The Luzerne Foundation Grant Cycles
The Luzerne Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of Luzerne County residents by assessing and addressing community needs through strategic grantmaking. We promote responsible philanthropy and connect donors with causes that matter to them.
Through various grant cycles, the Luzerne Foundation Grants Committee supports seven key areas:
- Arts & Culture
- Education & Scholarships
- Health & Wellness
- Historic Preservation & the Environment
- Neighborhoods & Community Development
- Social Services
- Youth Issues.
Below are available opportunities 501(c)(3) public charities in good standing can apply for online.
Spring Nonprofit Forum
2025 Luzerne Foundation Spring Forum Nonprofits, April 10, Community Champion Awards Dinner
Every year, local organizations serving Luzerne County apply for a spot at the Luzerne Foundation Spring Nonprofit Forum. Each nonprofit organization must complete and submit the online application. The Luzerne Foundation’s Grants Distribution Commitee will review all applications and select 30-35 organizations. Each organization will be invited to present a three-to-five-minute presentation on the background and mission, and how it is addressing the community’s needs.
Organizations selected for funding will be honored at our Community Champion Awards Dinner in mid-April at the Westmoreland Club.
Nonprofits attending the Forum work in the seven areas served by the Foundation: Arts & Culture, Education & Scholarships, Health & Wellness, Historic Preservation & the Environment, Neighborhoods & Community Development, Social Services, and Youth Issues.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be 501(c)(3) public charity in good standing that serves residents of Luzerne County!
- Projects or programs must benefit and enhance the well-being of the community.
Grant Amounts:
- Grants of $5000 to $10,000 will be awarded based on the scope and impact of the proposed project in the current year.
Application Deadline:
- Applications open in January and close the first week of March.
Please note: If your organization received funding from the prior Spring Forum, we must receive your completed Spring Nonprofit Forum Grant Evaluation in order to be considered for the current year’s forum.
For more information or questions regarding this grant opportunity, please contact us at 570-822-2065 or [email protected].
Millennium Circle Grant
The Millennium Circle Fund of The Luzerne Foundation was established by a dedicated group of donors whose one-time contributions of $2,000 significantly aid in identifying unmet community needs.
Over the past decade, the Millennium Circle Fund has awarded over $464,000 to nonprofit organizations throughout Luzerne County. The grant cycle begins with an online application, followed by the selection of four qualified nonprofits to present at the Millennium Circle Grant Forum in early November. Each nonprofit will have 5-10 minutes to clearly and concisely describe its background and mission, and how it is addressing the unmet need in the community.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applications cannot be officially submitted without a nomination from a Millennium Circle member. Click here for a list of current Millennium Circle Members
- Must be 501(c)(3) public charity in good standing that serves residents of Luzerne County!
- Projects or programs must benefit and enhance the well-being of the community.
- Prior year awardee not eligible.
Grant Amounts:
- Grant of $25,000 will be awarded to one nonprofit in the current year.
Application Deadline:
- Applications open in September and close the first week of October.
Please note: If your organization received funding from the prior Millennium Circle, we must receive your completed Millennium Circle Grant Evaluation in order to be considered for the current year’s forum.
For more information or questions regarding this grant opportunity, please contact us at 570-822-2065 or [email protected].
YAC Nonprofit Forum
The Luzerne Foundation is now accepting applications for a spot in the Youth Advisory Committee’s (YAC) Nonprofit Forum! Only the first 20 qualified participants will be selected.
*Organizations that received grant funding in the prior year from YAC are ineligible to participate until December of the current year.
Over the past decade, the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) has awarded over $205,000 to nonprofit organizations throughout Luzerne County. The grant cycle begins with an online application, followed by determination of the first 20 qualified nonprofits to present at the YAC Forum in early February. Each nonprofit will have 5-10 minutes to clearly and concisely describe its background and mission, and how it is addressing the unmet need in the community. The Luzerne Foundation established the Youth Advisory Committee, otherwise known as “YAC”. YAC’s mission is to empower high school youth to identify needs and fund them responsibly. YAC consists of twenty-three students from 9 Luzerne County High schools eager to help support local nonprofit organizations through a professionally run comprehensive program.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Must be 501(c)(3) public charity in good standing that serves residents of Luzerne County!
- Projects or programs must benefit and enhance the well-being of the community.
- Organizations that received grant funding in the prior year from YAC are ineligible to participate until December of current year.
Grant Amounts:
- Grant Awards can vary from $2,000- $5,000 and are at the discretion of the Youth Advisory Committee.
Application Deadline:
- Applications open in October and close mid-month November.
For more information or questions regarding this grant opportunity, please contact us at 570-822-2065 or [email protected].
