News Releases

ALLENTOWN, Pa. (July 17, 2018) — Organizations empowering residents through adult literacy programs, giving small business developers a boost and sparking student interest in science and technology are just some of the many nonprofit agencies receiving grants from the PPL Foundation.

The PPL Foundation on Tuesday (7/17) announced $450,000 in grants to more than 70 nonprofit organizations across central and eastern Pennsylvania to strengthen education and support sustainable communities. In addition, the PPL Foundation awarded over $50,000 to more than a dozen organizations selected for their focus on improving child literacy through reading and summer learning programs. 

“The challenges we face in our communities are complex, and there are no easy solutions,” said Lissette Santana, chief operating officer of the PPL Foundation. “PPL Foundation’s goal is to bring together people, ideas and resources to tackle these challenges collectively. We’re proud to support nonprofit organizations working to address the issues most relevant in our communities.

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

• Bethlehem Economic Development Corporation – To support the Southside Bethlehem Keystone Innovation Zone, which works to foster innovation and create entrepreneurial opportunities for Bethlehem residents by connecting them to the resources they need to succeed.

• Carbondale Technology Transfer Center – To support the Youth Entrepreneurship Academy, which exposes students to leadership, marketing and business practices and fosters entrepreneurial and independent thinking.

• Central Susquehanna Community Foundation – To support the Work Skills program, which provides low-income residents in Snyder County with educational opportunities and access to support services needed to secure employment and/or vocational certification.

• Junior Achievement of South Central Pennsylvania – To support Junior Achievement’s STEM Summit, which inspires 9th grade students to pursue STEM-focused academic selections during the remainder of their high school studies to help prepare them for related careers in the future.

• Fulton Theatre in Lancaster – To support the Building Bridges program, which promotes young children’s social, emotional and language development through the creative arts.

• Nonprofit & Community Assistance Center in Pittston – To support the Community and Economic Development Program, which provides technical assistance, training and education to communities, nonprofits and businesses that are focused on enhancing economic development and quality of life in the region.

• Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Council, Inc. – To support YES (Your Employability Skills) Certificate Program, which provides information and resources to high school students so they can make informed decisions regarding future careers and gain soft skills necessary to succeed in business and industry.

• Pennsylvania College of Technology Foundation in Williamsport – To support the Plastics Mobile Lab outreach program to engage and educate groups on opportunities in the plastics industry as the industry works to meet current and future regional demand for plastics workers.

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 are 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.