The Carbon County Community Foundation hosted its annual grants and scholarships awards celebration on Tuesday night, presenting $90,000 to nonprofit organizations, community groups, educators and students from across the region.

This year’s awards bring the foundation’s total grantmaking to more than $1.3 million since its founding in 2016. The event drew more than 100 guests to the Orioles Community Center in Lehighton, where nearly 60 recipients were recognized for their achievements and contributions to the Carbon County community.

“Our mission is to improve the quality of life for all Carbon County residents — now and forever,” said Sharon Alexander, president of the Carbon County Community Foundation.

“This celebration is about recognizing generosity, honoring community impact, and encouraging continued investment in our region’s future.”

The foundation awarded $45,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors from Carbon County high schools, with individual awards ranging from $500 to $8,000.

An additional $45,000 in grants supported a wide variety of local initiatives and programs, including youth development, early childhood education, emergency services, libraries, environmental efforts, and more.

Grants were awarded through several charitable funds administered by the Foundation, including the Fund for Carbon County, Penny Allison Early Childhood Fund, Scouting Support Fund, Carbon County Creative Arts fund, Computer Career Accelerator Fund, and various donor-advised funds established by individuals and families who care about the region.

“What makes this event so meaningful is that it reflects the collective effort of our whole community,” Alexander said.

“Each grant and scholarship awarded tonight is made possible by someone who cared enough to give back.”

Several local elected officials were represented at the awards celebration, including the offices of Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, Sen. David Argall, Rep. Doyle Heffley, and the Carbon County commissioners. Scholarship and grant recipients were also presented with certificates of recognition from their offices.

Guests enjoyed Neapolitan-style pizza and other goodies from Pizza Plant food truck, and Photography by Lynn provided professional photography, capturing each awardee during the celebration.

The foundation now stewards more than 60 charitable funds, with more than $2 million in assets permanently endowed to support causes that matter to the people of Carbon County.

Next year, the organization will commemorate its 10-year anniversary with plans to celebrate a decade of community impact.

“We’re proud to serve as a bridge between generosity and long-term impact,” said Alexander. “These funds will continue to support Carbon County for generations to come, and we’re just getting started.”