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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Scranton Fringe Festival Returns this October
The 11th annual Scranton Fringe Festival returns October 1–10, 2026, bringing an eclectic mix of theater, comedy, visual arts, live music, and film to venues across downtown Scranton and beyond!
Founded in 2015, Scranton Fringe has grown into one of the region’s leading performing arts festivals, known for its commitment to accessibility, creativity, and community engagement.
This year’s lineup features new original works, a Literary Open Mic, and readings from the festival’s new playwright incubator program supporting four emerging local writers. The festival is also celebrating a big year on and off the fringe stage, as they settle into their new home at The Sanctuary Theater, a former church in North Scranton.
Tickets are available at scrantonfringe.org, at the Fringe HQ Box Office, or at the door of each venue.
The Friends of Scranton Fringe Festival Fund was established in 2024 to support the Scranton Fringe Festival’s creative vision to provide a professional, engaging platform for the arts across Northeastern Pennsylvania. This fund provides vital resources for Scranton Fringe as it strives to present dynamic works of theater, music, film, and more year-round.
Step Up for Cael’s Climb: 5K & Family Fun Day for Dravet
You’re invited to join us at Cael’s Climb: 5K and Fun Day for Dravet! This family-friendly event will feature a 5K Fun Run and 1 Mile Walk, along with raffles, music, and activities for all ages.
The event takes place Sunday, September 20, 2026, at McDade Park in Scranton, with check-in starting at 9:00 AM and the run/walk kicking off at 10:00 AM. Registration is $30 for adults and $20 for children.
The Cael Hill Foundation was established by Reagan and Matt Hill in honor of their courageous 7-year-old son, Cael, who lives with Dravet Syndrome, a rare and severe form of epilepsy.
Proceeds from Cael’s Climb benefit the Dravet Syndrome Foundation, advancing research, raising awareness, and providing hope for families affected by Dravet Syndrome and related epilepsies.
The Cael Hill Foundation Fund supports the Dravet Syndrome Foundation and its mission to aggressively raise funds for Dravet Syndrome and related epilepsies, support and fund research, increase awareness, and provide support to affected individuals and families. The Fund is administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation.
Kevin Harchar Family Foundation Fund
SACF is pleased to announce the establishment of the Kevin Harchar Family Foundation Fund.
The fund was established by Alison Harchar in honor and memory of her late husband, Kevin Harchar. Through the fund, Alison and her family will carry Kevin’s legacy forward by supporting charitable causes and organizations meaningful to their family and making a positive impact throughout the community.
Robert H. Spitz Foundation Grant Supports a Lifeline for NEPA Residents
The Robert H. Spitz Foundation has awarded a $3,000 grant to Family Service Association of Northeastern Pennsylvania (FSA NEPA) to support its Help Line program.
Available 24/7 across an 18-county region, Help Line connects callers with essential resources for food and housing insecurity, mental health, utility needs, healthcare access, and more. Last year alone, it fielded nearly 99,000 calls.
This gift helps ensure Help Line can keep serving as a vital first point of contact for residents facing hardship, offering guidance and connection when it’s needed most.
Scranton Area Community Foundation has served as administrator of the Robert H. Spitz Foundation since 2016. Formed in 2015 through the estate of Mr. Spitz, the Robert H. Spitz Foundation supports an array of projects and programs that improve the Northeastern Pennsylvania region.
Dunmore Class of 1960 Awards Fund
SACF is proud to announce the establishment of the Dunmore Class of 1960 Awards Fund.
Created by Joseph Morelli and Edwin Malloy, the fund was established to support existing student awards at Dunmore High School for years to come.
The fund supports two annual awards: the Anthony Battista Award, given in memory of a classmate who passed away and presented to the student with the highest mathematics average, and the Tom Malloy Award, given in memory of Edwin’s brother and presented to a student pursuing education or training in the skilled trades. The fund also covers award administration costs and teacher grants selected by the Dunmore Area Educational Foundation.
Through this fund, the Class of 1960 helps ensure that Dunmore High School students are recognized and encouraged for generations to come.