A private foundation that contributes to charitable projects located in and around Palmerton continues to accept applications.

The Horsehead Community Development Fund is still in existence, according to attorney James Wimmer, who serves as chairman.

“We want to be able to still continue and exist since we are being funded, but not extensively, like we were years ago,” Wimmer said.

Formed in 1989, the Horsehead Community Development Fund Board has distributed in excess of $3 million over the years to help finance hospitals, libraries, recreational projects and other organizations.

“We don’t have that kind of money any longer, but we still want to be known in the community,” he said. “We’re available to the community for projects that certain nonprofits may have.”

Wimmer said they should send in written applications, along with financial information about their organization, a budget if they have one, and what they need the funds for.

“These days, we’re still helping libraries with gifts, some of the local Palmerton activities dealing with the park and with the Palmerton Community Festival, Concourse Club, Bandstand, Band, things like that,” he said. “We also used to do a lot of gifts for recreational activities mostly for kids (basketball leagues, baseball leagues) helping to cover their costs regarding uniforms, officials, insurance, things like this.”

However, Wimmer noted, they “have to be willing to help themselves out, but we’re willing to help them also.”

Wimmer said they are still called the Horse­head Community Development Fund, despite the fact that Horsehead Industries is out of existence. Befesa SA, the successor industry to Horsehead, is continuing to support the fund.

The beneficiaries of the fund have primarily been located in the Lehighton, Palmerton, and Northern Lehigh School District and surrounding areas.

“We want to help the communities that help the companies,” he said.

Wimmer said the Horsehead Community Development Fund has helped maintain the Palmerton Borough Park; the Summer Program for Palmerton kids; to libraries; service groups; fire companies, and the Lehigh Gap Nature Center.

He said nonprofits should send applications by letter to P.O. Box 351, Palmerton, PA, 18235.

Wimmer said a board meeting will likely be held in late spring, at which time Horsehead will review the applications and act upon those received to date.