Spring 2009 Grant Recipients Announced

The Luzerne Foundation recently announced the recipients of its Spring Grant Cycle. The Foundation's Grants Committee reviewed 47 grant applications requesting over $125,000 in grants for programs valued at over $7,000,000. Charles M. Barber, President and CEO of The Luzerne Foundation stated, "All of the applications were worthy of funding, but we could only provide grants for 25% of those who applied." He continued, "These grants come from the Fund for Luzerne County and many other funds at the Foundation. We are grateful to the individuals, companies, and organizations who contribute each year to make these grants possible." In 2009, The Luzerne Foundation has distributed over $2 million in grants and over $12 million since it was founded in 1994.

The recipients of the 2009 Spring Grants are:
* The Foundation for Free Enterprise Education supporting their Pennsylvania Free Enterprise Week 2009
* The Earth Conservancy for support of the Acid Mine Drainage project.
* The Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience program of the Boy Scouts of Northeastern Pennsylvania.
* The 2009 Fine Arts Fiesta.
* North Penn Legal Services supporting their program of free legal aid to low income families.
* Serento Gardens for their ongoing Children's After School Safety Project.
* Catholic Social Services for renovations to the St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen food pantry.
* The Wyoming Valley Children's Association for their "Take A Bite" children's feeding therapy program.
* The Peace Camp for Kids program of the Interfaith Resource Center for Peace & Justice.
* The Concerned Parents of the Hazleton Area Educational Resources for Immigrant Families.
* The Wyoming Valley Community Garden Program of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council.
* The Boulevard Community Gardens project a collaborative project of King's College, Wilkes-Barre Health Department, the McGlynn Learning Center and the PA Environmental Council of NEPA.

The Luzerne Foundation is the community foundation serving all of Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The Foundation accepts gifts of all types and makes grants to nonprofit organizations based on measured community needs. Since its formation in 1994, The Foundation has grown to include over 220 distinct funds and has distributed more than $12 million in grants to nonprofits throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. For more information on The Luzerne Foundation please call 570-714-1570 or visit The Foundation web site: www.luzfdn.org.