Allentown, Pa. (July 8, 2019) – The PPL Foundation on Monday (7/8) announced $450,000 in grants to 86 nonprofit organizations across central and eastern Pennsylvania to support education initiatives and strengthen community resources.

“The PPL Foundation is proud to support nonprofit organizations that are making a real and lasting difference in their communities,” said Ryan Hill, president of the PPL Foundation. “These organizations are working to improve students’ chances of academic success, to encourage conservation of our natural resources, to revitalize downtown districts and to deliver positive outcomes that change lives.”

Examples of the initiatives and projects receiving support through the PPL Foundation Sustaining Grant program include:

• Boy Scouts Hawk Mountain Council received a $10,000 grant to support the expansion of the council’s STEM Laboratory program in Schuylkill County.
• Common Wheel in Lancaster received a $7,500 grant to support its Earn-A-Bike after-school program.
• Community Arts Center in Williamsport, Pa., received a $15,000 grant to support its arts education series enabling more than 10,000 students from nine school districts to see engaging, live performances.
• Downton Hazleton Alliance for Progress received a $5,000 grant to help fund the city’s "Main Street" Program, which includes capital improvements, economic development strategies, and marketing efforts aimed at increasing the economic and cultural vitality of the central business district.
• LEAF in Landisburg, Pa., received a $5,000 grant to support programs that cultivate youth leaders from diverse backgrounds through meaningful work in the food system
• SEEDS of Northeastern Pennsylvania in Honesdale, Pa., received a $5,000 grant to support a wide range of initiatives such as Wayne Tomorrow, education forums and workshops for the general public and business community.
• The Literacy Center in Allentown received a $10,000 grant to support the center’s literacy initiatives, including English as a Second Language (ESL), GED, workforce development and support services for adults.
• Wildlife Leadership Academy in Lewisburg, Pa., received a $10,000 grant to support career exploration, leadership and professional development programs with an emphasis on stewardship of natural resources.

Among the grants awarded were 10 for libraries and other literacy-focused organizations in support of Cover to Cover, the PPL Foundation’s initiative to improve child literacy through reading and summer learning programs.

A complete list of grant recipients is available online.

PPL is committed to supporting communities across its 29-county service area and providing tools that help empower economic vitality.

The PPL Foundation awards grants in spring and fall. The next grant cycle, for major grants of $25,000 to $100,000, begins in August. To be considered for a grant, all organizations must apply online.

Please visit pplcares.com to learn more.

About the PPL Foundation

Through strategic partnerships, the PPL Foundation will support organizations that are working to create vibrant, sustainable communities and empowering each citizen to fulfill her or his potential. The PPL Foundation contributes more than $3 million annually to a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. To learn more, visit pplcares.com.