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Search Through Education Grants in Scranton, Pennsylvania

The Scranton Area Community Foundation offers Community Events Grants to nonprofit organizations in Lackawanna County. These grants, up to $1,000, support community events that enrich the lives of local residents. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation aims to assist organizations in adapting their services and programs to meet the evolving needs of the community. Applications are evaluated based on community impact, organizational capability, and project sustainability.

The Critical Needs Grants by the Scranton Area Community Foundation provide essential funding for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing urgent community needs in Lackawanna County. These grants are intended for immediate deployment to support emergency operational costs, bridge funding for unexpected revenue shortfalls, and essential infrastructure needs. Organizations are encouraged to submit Letters of Intent at any time, ensuring timely assistance for pressing challenges that affect local residents.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The MTF Rolling Grants by Moses Taylor Foundation support projects under $40,000 throughout the year. Emphasizing collaboration, applicants must meet with Foundation staff before submission to ensure alignment with focus areas. The Foundation prioritizes health care access, older adult health, school-based health, and nonprofit effectiveness, aiming to enhance service delivery in Northeastern Pennsylvania. This initiative seeks innovative solutions to pressing community health challenges, fostering sustainable improvements in well-being.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Robert H. Spitz Foundation, managed by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, is launching its Fall 2024 grant cycle for local 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Interested organizations must submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) online. The foundation supports initiatives in Lackawanna County, with upcoming funding areas including Veterans' Affairs, Animal Welfare, and Environmental Programs. The Spring 2025 cycle will follow, encouraging applications that address these critical community needs.

Our Mission Statement

Scranton Area Community Foundation is on a mission to enhance the quality of life for all people in Northeastern Pennsylvania through the development of organized philanthropy. A public 501c3 community foundation, the Scranton Area Community Foundation serves as a steward, a grantmaker, a charitable resource, and a catalyst for change.

As a steward and grantmaker, we manage more than 200 charitable funds established by philanthropic individuals in our community and have granted more than $18 million to assist the educational, human service, environmental, civic, and arts and cultural organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania. We also manage assets of more than $31 million through two private foundations, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation and the Robert H. Spitz Foundation.

As a catalyst for change, we lead numerous initiatives, including Women in Philanthropy, which empowers and transforms the lives of women and girls throughout the region; NEPA Moves, which brings together a council of community leaders who are focused on solving the transportation challenges across the region; the Center for Community Leadership and Nonprofit Excellence, which serves the capacity building needs of the nonprofit community through seminars and training programs facilitated by highly-skilled, nationally-recognized professionals; and the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative, which brings together animal shelters, rescues, advocates, and sanctuaries interested in advancing various causes in animal welfare.

Scranton Area Community Foundation proudly celebrated 65 years of serving the community in 2019.

Tomorrow's Leaders Today (TLT) Grant Cycle

Tomorrow’s Leaders Today (TLT) is a youth leadership program of Leadership Lackawanna that provides high school juniors with the opportunity to meet with community leaders and decision-makers. In addition to leadership development, the students are also required to complete a philanthropy curriculum conducted by the Scranton Area Community Foundation. TLT seeks to help participants realize what they can do to make a difference in their community as young philanthropists and to further develop their leadership skills.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to partner with Leadership Lackawanna in introducing the concept of philanthropy and grantmaking to our region’s youth. The Scranton Area Community Foundation allocates funding for the TLT class to grant. Priority areas are chosen by the TLT students.

Grants up to $5,000 are available to charitable organizations whose programming addresses:

• Animal shelter expansion:
  • Examples of potential grants for this area include, but are not limited to
    • Projects that purchase equipment and/or supplies (i.e. crates, food, medicine) to meet demand of Animal Welfare facilities
    • Projects that build or renovate facilities to meet demand of Animal Welfare organizations
• Programs for those experiencing homelessness:
  • Examples of potential grants for this area include, but are not limited to:
    • Projects providing housing, food, or transportation for people experiencing homelessness
    • Projects providing access to education or workforce training for people experiencing homelessness
• Behavioral Health – Programming for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults:
  • Examples of potential grants for this area include, but are not limited to:
    • Projects providing therapeutic and medical assistance to individuals 25 years of age and younger
    • Mentorship programs specifically serving individuals 25 years of age and younger with mental health issues

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Dr. Bernard Shair Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior at the University of Scranton, selected by the Dr. Bernard Shair Committee, who will matriculate at an accredited school of dentistry in the year in which the award is made.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Margaret Briggs/Lackawanna College Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to two individuals selected by Lackawanna College who are a graduate of a Lackawanna County High School and demonstrates financial need and past academic performance.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Martin and Anna Orlando Kopa Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Lackawanna county who is matriculating to either Penn State University or Johnson College in Scranton, PA.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Melvin-Deininger Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a graduate of a Lackawanna county high school who maintains a B average or higher and who plans to attend a college, university, or technical school located in Pennsylvania.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Midori Yamanouchi, Ph.D. Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a student who has demonstrated academic achievement, good citizenship, service to others, and leadership.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Neal J. Fasula Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to individuals who are employed by, or who are the dependent child or stepchild of someone employed by, Gerrity’s Supermarket and/or Gerrity’s ACE Hardware Stores, and who plans to attend post-secondary education at an accredited university.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

NEPA Invitational Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to assist with educational expenses for graduating seniors from Northeastern Pennsylvania who play golf and intend to pursue a post-secondary education. This is a manual application, available in the Spring.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation Nursing Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to individuals seeking financial support to obtain a certification or degree in the nursing field, including a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), or a Registered Nurse (RN), Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing (BSN), or nurse educator.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Pay-It-Forward Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a sophomore, junior, or senior attending Penn State University as a full-time student who is a permanent resident of Lackawanna county, who is employed full-time at Penn State through work-study or an outside employer and continues working as a full time student, and who has maintained a GPA of 2.5 or higher. When the recipient is in a position to do so in the future, he or she must commit to offering a similar scholarship opportunity to others.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company Scholarship Award

The Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company Scholarship Award consists of ten $1,000 scholarships awarded annually to graduating high school seniors who are customers of Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company, or who have a parent or guardian who is a customer, and who plan to pursue postsecondary education.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was established in December 2024 to support educational expenses for customers or the children/dependents of customers of Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company who intend to pursue postsecondary education.

The fund supports ten $1,000 scholarships awarded annually to graduating high school seniors who are customers of Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company, or who have a parent or guardian who is a customer, and who plan to pursue postsecondary education.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Stanley and Stella Becker Environmental Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating high school senior who is a resident of Monroe County and intends to pursue a degree in a field related to environmental science in a school of higher education.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Teddick Family Fund Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from Mountain View High School, Montrose High School, Elk Lake High School, or Lackawanna Trail High School who demonstrates academic achievement, good citizenship and service to others, leadership, and community service.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

The Paramo Foundation Scholarship Award

The Paramo Foundation Scholarship Award is awarded annually to low income students attending a college or university focused on the trades, including but not limited to, cosmetology programs. The scholarship will provide a full scholarship for one year at a trades school.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

The Raoul Wallenberg and Carol Rittner Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a current or forthcoming student of Keystone College who demonstrates characteristics of good citizenship and community service.

Scranton Area Community Foundation

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Scholarships

We are honored to be the stewards of over 90 scholarship funds established by philanthropically-minded individuals in our community. Generous donors entrust us to connect them to dynamic students to provide financial resources for their education through scholarships. Our donors establish scholarship funds with criteria they wish to be met by applicants. Our scholarship committee considers the criteria, evaluates the submitted applications, and chooses the best candidates for each scholarship.

Vipond Family Scholarship

This scholarship is awarded to a current or forthcoming student of Keystone College who demonstrates characteristics of good citizenship and community service.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a student who is completing their automotive certification from Career Technology Center of Lackawanna County, and who intends to further their education at a college, university or technical school.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors from Lackawanna County high schools who plan to continue their education in a college or university program. This $6,000 scholarship, renewable for up to three years (for a total of $24,000), is offered each year for full-time study at an accredited two- or four-year college or university of the student’s choice. 20 students will be selected annually for this award.

The James F. Swift Scholarship Fund has awarded over $5.5 million since 2008, benefitting 360 local students.

Created in 2002 through a gift by Mr. James F. Swift to the Scranton Area Community Foundation, the James F. Swift Scholarship Fund provides support for higher education for students graduating from high schools in Lackawanna County. Following Mr. Swift’s death in 2006, the Scranton Area Community Foundation gratefully received a significant gift from his estate to the scholarship fund, which has allowed a great number of students from Lackawanna County the opportunity to pursue their academic and professional goals through higher education.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

Judy’s altrusim, devotion to the betterment of education and the community, combined with her great love of music are the pillars on which this scholarship is based.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a high school in Lackawanna County who is matriculating to a college or university to study in the field of education.