McGrath, Ella McGrath, Michael McGrath, Maeve McGrath, Jack Ardizoni, Posie McGrath.
Charitable Funds in Support of Colorectal Cancer Awareness
The Susan Burke Foundation for Colon Cancer accepts the Featured Fund Award presented during the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Annual Community Celebration in December 2023. A grant recipient of the Susan Burke Foundation for Colon Cancer, Mr. Bill Hines, thanks the Susan Burke Foundation for Colon Cancer for their generous support.
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and, during this month and always, we are grateful to highlight charitable funds at the Scranton Area Community Foundation that are doing good work to combat colon cancer in our region.
The Scranton Area Community Foundation administers two funds that support local patients and families affected by colon cancer, the Susan Burke Foundation for Colon Cancer and the Melissa Chermak Liput Memorial Fund. Both funds have been named in memory of two special women in our community whose legacy we are honored to continue. Applicants may apply for support from these funds through a single application.
PHOTO (l-r): Brittany Pagnotti, Scranton Area Community Foundation Donor Relations and Communications Manager; Lisa Burke, Owner at Luminosa Designs; and Sue Youtz, family friend of Matthews Hope 4 Miracles.
Harry P. McGrath, Esq. Memorial Fund Supports the Greater Scranton YMCA
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and, during this month and always, we are grateful to highlight charitable funds at the Scranton Area Community Foundation that are doing good work to combat colon cancer in our region.
The Scranton Area Community Foundation administers two funds that support local patients and families affected by colon cancer, the Susan Burke Foundation for Colon Cancer and the Melissa Chermak Liput Memorial Fund. Both funds have been named in memory of two special women in our community whose legacy we are honored to continue. Applicants may apply for support from these funds through a single application.
We are grateful to the families of both Susan Burke and Melissa Chermak Liput for entrusting the Scranton Area Community Foundation to administer the Funds to support those locally who are affected by colon cancer.
The Susan Burke Foundation for Colon Cancer accepts the Featured Fund Award presented during the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Annual Community Celebration in December 2023. A grant recipient of the Susan Burke Foundation for Colon Cancer, Mr. Bill Hines, thanks the Susan Burke Foundation for Colon Cancer for their generous support.
Charitable Funds in Support of Colorectal Cancer Awareness
Additionally, the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute (NRCI) established an organizational endowment fund with the Scranton Area Community Foundation in 1997. Through this partnership, the endowment fund for NRCI helps to ensure the long-term sustainability and support of their critical mission. NRCI is a local nonprofit organization that has been easing the burden of cancer in Northeastern Pennsylvania for over 30 years. The Scranton Area Community Foundation responsibly stewards their financial assets through this fund so that NRCI can focus on easing the burden of cancer in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
NRCI’s annual CASUAL (Colon Cancer Awareness Saves Unlimited Adult Lives) Day, is set for Thursday, March 28, 2024, and will help raise awareness for colorectal cancer in Northeastern Pennsylvania and teach individuals the importance of screening and early detection.
“Colon and rectal cancers are the fourth most common cancers in Northeast Pennsylvania with incidence and mortality rates above the U.S. average, 14% and 17% higher, respectively,” stated Karen M. Saunders, President of Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. “While the Commonwealth of PA has programs for low-income individuals to receive breast and cervical screenings, there isn’t a similar program for colon cancer screenings. For this reason and several others, we are passionate about CASUAL Day,” Saunders added. “We are also grateful for the Scranton Area Community Foundation’s support of CASUAL Day and for the creation of two funds for colon cancer patients.”
The Humor Therapy Fund Combats Bullying with a Grant to The Boys and Girls Clubs of NEPA
The Humor Therapy Fund of the Scranton Area Community Foundation recently presented a check to The Boys and Girls Clubs of NEPA to host the acclaimed ‘Josh and Gab‘ kindness and bullying-awareness musical comedy program. This program delves into topics such as tolerance, positive expression, making healthy choices, and embracing creativity as a positive alternative to negativity.
TheHumor Therapy Fund, established at the Scranton Area Community Foundation in 2005 by Jeannine Luby, supports activities by a 501(c)3 organization that promote laughter and humor for the benefit of its clients or the community. Whether a nonprofit organization wants to bring smiles to children, hold a comedy improv workshop to improve staff morale, or create a humor toolkit, the Humor Therapy Fund works to provide the necessary support. To date, the fund has provided support to organizations including Laughing at My Nightmare, Volunteers in Medicine, Deutsch Institute, VNA Hospice and Home Health, and NAMI Northeast.
PHOTO (l-r): Angel; Tricia Thomas, Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania; Jeannine Luby, owner of Laugh to Live & donor adviser of the Humor Therapy Fund of the Scranton Area Community Foundation; and Willow.
The NEPA Health Care Foundation Announces $1.2 Million Employee Assistance Grant Program
In response to the region’s challenges in attracting and maintaining credentialed behavioral health providers to meet an increased need for behavioral and mental health care services, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation announces the rollout of a special grants program intended to help attract and retain these important health care professionals.
Celebrating 70 years creating charitable connections…
In 2024, the Scranton Area Community Foundation celebrates 70 years of service and impact in our region. Since its founding in 1954, the Foundation has experienced tremendous growth, but one thing remains constant: the Foundation’s success is fueled by the generous support of donors like you. You have enabled the Foundation to address critical needs, foster innovation, and empower positive change throughout our community.
As we celebrate this significant milestone, we invite you to tell your story about the Scranton Area Community Foundation and its impact on our community. We invite you to share your testimonial through this short survey.
NEPA Gives returns!
In addition to the Foundation’s 70th anniversary, 2024 marks another milestone: the 5th annual NEPA Gives! In the past four years, NEPA Gives has collectively raised over $4M for charitable causes in our region. NEPA Gives will take place on June 6-7, 2024, and charitable funds held at the Scranton Area Community Foundation are welcome to participate. More information about registering your Fund, including important deadlines, can be found here.