HISTORY of the Scranton Area Foundation

The Scranton Area Foundation was established as a community trust by the Scranton Family. Their initial gift was the seed which has grown into a permanent vehicle for donors to accomplish their philanthropic goals while helping to support positive change in our community.

The original architects of what was then known as The Scranton Foundation, thoughtfully and intentionally incorporated broad provisions into the trust to ensure that both short and long-term needs of the community would be addressed for years to come.

The Scranton Foundation incorporated Area into its name in 1970, and in 1988 received official IRS designation as a public community foundation. In 1998, the Foundation converted from a trust to a corporation, the Scranton Area Foundation, Inc.

The Foundation accepts and administers donor's gifts and bequests and, as a community foundation, is able to provide the maximum tax advantage to donors. Through its many donors, the Foundation has contributed significantly to the vitality of the Scranton area, while offering donors value and stability. In addition, the Foundation often acts as a catalyst for change and convenes diverse groups to consider and take action on community issues.

Today the Scranton Area Foundation holds and manages a variety of funds from individuals, organizations, and corporations. Through these gifts, the Foundation responds to community needs and opportunities with grants in such diverse fields as health, education, arts, environment, human services, and civic affairs.

FOUNDATION Facts

Important Dates

Our Vital Statistics

• More than $30 billion in assets
• More than $2 billion in local grants each year!
• More than 70 funds
• $19,000,000 in endowed assets
• More than $600,000 annual grants
• Cumulative grants of over $8,000,000
• And growing

MORE Resources

Report to the Community

The Scranton Area Foundation publishes a yearly "Report to the Community". Included in the report are Foundation funds, recent grants and a report of our most recently audited financial statement. But most of all we are pleased to recognize and thank our many donors and friends.

Again, many thanks to those who make it possible.

View 2008 Report to the Community (NOTE: this is s 3MG PDF file)

Investment Return Policy

* Learn about our Investment Total Return Policy