What is a Community Foundation?

A community foundation is a collection of separate funds established by individuals, organizations and others to support the future and sustain the present of a community. These funds are pooled and invested through the auspices of a Board of Governors comprised of community citizens. The funds' income, and sometimes principal, is distributed as grants. Community foundations are one of the fastest growing sectors of philanthropy in America today and often are in the vanguard of charitable giving. For example, community foundations were among the first to respond to challenges in affordable housing and community based development, and in fostering collaborative efforts to maximize community resources. To learn how to create a fund click here.

What is the Scranton Area Foundation?

The Scranton Area Foundation is a public, community foundation established in 1988 when it qualified as a fully tax exempt charitable organization under Sections 501(c)(3) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Foundation had been formed in 1954, and operated as a private foundation.

Our purpose is to meet a wide variety of educational, cultural, human service and other charitable needs throughout Lackawanna County. We carry out this purpose through the distribution of income from endowment funds established by donors.

Over the years, grants of more than $8 million have been made to assist the educational, human service, environmental, civic, and arts & cultural organizations in our area. As the Foundation's endowment continues to grow, there will be increased opportunity for positive impact on community issues through grantmaking.

A description of the Scranton Area Foundation is that it is Lackawanna County's permanent savings account to help fund the needs of our changing community over the years to come. The Foundation's grants are sound venture capital to enable good ideas to become effective programs and services for all our citizens.

How does the Scranton Area Foundation Work?

The Scranton Area Foundation is governed by a Board of Governors who are citizens from Lackawanna County, and are appointed or elected because of their knowledge and understanding of community issues and opportunities. Some are appointed by various community constituencies: Banks, Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, Lackawanna Bar Association, President Judge of Lackawanna County, United Way of Lackawanna County, and the Lackawanna County Commissioners. Others are elected by the Board of Governors.

The Foundation is administered by a full time professional staff. Operating expenses are paid from gifts and grants to the Foundation and trust investment fees.

We make grants to non-profit organizations who submit grant applications for timely and important community programs and services. We have also initiated grants when it appears that a major community issue can be addressed by identifying and encouraging leadership. We have fostered collaborative efforts among grant applicants as well as among other funders to bring expertise and dollars to bear on local problems.

Who Administers the Assets?

A finance /investment committee of the Board recommends policies regarding the management of the endowment fund assets. Individual investment decisions are made by the financial institutions holding the funds, based on Foundation investment policies. To review a list of our Board and Advisory Council members, click here.

What Fees Are Charged to the Funds?

Currently, there are no administrative fees charged to the funds of the Foundation.