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.
Use our Fund News Submission Form to submit updates, photos, and stories. Your update may be featured in future e-newsletters or on our social media channels!
Thank you for helping us to highlight and share the great work happening in our community!
17th Annual GCHS Turkey Trot 5k/10k
You’re invited to join the 17th Annual GCHS Turkey Trot on Sunday, November 15, 2026!
Proceeds from the race support the Friends of the Poor & Catherine McAuley Center’s Family-to-Family Program, providing essential resources like food, housing, and clothing to families in need across our region during the Thanksgiving season and beyond.
Lace up, bring your friends and family, and help make this holiday season a little brighter for our neighbors.
Established in March 2026, the GCHS Turkey Trot Fund supports Friends of the Poor & Catherine McAuley Center’s Family-to-Family Program. The advisors will conduct fundraising activities to support the Fund’s charitable purposes.
Wilderness Fund Scholarship Applications Open Nov. 2
Adventure, discovery, and personal growth await!
SACF is excited to announce that applications for the 2027 Wilderness Fund Scholarship will open on November 2. Beginning next week, students in grades 9-12 from Scranton, West Scranton, Riverside, Old Forge, Mid Valley, and Valley View high schools are invited to apply.
The Wilderness Fund covers the full tuition cost of the expedition, up to $5,000 paid directly to Outward Bound, plus reimbursement of related travel expenses. Expeditions include backpacking, mountaineering, whitewater rafting, canoeing, dog sledding, sailing, and more. Most take place between early June and late August and run 4-15 days.
Nearly three decades after its establishment, the Wilderness Fund continues to bring to life one donor’s vision by creating life-changing opportunities for local students.
Established by an anonymous donor in September 1998, the Wilderness Fund provides scholarships for students at area high schools to participate in the Outward Bound Program, where they learn about self-reliance, developing trust, and how to “strive to better love and serve the earth and others.”
Kicking off the 3rd Annual Carbondalien Festival
Mark your calendars for November 6 and 7 as the 3rd Annual Carbondalien Festival lights up downtown Carbondale with art, music, and all things otherworldly!
Inspired by the 1974 legend of a glowing object that fell into the pond at Russell Park, the festival mixes local history, sci-fi culture, and paranormal curiosity.
Kick things off Friday at 5 PM with the unveiling of a landmark sculpture by local artist Scott Nichols at the Carbondale Public Library. Then join the fun on Saturday from 11 AM to 5 PM for paranormal speakers, local vendors, and more!
Established in 2025 at the Scranton Area Community Foundation, the Carbondalien Festival Fund supports the mission of the Carbondalien Festival which is to celebrate creativity, curiosity, and community through the lens of the otherworldly.
Save the Date: Third Bi-Annual Pet Expo & Animal Care Summit
The NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative will host its third bi-annual Pet Expo & Animal Care Summit on Saturday, March 6, 2027, at Viewmont Mall!
This free, family-friendly event brings together animal welfare organizations, pet-related businesses, and community partners to promote animal welfare, share educational resources, and connect adoptable animals with potential families.
The event reflects the ongoing work of the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative Fund, a field-of-interest fund established in 2019 through a grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation to strengthen animal welfare efforts throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Sponsors, vendors, and animal welfare nonprofits are invited to participate. Learn more about the event and opportunities to get involved below!
Established in the Fall of 2019 through a grant from the Robert H. Spitz Foundation, the NEPA Animal Welfare Collaborative Fund is a field of interest fund intended to support animal welfare in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
Women in Philanthropy Brings Community Together Through Film and Conversation
Join Women in Philanthropy (WIP) at the Scranton Area Community Foundation for a free screening of Miss Representation, a thought-provoking documentary exploring how media and culture shape perceptions of women and girls, leadership, and success.
Monday, November 16, 2026
5:30–8:00 PM
Scranton Area Community Foundation at the Century Club
612 Jefferson Avenue, Scranton, PA
More than a decade after its release, the film continues to raise important questions: What has changed? Where do barriers remain?
Following the screening, local professionals will lead a discussion exploring the film’s themes through the lenses of media, economic opportunity, culture, and mental health and well-being.
As an initiative of SACF, Women in Philanthropy brings people together to advance opportunities for women and girls throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania. This documentary series creates space for meaningful conversations, shared perspectives, and community connection.
This event is free and open to everyone. WIP membership or financial support is not required. Bring a friend, colleague, mentor, or daughter for an evening of conversation and connection.
The Women in Philanthropy Initiative Fund, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, supports Women in Philanthropy programs and initiatives that engage community members and create opportunities for learning, connection, and impact.