Luzerne Foundation Nonprofit Forum sees $160K awarded

Bill O’Boyle, The Times Leader, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
·3 min read

Oct. 6—WILKES-BARRE — The Luzerne Foundation Wednesday held its ninth Nonprofit Forum, awarding $150,000 in grants to 20 organizations and the Times Leader Media Group added $10,000 from its Book of Dreams Fund, donating four grants of $2,500 each.

The Luzerne Foundation's Profit Forum was held Wednesday at the Woodlands Inn, with more than 30 local non-profits offering presentations in "Shark Tank" style to the Foundation's Board for the chance of receiving grants ranging from $2,500 to $10,000.

"Today we heard from nonprofits of all segments of our community," Pedri said. "One thing is clear — the need is prevalent here and 20 nonprofits will be helped through this forum."

Every year, local organizations gather at the Nonprofit Forum sponsored by The Luzerne Foundation. Each organization is given five minutes to present its background and mission, and how it is addressing the community's needs.

Nonprofits attending the Forum work in the seven areas served by the Foundation: Arts & Culture, Education & Scholarships, Health & Wellness, Historic Preservation & the Environment, Neighborhoods & Community Development, Social Services, and Youth Issues.

Pedri said although not every organization can receive grants at the Forum, they all have a great opportunity to find new donors through the Luzerne Foundation's network of fund-holders, organizations, individuals, and other foundations who are interested in their cause.

As part of the event, Times Leader Media Group awarded $10,000 from its Book of Dreams Fund of the Luzerne Foundation during the forum.

"We feel giving back to the community is important," said Kerry Miscavage, Times Leader Media Group Publisher. "We are thrilled to be able to participate in today's Forum. This is a great way to decide how to disburse our Book of Dreams Fund dollars."

Miscavage said every nonprofit that presented at Wednesday's Forum is deserving and each has an important mission in the community.

"The Forum will help a lot of people that are served by these nonprofits," Miscavage said.

Pedri urged more people to get involved.

"We ask that you help where you can," Pedri said. "This is about local people helping local people in need."

2022 recipients

Times leader Book of Dreams

Fund grants — $2,500 each

—Adopt a Single Mom Project

—WVIA

—KISS Theater

—I AM — Individual Abilities in Motion

Non- profits receiving grants

from the Luzerne Foundation

(Amounts were not released)

—Kirby Center for the Arts

—Hazleton Art League

—Patasphere

—Little Theater

—McGlynn Center

—Think BIG

—Candy's Place

—Freeland YMCA

—I AM — Individual Abilities in Motion

—Greater Wyoming Valley YMCA

—EPCAMR — Eastern Pennsylvania Coalition for Abandoned Mine Reclamation

—Wilkes-Barre Preservation Society

—Downtown City Partnership

—West Hazleton Fire Department

—Dinners for Kids

—Families Services of NEPA

—Volunteers of America

—United Way of Wyoming Valley

—Maternal and Family Health Services

—Parenting Autism United

—SAFE — Supporting Autism and Families Everywhere

—Souper Sundays

—Jewish Community Alliance

—Wyoming Valley Children's Association

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.