News Releases

Allentown, Pa. (June 28, 2017) – Organizations helping to interest young students in science and technology, assist entrepreneurs in starting small businesses that create jobs, and provide opportunities for the disadvantaged in our communities are just some of the many nonprofit agencies getting a boost from the PPL Foundation.

The PPL Foundation on Wednesday (6/28) announced $450,000 in grants to more than 70 nonprofit organizations across our Pennsylvania footprint to support their efforts to improve education, develop the future workforce and revitalize communities.

“Each day throughout the areas we serve, everyday heroes at nonprofit organizations roll up their sleeves and go to work to lift up our communities,” said Ryan Hill, president of the PPL Foundation. “They don’t seek the limelight. They are simply about helping others and making the world a better place. We share their values, and the PPL Foundation is proud to support the tremendous work they do.

“With the help of this year’s grants, more children who might not otherwise have a single age-appropriate book in their home will have their very own books to read and keep,” Hill said. “More parents of inner-city children will have safe places to send their kids where they can learn, play and grow. More of tomorrow’s leaders will learn about the importance of conserving natural resources. And more neighbors in our diverse communities will have workforce development and education opportunities they may not otherwise have.”

Some examples of the initiatives and projects that received support through the PPL Foundation Sustaining Grant program include:
- Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation received a grant to support community revitalization work in Southside Bethlehem.
- Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Allentown received a grant to help launch a Cyber Center at the downtown Allentown community center to provide critical programs for the LGBT community, including youth writing workshops, resume clinics, computer classes and health enrollment events.
- Can Do Foundation in Hazleton received a grant to help fund the establishment of a small business incubator within the core of downtown Hazleton.
- Central Susquehanna Community Foundation received a grant to help adults build the skills needed to secure employment and vocational certifications.
- Junior Achievement received a grant to support full-day STEM summits at area high schools in the Harrisburg and Lancaster region.
- Lehigh Carbon Community College Foundation received a grant to fund a program to enable juniors and seniors in the Allentown School District to take dual-enrollment classes and begin acquiring college credit while still in high school.
- Pennsylvania College of Technology received a grant to develop a maker space to engage students in creativity and innovation outside of class.
- United Community Services for Working Families in Reading received a grant to support YouthBuild, a program that allows young people who have dropped out of high school to get a second chance at working toward a career in skilled trade.

Additionally, contributions were made to libraries and other literacy-focused organizations in support of Cover to Cover, the PPL Foundation’s new initiative to improve child literacy through reading and summer learning programs.

A complete list of grant recipients is available here.

PPL is committed to supporting communities across its 29-county service area and providing tools that help empower economic vitality. Use the links below to access detailed information about sustaining grants awarded by area:
- Berks County
- Susquehanna Region
- Greater Harrisburg area
- Hazleton area
- Lancaster area
- Greater Lehigh Valley area
- Pocono area
- Scranton
- Wilkes-Barre

The PPL Foundation awards grants in spring and fall. The next grant cycle, for major grants, begins in August. To be considered for a grant, all organizations must apply online. 

Please visit www.pplcares.com to learn more.

About the PPL Foundation: Through strategic partnerships, the PPL Foundation supports organizations that are doing innovative and groundbreaking work to create vital, sustainable communities and empowering each citizen to fulfill her or his potential. The PPL Foundation contributes more than $2 million annually to a wide variety of nonprofit organizations in north and central Pennsylvania.