Scranton Area Community Foundation

Century Club Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Open House
2025-05-15 16:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | The Scranton Area Community Foundation at the Century Club, 612 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, Pennsylvania, 18510, United States
Join us on Thursday, May 15, 2025 from 4-7 PM for the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony & Open House at The Scranton Area Community Foundation at the Century Club.Since 1954, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has worked to responsibly steward resources and inspire transformative philanthropy to build a strong and vibrant community. With over $110 million in charitable assets under management, the Foundation has made a lasting impact—supporting local nonprofits, expanding access to vital resources, and creating meaningful opportunities for those in need.We invite you to join us in celebrating a historic milestone in the Foundation’s journey—we are proud to announce our new permanent home: a dedicated space designed to strengthen our mission and expand our reach. This new facility will serve as a hub for vital services, a state-of-the-art learning and training center for nonprofits and community groups, and a gathering place for community leaders to come together and address the most pressing challenges of our time.SCHEDULE OF EVENTS4 – 6 PM: Reception and open house with guided tours6 – 7 PM: Program and unveiling of Legacy WallLearn more at 70.safdn.org/open-house.

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Women in Philanthropy Spring Grant Meeting
2025-05-08 17:30 - 20:00 | Hilton Scranton, 100 Adams Avenue, Scranton, Pennsylvania, 18503, United States
Join us for an evening of networking, refreshments, and the opportunity to hear from the 2025 Women in Philanthropy grant finalists, each addressing critical needs in our community within these six impact areas:

Civic Engagement & Advocacy

Financial Education

Affordable & Attainable Housing

Affordable Childcare

Mental Health

STEAM Education

During this Spring Grant meeting at the Hilton Scranton, you’ll have the chance to vote for the organizations you would like Women in Philanthropy to support. Your voice will help shape the future of our community!Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be served. This is a complimentary event for all WIP supporters and their guests. General admission (non-WIP attendees) tickets will be available at the door for $30.

NEPA Thrives 2025 Q1 General Collaborative Meeting
2025-05-01 09:00 - 12:00 | Benco Dental, 295 Centerpoint Blvd, Jenkins Township, PA, 18640, United States
Workforce Barriers Summit Moving Forward

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Workforce Barriers Summit • How Collaborative Efforts Can Address Economic Mobility In NEPA
2025-04-21 13:30 - 14:30 | Pennsylvania
Economic mobility is the cornerstone of thriving communities, and community foundations across the country play a vital role in convening stakeholders to break down barriers and invest in solutions that support upward mobility. Addressing workforce development, transportation, and equitable housing together is key to this mission. Affordable housing enables workers to live near job opportunities, reducing costly commutes that hinder stable employment, while equitable transportation expands access to jobs, especially for hourly and low-wage workers. When aligned with workforce development efforts, these investments create inclusive economies that foster opportunity, reduce income inequality, and promote long-term economic stability.The Scranton Area Community Foundation’s Community Impact Team is leading efforts to bring local stakeholders together to tackle these challenges and create pathways to economic mobility across the region. Join them to learn how community foundations nationwide are driving solutions that build more equitable and prosperous communities.

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Lunch & Learn: Communicating Your Success Story (with the SACF Communications Team)
2025-04-16 12:00 - 13:00 | Pennsylvania
📅 Wednesday, April 16, 2025🕛 12:00 PM (Noon)📍 via Zoom

Your organization is making a difference—let’s ensure your story resonates with the community and beyond!Join the SACF Communications Team for an insightful Lunch & Learn designed to empower local nonprofits with the tools and strategies needed to craft powerful press releases and share compelling success stories.

What You’ll Learn:

Crafting Compelling Narratives – Learn how to transform your achievements into impactful stories that inspire action.

Humanizing Your News – Discover techniques for making your press releases more relatable and memorable.

Visual Storytelling – Capture powerful images that enhance your message and increase engagement.

Guidelines for Incorporation – Learn best practices for seamlessly integrating the Scranton Area Community Foundation into your press releases, grant follow-ups, and social media posts.

Social Media Amplification – Leverage best practices to maximize your reach and connect with your audience.

🌟 Who Should Attend?Nonprofits, grantees, communications teams, and anyone looking to improve how they share their organization’s impact.

Register Here!

Workforce Barriers Summit • Harnessing Immigrant Talent: Strategies for Economic Development and Workforce Solutions
2025-04-14 13:00 - 14:00 | Pennsylvania
This talk will explore the vital role immigrants play in driving economic growth. We’ll examine the employment barriers that international talent face, and strategies for recruiting and retaining foreign populations. Additionally, we will highlight success stories of employers and cities effectively incorporating immigrants into their workforce. Attendees will learn how to access new talent pipelines and meet workforce needs through engaging international communities.

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Workforce Barriers Summit • K-12 Education Panel
2025-04-09 13:00 - 14:00 | Pennsylvania
The PA Department of Education knows that the future of a strong workforce starts as soon as children enter school. Gaining an understanding of the career benchmarks in K-12 education, current programming to support career development, and identifying ways in which employers can partner will inevitably enhance their workforce pipeline and lead to economic growth throughout the region.

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NEPA Moves Q1 General Collaborative Meeting
2025-04-07 09:00 - 11:30 | Benco Dental, 295 Centerpoint Blvd, Jenkins Township, PA, 18640, United States
NEPA Moves first General Collaborative meeting of 2025 brings together stakeholders throughout the Northeast Region of Pennsylvania to continue their efforts to seek practical and proactive approaches to transportation issues, gaps, and barriers.Our first meeting will highlight studies and initiatives aimed at improving transportation throughout the region and goals identified by the steering committee for 2025.Continental breakfast included.

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Workforce Barriers Summit • Unlocking Business Growth through Community Foundation Partnerships
2025-04-03 13:00 - 14:00 | Pennsylvania
This presentation will highlight the numerous benefits businesses gain from partnering with Community Foundations, such as increased employee retention and productivity through access to scholarships and hardship funds. By offering these resources, companies support their employees’ personal and professional growth and foster a more loyal, motivated workforce. Additionally, businesses can broaden their reach and enhance their brand by supporting philanthropic efforts, including scholarships, which contribute to community development and enhance their reputation as socially responsible entities.

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Budget for Greater Success (with Ken Okrepkie, Regional Manager at Ben Franklin Northeast)
2025-03-26 09:00 - 10:30 | Urban CoWorks, 116 N Washington Ave 3rd Floor, Scranton, PA, 18503, United States
📅 Wednesday, March 26, 2025🕘 9:00 – 10:30 AM📍 Urban CoWorks116 N Washington Ave, 3rd FloorScranton, PA 18503💲 $15

A well-crafted budget is just as important as a strong narrative in a grant application.Join Ken Okrepkie for an in-depth session on how to create a budget that effectively supports your funding requests and demonstrates financial responsibility.

Key Takeaways:

What Funders Look For – Understand the essential components of a strong grant budget.

Itemization Matters – Break down expenses to provide clarity and justification.

Revenue Sources – Show secured vs. expected income & your plan to fill gaps.

Balanced Budgeting – Why your budget must align with real-world financials.

Deficit Budgets – What they really communicate to funders (and why to avoid them).

Using the Right Template – Stick to the provided budget format.

Financial Summary – How to report your financials at the end of the grant period.

Numbers Tell a Story – Make your budget as compelling as your written proposal

🌟 Who Should Attend?Perfect for nonprofits, grant writers, and financial professionals looking to improve their funding applications.

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Workforce Barriers Summit • Transportation Panel
2025-03-24 15:00 - 16:00 | Pennsylvania
Transportation is a key to recruiting and retaining a strong workforce, however only 12% of the region uses public transportation, and while 70-80% of the US population commutes to work the number of potential employees without access to vehicles or public transportation that connects with open positions continues to be a challenge. In order to identify highly qualified potential employees and retain a reliable workforce come learn about some of the programs and services available within the region.

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Workforce Barriers Summit • Childcare Panel
2025-03-19 13:00 - 14:00 | Pennsylvania
Childcare needs often cause parents to postpone school and training programs or return to the workforce, or they simply leave the workforce because they are unaware of the support and resources that are available to them and their employers. Employers who collaborate with and are knowledgeable of state subsidies, supportive childcare providers, and open to outside-the-box initiatives can begin to address some of the challenges faced by their existing employees.

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Women in Philanthropy Development Committee Meeting
2025-03-13 17:30 - 19:00 | Ameriprise Financial Services, 604 South State Street, Suite 201, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania, 18411, United States
Please join us at the next WIP Development Committee Meeting!On February 13th, the Women in Philanthropy Development Committee met to discuss key strategies for expanding membership, enhancing donor outreach, and increasing program visibility. The meeting highlighted the importance of engaging younger women and underrepresented communities, diversifying donor support, and exploring new opportunities for corporate partnerships and media exposure.If you missed this meeting but are interested in helping advance WIP’s mission through this committee, we invite you to attend the next Development Committee Meeting on Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at Ameriprise Financial Services. Development Committee co-chair Ellen Burkey will host the meeting.

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Workforce Barriers Summit • Workforce Strengthening Programs
2025-03-13 11:00 - 12:00 | Pennsylvania
There are several organizations and programs working with potential employees to strengthen the workforce and place skilled, qualified individuals in family-sustaining employment. Come learn about the programs and how regional employers can benefit from the work they are doing.

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Workforce Barriers Summit • NEPA Workforce Landscape and Sector-Focused Collaboration
2025-03-06 09:00 - 11:00 | Pennsylvania
If you missed our first session on February 27, join us on Thursday, March 6, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. The Institute will present on the workforce landscape, followed by a discussion on regional workforce challenges. Experts will explore how employers, community organizations, and education providers can collaborate to address recruitment and retention barriers, highlighting promising practices and strategies with insights from JobsFirstNYC.

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Lunch & Learn: Unlocking Grant Opportunities (with the SACF Grants & Scholarships Team)
2025-03-05 12:00 - 13:00 | Pennsylvania
📅 Wednesday, March 5, 2025🕛 12:00 PM (Noon)📍 via Zoom

Are you looking for funding opportunities? Join us for an informative Lunch & Learn session where you’ll meet the SACF Grants & Scholarships Team and gain valuable insights into available grant opportunities throughout the year.

What You’ll Learn:

Types of Funding Opportunities – Discover the different grants offered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, including Community Needs, Critical Needs, and Capacity Building grants, as well as grants from The Robert H. Spitz Foundation, NEPA Health Care Foundation, Sheldon Family Foundation, and MHA.

Supporting Documents for Grant Applications – Learn about the letters of support and other materials needed for a strong grant application.

Grant Application Basics – Find out what a BCO (Bureau of Charitable Organizations) is and why it’s required for grant applications.

Budgeting for Grants – Learn how to include grant requests in your budget and how to make sure your financials match your project’s story.

Setting Goals & Measuring Impact – Get tips on how to clearly define your goals and measure the impact of your project to strengthen your grant application.

🌟 Who Should Attend?Whether you’re new to the grant process or looking to refine your proposals, this session will equip you with the tools you need to succeed.

Register Here!

Workforce Barriers Summit: Employment Resources Panel
2025-03-03 08:00 - 17:00 | Pennsylvania
Historically, the PA Careerlink is seen as a resource for individuals seeking employment while Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Initiatives focus on business and industry, however the need for workforce development efforts in order to promote economic growth throughout the region has inspired collaboration and the need for a systemic approach. Learn from leaders throughout the region about existing resources and how businesses can contribute to the efforts.

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NEPA AWC 2025 Pet Expo & Animal Care Summit
2025-03-01 11:00 - 16:00 | Viewmont Mall, 100 Viewmont Mall, Scranton, Pennsylvania, 18508, United States
The 2025 NEPA Pet Expo/Animal Care Summit, hosted by the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative, will take place on Saturday, March 1st, at the Viewmont Mall in Scranton, PA, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Open to all, the Pet Expo will feature:

Pet care & safety demonstrations

Local shelter & rescue booths

Adoptable animals

Vendors

And more!

This event will raise essential funds for the NEPA AWC to continue to advance animal welfare causes in our community.

Join us in making the 2025 NEPA AWC Pet Expo a success! Your support will help advance animal welfare initiatives across our community.

Sponsorship benefits include:

Recognition at the event

Exposure on social media and our website

Opportunities to connect with the animal-loving community

Support a great cause and make a lasting impact!

Sponsor Signup

NEPA Gives 2025 Kickoff
2025-02-12 08:30 - 10:30 | Pennsylvania
Are you ready to level up your nonprofit’s fundraising game?

Before the region’s largest giving event takes place in June, join us for a crash course to make NEPA Gives 2025 your most successful year yet!

🎓 NEPA Gives Academy – Kickoff Event📅 Wednesday, February 12⏰ 9:00–10:30 a.m.📍 Peoples Security Bank Theater at Lackawanna College, 501 Vine St., Scranton

This “study session” is packed with everything you need to succeed:

Success Stories: Learn from real nonprofit wins to inspire your strategy.

Extra Credit Opportunities: Hear surprise announcements to stretch every donation dollar.

Your Study Guide to Success: Get resources, tools, and insider tips to make NEPA Gives 2025 unforgettable!

Mark your calendars and don’t miss out on this NEPA Gives “Academy” kickoff event!

Register Here!

This is something you don’t want to miss!

This is a free event designed to give you the tools you’ll need to have a successful NEPA Gives 2025 campaign for your organization. Registration is required. Secure your spot today and don’t miss this essential NEPA Gives kickoff event!

Workforce Barriers Summit: Addressing Obstacles in Recruitment and Retention
2025-02-06 09:45 - 16:00 | Wilkes-Barre THINK Center, 7 S Main Street, 3rd Floor, Suite 4, Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, 18701, United States
Presented by NEPA Thrives, join us for at this FREE event to explore key workforce challenges in NEPA, including transportation, childcare, employer collaboration, and more.Learn from experts about resources and solutions to enhance recruitment and retention, and collaborate with regional stakeholders to drive economic growth.Who should attend: CEOs & COOs, HR Managers, and Supervisors/Managers.

Register Now!

Women in Philanthropy Q1 Dinner and Business Meeting
2025-01-30 17:30 - 20:00 | Hilton Scranton, 100 Adams Avenue, Scranton, Pennsylvania, 18503, United States
Join us for our first quarterly meeting of the year, where we’ll kick off an exciting new chapter in advancing the work of Women in Philanthropy!Following dinner and a brief welcome, you’ll choose one of four breakout session options during which you will make important decisions about advancing Women in Philanthropy’s initiatives.Breakout sessions will cover:

Childcare – Supporting families and childcare initiatives.

Mental Health – Expanding access and resources for well-being.

Civic Engagement – Building stronger, more connected communities.

We will hold a plenary discussion on the development of our 10th Anniversary Campaign, celebrating a decade of impact while exploring unique funding opportunities to expand our work in key areas such as housing, dental health, STEAM, and financial confidence.The evening will wrap up with a discussion on the key takeaways from each breakout session, plus a look ahead to the WIP grants process coming this spring..Know someone who would benefit from learning about collective philanthropy and Women in Philanthropy? This is the perfect opportunity for them to get involved and make a meaningful impact!

Register Here!

Strategic Planning That Works: A Practical Workshop for Nonprofit Leaders (with Mike Burns)
2025-01-14 09:00 - 11:30 | Urban CoWorks, 116 N Washington Ave 3rd Floor, Scranton, PA, 18503, United States
Join us on Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at Urban Co-Works (116 N. Washington Ave., 3rd Floor, Scranton, PA, 18503) from 9 to 11:30 AM for an immersive, in-person workshop that transforms how your nonprofit approaches strategic planning.

You’ll Gain:

• A strategic planning framework designed specifically for nonprofits• Practical tools for meaningful stakeholder engagement and input analysis• Interactive experience developing strategic objectives and supporting metrics• Confidence in leading an effective strategic planning process

Key Takeaways:

• Essential components of nonprofit strategic plans that drive real impact• Proven approaches to balancing diverse stakeholder interests• How to measure outcomes with OKRs

This Workshop Includes:

• Strategic planning templates and worksheets• Interactive exercises with peer nonprofit leaders• Real-world case studies and examples

Who Should Attend:

• Executive Directors and CEOs• Board Members and Board Chairs

Secure Your Spot Today!*

*To ensure meaningful interaction and personalized guidance, the workshop will be limited to 25 participants. Contact Amy Betts, Community Impact Manager, at amy@safdn.org with any questions.

About Mike Burns

Mike Burns is the CEO and co-founder of StratSimple, a NEPA-based AI technology startup launched in 2023. Drawing from his decades of enterprise leadership experience and nonprofit board service, he created StratSimple to revolutionize strategic planning through artificial intelligence. The platform harnesses cutting-edge AI technology to make professional-grade strategic planning both accessible and affordable for organizations of all sizes.Prior to founding StratSimple, Mike served as Chief Information Officer at Benco Dental for six years. He holds an MBA from the University of Scranton and lives in Shavertown, PA with his wife and son.
