Seven area organizations received grants from the Befesa Community Fund during a recent check presentation at the Palmerton Area Library Gallery.

Fund Chairman Rory Koons welcomed recipients and board members, noting that quarterly contributions from Befesa Zinc make the grants possible.

“Without Befesa’s financial support, we wouldn’t be able to do this,” Koons said. “It’s a pleasure to help these organizations.”

Grant recipients and their projects were:

• Palmerton United Veterans Organization: Replace the 20-foot by 30-foot American flag at the borough entrance and 10 service flags at the veterans memorial. First Vice Commander Joe Uhnak accepted the award.

• Palmerton Borough: Park maintenance projects, according to Borough Manager Autumn Canfield.

• Palmerton Cat Project: Purchase of a remotely operated animal trap, said President Barb Greenzweig.

• Lehigh Gap Nature Center: Educational programming for students in the Palmerton Area and Northern Lehigh school districts.

• Slatington Public Library: Furnishings for the children’s area.

• Northern Lehigh Pool Association: Rebuilding a combination motor and pump.

• Palmerton Area Library Association: Computer-related coding software, said Library Director Christine DeSousa

Koons said the Community Fund was established in 1990 by Horsehead Industries and continued after the company’s dissolution with funding currently from Befesa Zinc. Since the inception, nearly $3.5 million has been awarded to over 175 local organizations.

The board reviews grant requests twice a year, in the spring and fall. The next review is scheduled for April 15, 2027.

Organizations seeking funding should submit a project narrative, cost estimates and financial information before the April meeting. Grant guidelines are available from board members.

Koons thanked Befesa Zinc for its continuing financial support.