The Carbon County Community Foundation has announced the three nonprofit finalists up for consideration for this year’s grant of $5,000 from the 20/20 Circle.

The finalists will present their proposed projects at the 20/20 Circle annual meeting and grants dinner, set for 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15 at Blue Mountain Resort.

This year, the foundation received two dozen applications from nonprofit organizations across the county. A volunteer committee of 20/20 Circle members carefully reviewed the applications and selected the three finalists and their projects to advance to the annual meeting:

• Domestic Violence Service Center, Inc. — Carbon County End It Now Project

• Family Promise of Carbon County — Warming Shelter and Soup Kitchen

• Jim Thorpe Rotary — Summer Recreation Camp

Each organization will deliver a five-minute presentation about their project during the dinner. Following the presentations, 20/20 Circle members will have 24 hours to vote to award a $5,000 community grant to one of the finalists.

Launched in 2018, the 20/20 Circle is a growing giving society of community members and businesses who pool their resources to make a greater impact. Each member pledges $1,000 to the fund — payable all at once or over time — and becomes a member for life.

Every year, members gather to hear from nonprofit finalists and vote on how to award that year’s grant.

“My husband and I have been 20/20 Circle members for three years now. We love being part of this community, knowing that when we pool our resources with other members, we can make a greater impact together than we could alone,” said Melissa Zegley, co-owner of Zen with Zegley, a wellness and yoga studio

in Lehighton. “We enjoy attending the 20/20 Circle Annual Meeting and Grants Dinner each year, where we come together with fellow members and hear presentations from local nonprofits. These gatherings provide meaningful insight into how our donations are making a difference in the community.”

The 20/20 Circle currently has 135 members, and its long-term goal is to grow to 250 members, at which point the fund will award a $10,000 grant every year in perpetuity.

“Philanthropy shouldn’t feel out of reach — the 20/20 Circle makes it possible for anyone who wants to give back be a part of something great,” said Sharon Alexander, president of the Carbon County Community Foundation. “By pooling their resources, members create powerful, lasting change for nonprofits and the community.”

The 20/20 Circle Annual Meeting is open to members as well as the general public. 20/20 Circle members receive two complimentary tickets as part of their membership.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Advance registration is required.

Community members interested in joining the 20/20 Circle may also pledge their membership by Oct. 15 to receive voting privileges at this year’s event.

In addition to the nonprofit presentations, the event will also include the presentation of the second annual Elissa Garofalo Community Impact Award. Elissa was an early member of the 20/20 Circle. Abbie Guardiani is the recipient.

To learn more about the finalists, reserve tickets, join the 20/20 Circle, or become a sponsor, visit the Carbon County Community Foundation website at www.cccfoundpa.org.