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.