The Carbon County Community Foundation celebrated the power of local philanthropy during its annual Grants & Scholarships Awards Program recently at the Orioles Community Center in Lehighton.

More than $41,000 in grant funding was awarded to local nonprofit organizations and community groups. In addition, more than 20 local students received scholarships totaling $39,500 to help them pursue higher education and career training.

Grants were awarded through the Fund for Carbon County, Scouting Support Fund, Penny Allison Early Childhood Fund, Carbon County Creative Arts Fund, Rhett & Pat Hernandez Palmerton Community Fund, and Joseph & Debra Kay Bennett Charitable Fund. Grant recipients represented a variety of focus areas, including education, health and human services, youth programs, recreation, arts and culture, and community development.

The celebration brought together donors, scholarship recipients, nonprofit leaders, family members, volunteers, and local elected officials to recognize the impact of philanthropy throughout Carbon County.

“This is one of our favorite events each year because we get to celebrate both the generosity of our donors and the incredible students and nonprofit organizations they make it possible to support,” said Sharon Alexander, President & CEO of the Carbon County Community Foundation. “It’s a powerful reminder that charitable giving creates lasting change right here in our community.”

Since distributing its first grants in 2016, the Carbon County Community Foundation has awarded more than $2.2 million in grants while growing to steward more than 65 charitable funds dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Carbon County residents, now and forever.

“Every scholarship awarded and every grant distributed represents the generosity of people who believe in Carbon County,” Alexander said. “Together, we’re investing in our students, strengthening our nonprofit organizations, and building a brighter future for our community.”

Additional photos from the awards program are available on the Foundation’s Facebook page and website.

For more information, including how to establish a charitable or scholarship fund or how to apply for grants or scholarships, visit www.cccfoundpa.org or contact the Carbon County Community Foundation at 610-730-2526 or info@cccfoundpa.org.

The Carbon County Community Foundation was formed in 2016 with the mission to improve the quality of life for all Carbon County residents, now and forever. The organization offers families, and businesses the most effective charitable giving tools available in the marketplace, combining that with expertise in philanthropic planning, nonprofit sector issues, and community

priorities.

Since 2016, the charitable funds at the Community Foundation have cumulatively awarded more than $2.2 million in grants and scholarships to nonprofit and community organizations, teachers, schools, and students in Carbon County. We are honored to work with hundreds of donors, nonprofits, advisors, and civic leaders to build resources and strengthen our community, forever. Learn more about the Carbon County Community Foundation at cccfoundpa.org or by calling 1-855-545-1311