The PPL Foundation recently awarded more than $575,000 in funding to support 13 nonprofit organizations working to improve education, and promote development of sustainable communities throughout Central and Eastern Pennsylvania.

Local recipients include:

• Northampton County Community College Foundation — $35,000 for a cybersecurity laboratory and equipment.

• Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education Foundation — $50,000 for innovative fund to give faculty and staff resources to develop, test and implement ideas to help transform public higher education.

• The Da Vinci Discovery Center of Science and Technology in Allentown — $45,000 for STEM competition.

For 2019, the Foundation’s community contributions are more than $3 million.

The PPL Foundation awards grants in spring and fall. The next grant cycle, for sustaining grants that assist organizations with general operating expenses, begins in January. Interested organizations can apply for grants from $1,000 to $25,000.

To be considered for a grant, all organizations must apply online. Visit www.pplcares.com to learn more.