Each month, we’re proud to share Fund News—highlights from the charitable funds established by generous donors at the Scranton Area Community Foundation. These funds support nonprofits, scholarships, and community initiatives across Northeastern Pennsylvania, creating meaningful impact in our region.
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6th Annual Harry P. McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament & Dinner Celebration Benefits the Greater Scranton YMCA
Photo (l-r): Rich Surridge, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA; Michael McGrath; Maeve McGrath; Gaetano Ardizoni; Jack Ardizoni; Harry McGrath; Ella McGrath; Posie McGrath; Faye McGrath; and Colleen Ecklund, Marketing & Development Director, Greater Scranton YMCA.
On February 17, 2026, the McGrath family presented a $20,000 donation to the Greater Scranton YMCA, proceeds from the 6th Annual Harry P. McGrath Memorial Golf Tournament held in September 2025.
These funds will support Summer Scholars — a six-week, research-based initiative designed to help elementary students in the Dunmore and Mid Valley School Districts catch up to grade-level reading before the new school year.
Established in May 2022, the Harry P. McGrath, Esq. Memorial Fund supports the charitable causes and organizations important to Harry P. McGrath, Esq., including the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Summer Loss Prevention Program.
Honoring Patrick McNulty Through Recovery Support
Patrick “Pat” McNulty is remembered for his warmth, generosity, quick wit, and deep love for family, friends, children, dogs, and basketball. Proud of his Irish heritage, Pat also showed tremendous courage as he navigated substance use disorder and experienced a period of recovery. After his tragic passing in March 2023, Pat’s family chose to honor his life by turning compassion into action.
In June 2023, the Patrick McNulty Memorial Fund was established at the Scranton Area Community Foundation to support individuals transitioning from treatment or rehabilitation for substance use disorder. The Fund provides modest grants—typically up to $500—to help cover practical, recovery-sustaining needs such as child care, dental care, job training or education costs, background checks, rental assistance, and other critical expenses that can otherwise stand in the way of long-term recovery.
By easing these immediate financial burdens, the Patrick McNulty Memorial Fund helps individuals focus on stability, healing, and rebuilding their lives, offering hope at a pivotal moment.
Established in July 2023, the Patrick McNulty Memorial Fund supports individuals in recovery who need assistance with costs associated with maintaining sobriety and stability. Through the Scranton Area Community Foundation, Pat’s legacy continues to create meaningful impact across our community.
Ukrainian Humanitarian Relief Fund
Established in February 2026, the Ukrainian Humanitarian Relief Fund at the Scranton Area Community Foundation reflects the compassion and leadership of local donors who sought a meaningful way to respond to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. The Fund provides a trusted local pathway for donors who wish to support urgent relief efforts abroad.
Rooted in community-led action that began in Scranton, the Fund focuses on connecting high-quality surplus medical supplies and equipment—no longer in use but still critically needed—to civilian and pediatric hospitals across Ukraine. Through coordinated partnerships, these resources are responsibly recovered, efficiently transported, and delivered directly to healthcare providers serving vulnerable communities.
In addition to medical equipment, the Fund supports the shipment of essential nonperishable goods and medications to address urgent healthcare and community needs on the ground.
Through the Scranton Area Community Foundation, the generosity and vision of the Fund’s founders and of those who contribute alongside them, help support effective, transparent humanitarian efforts, allowing local giving to reach communities in need abroad.
NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative Secures 2026 Grant Support
In response to growing animal welfare needs across Northeastern Pennsylvania, the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative has secured two grants in 2025 to support important initiatives planned for 2026.
Support from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation will help fund community animal wellness clinics in partnership with the NEPA Rescue Veterinary Clinic, led by Dr. Leslie Interlandi and Dr. Melissa Resnik and their team. These clinics, planned for Spring and Summer 2026, will provide accessible preventive care and support for pets and their owners.
A second grant from the Sheldon Family Foundation will fund canine spay/neuter vouchers for qualifying dog owners in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna, and Wyoming Counties. Approved applicants will receive surgery appointments at Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, provided by Dr. Ramsi and staff, helping reduce pet overpopulation and improve long-term animal health.
In addition, the Collaborative has developed a regional animal welfare resource guide, connecting residents to shelters, rescues, veterinary care, trainers, and trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs, making it easier for individuals and families to access the help they need.
Established in Fall 2019 through a grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative Fund is a field-of-interest fund dedicated to strengthening animal welfare efforts across Northeastern Pennsylvania.