The PPL Foundation has awarded $150,000 in Empowering Communities grants to 17 nonprofit organizations working daily to make a difference across Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Guided by the PPL Foundation’s mission of powering a brighter future for its communities, this round of funding will help expand access to fresh and nutritious food; support safe and stable housing; and connect individuals and families with essential services. Funding will also strengthen workforce development and small-business initiatives, helping people gain skills, find meaningful employment and build financial stability.

In addition, grants will support hands-on STEM learning, literacy and after-school programs, youth leadership opportunities and summer enrichment experiences that keep students engaged and prepared for the future.

Other initiatives will promote environmental stewardship, community wellness and revitalization and access to arts and cultural experiences that bring people together.

“The foundation of a successful community is made up of neighbors who are dedicated to supporting one another and making life better for everyone,” said Christine Martin, PPL Electric Utilities president and an officer of the PPL Foundation. “These grants help advance that mission by addressing food insecurity, strengthening safe spaces for living and learning and opening up new possibilities for families. We value our partnerships with organizations that are creating enduring change in the communities we serve.”

The grants will benefit organizations in Bucks, Carbon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton and Schuylkill counties, reinforcing the foundation’s commitment to strengthening neighborhoods and expanding opportunities for all.

Organizations supported

The list of organizations supported through this round of grants includes:

• Allentown Art Museum

• Allentown Symphony Association Inc.

• Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center

• Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley

• Community Bike Works

• Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania Inc.

• Girls on the Run Berks County

• Girls on the Run Lehigh Valley and Pocono

• Greater Philadelphia YMCA

• Lehigh Carbon Community College Foundation

• Lehigh Valley Inter-Regional Networking & Connecting

• Lehighton Area Memorial Library

• Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley Inc.

• Rising Tide Community Loan Fund

• River Crossing Young Men’s Christian Association

• Schuylkill Chamber Foundation Inc.

• The Open Link

The next round of Empowering Communities grants will open for applications on Aug. 1. Nonprofit organizations serving communities within PPL Electric Utilities’ service area are encouraged to apply. To learn more, visit www.pplcares.com.

About the foundation

The PPL Foundation is an independent, nonprofit organization. Funded by PPL Corporation, the foundation was formed to support community initiatives in the areas served by PPL Corporation’s utilities. Through strategic partnerships, the PPL Foundation supports nonprofit organizations working to create vibrant, sustainable communities in both Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.