Author: michael@lvcfoundation.org

Community Foundation Awards $611,500 from Trusted Response Fund to Support Community Needs 

Allentown, Pa., February 26, 2026—The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) today announced $611,500 in grants through its Trusted Response Fund, funding nonprofit organizations across the Lehigh Valley that are addressing urgent community needs and strengthening long-term resilience. 

The Trusted Response Fund was established to provide flexible, timely resources to organizations responding to emerging challenges and evolving community conditions. This year’s grants support a broad cross-section of the nonprofit sector, including health care access, youth development, basic needs, arts and culture, education, environmental stewardship, and community-based support systems. 

The Foundation received a strong and competitive pool of applications, reflecting both the vitality of the region’s nonprofit sector and the scale of current community needs. Funding awards were based on alignment with the Fund’s purpose, demonstrated community impact, organizational capacity, and financial stewardship. 

“The Trusted Response Fund reflects our commitment to investing in organizations that are deeply embedded in and responsive to our community,” said Robyn Weaver, Program Officer for Capacity Building, who oversees the implementation of the Trusted Response Fund. “We are grateful to the community evaluators who brought rigor and care to this process. This year’s grants represent a wide range of approaches to strengthening the Lehigh Valley—from expanding access to health services and education to supporting families facing economic hardship. While we could not fund every worthy request, we are confident these investments will have meaningful impact.” 

Grants, ranging from $5,000 to $20,000, were awarded to the following organizations for 2025-26: 

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 

• Basement Poetry 

• Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center 

• Northampton County Historical and Genealogical Society 

Financial Sustainability 

• Bach Choir of Bethlehem 

• Friends of the Levitt Pavilion at SteelStacks 

• Greater Easton Development Partnership 

• LINC (Lehigh Valley Interregional Networking & Connecting Consortium) 

• Northeast Community Center 

• ProJeCt of Easton, Inc. 

• WDIY 88.1 FM 

Leadership 

• Battle Borne 

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lehigh Valley, Inc. 

• Center for Humanistic Change, Inc. 

• Community Bike Works 

• Stephen’s Place 

• Valley Youth House 

Operational Efficiency/Effectiveness 

• Community Music School 

• Family Connection of Easton 

• Humanitarian Social Innovations 

• Pennsylvania Youth Theatre 

• Promise Neighborhoods of the Lehigh Valley 

• Third Street Alliance for Women & Children 

• Valley Wealth Alliance 

• Wildlands Conservancy 

Organizational Culture and Continuous Learning 

• Family Promise of Lehigh Valley 

• Jewish Community Center of the Lehigh Valley 

• Mindful Child Initiative 

Purpose and Impact 

• Allentown Public Theatre 

• Allentown School District Foundation 

• ArtsQuest 

• Boys & Girls Club of Allentown 

• Communities In Schools of Eastern PA 

• Easter Seals Eastern PA 

• Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network 

• Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley 

• Jewish Family Service of the Lehigh Valley 

• Juxtahub 

• Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers, Inc. 

• Nurture Nature Center 

• Ripple Community Inc. 

• River Crossing YMCA 

• The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties 

• The Kindness Project 

• Thrive Hub 

• Wilson Area LINCS Family Center, Inc. 

Strategic Response 

• Bethlehem Area Public Library* 

• Cathedral Church of the Nativity 

• Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Allentown, Inc. 

• Cay Galgon Life House 

• Junior Achievement of Southeastern Pennsylvania 

• Lehigh Conference of Churches 

• Make The Road Pennsylvania 

• Meals On Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley 

• New Bethany* 

• Planned Parenthood Keystone 

• Safe Harbor Easton 

• The Refugee Community Center 

*Projects funded through a grant from Comcast 

The 2026 Trusted Response Fund cohort reflects LVCF’s continued commitment to responsive philanthropy—deploying resources where they can stabilize critical services today while strengthening organizational capacity for the future. See: https://lvcfgrants.org/trusted-response-fund for more information. 

About the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation 

At the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, we connect donors who care with causes that matter. A leader in charitable giving in the Lehigh Valley for more than 58 years, we receive support from donors, manage funds to grow over time, and make high-impact grants to strengthen local nonprofits. 

The Foundation manages more than 300 charitable funds, totaling over $130 million, and we continue to grow—both in size and in the way we fulfill our mission. We are evolving to engage more deeply with partners, serve more effectively as a thought leader on community issues, and explore more innovative ways to make life better across the Lehigh Valley. To learn more, visit: www.lehighvalleyfoundation.org. 

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Media Contact 
Michael Wilson 
Director of Communications 
Lehigh Valley Community Foundation 
Cell: 484 695-3277 | Michael@LVCFoundation.org 

ALLENTOWN, Pa., January 5, 2026 — The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) is pleased to announce that Angela Connell, MBA, MSHRM, PHR, SHRM-CP, has joined the Foundation’s Board of Governors effective January 1, 2026. She will serve on the Foundation’s Community Engagement Committee.

Angela is a forward-thinking human resources executive with more than 20 years of experience aligning people strategy with organizational growth across manufacturing, media, healthcare, and international business environments. She currently serves as Chief Administrative Officer at HNL Lab Medicine, where she leads enterprise-wide human resources and organizational development strategy. In this role, she has repositioned HR as a strategic business enabler, modernized governance and compliance frameworks, strengthened leadership development, and supported workforce planning across multi-state operations.

Previously, Angela was Founder and Principal Consultant of Advantage HR Solutions, where she served as a fractional CHRO and strategic advisor to executive teams across the Lehigh Valley and beyond. Her work included organizational restructuring, succession planning, leadership coaching, and implementation of scalable HR frameworks for U.S. and European operations. Earlier in her career, she held senior HR leadership roles with Adept Group, Celestica, and The Express-Times, supporting large-scale workforce expansion, manufacturing operations, and media organizations.

Angela holds a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Human Resources from Moravian University, and a Bachelor of Science degree from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. She is professionally certified as a PHR and SHRM-CP. Her community involvement includes service with United Way, Community Action Lehigh Valley, Generation Next, and Project Easton’s Women’s United Lead initiative.

“We are excited to welcome Angela to our Board of Governors,” said Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, President and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. “Her depth of leadership experience, commitment to building strong organizations, and passion for community engagement will be a tremendous asset to LVCF and the region we serve.”

The Board of Governors provides governance, strategic oversight, and community leadership in support of LVCF’s mission to improve the quality of life throughout the Lehigh Valley.

For more information, visit www.lehighvalleyfoundation.org.

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Allentown, Pa., December 19, 2025—The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) has announced the distribution of $115,000 in Creative Sector Flex Fund (CSFF) grants to support nonprofit arts and culture organizations across Carbon, Monroe, Lehigh, and Northampton Counties. This year, 23 organizations will receive a $5,000 grant to help strengthen and sustain the region’s creative sector.

The Creative Sector Flex Fund (CSFF) is funded by The Pennsylvania Creative Industries, powered by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA). The program supports dynamic Pennsylvania arts organizations with average annual revenues between $10,000 and $200,000, offering flexible funding that allows organizations to respond to changing operational, programmatic, and community needs.

“Arts and culture organizations play an essential role in building connected, vibrant communities and strengthening the local economy,” said Mary Sinibaldi Mancino, Program Associate at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. “We were impressed by both the volume and quality of applications received for this year’s Creative Sector Flex Fund. The review process reflected the depth of talent and creativity across our region. While these grants provide meaningful support, they also underscore the ongoing need for sustained investment in the arts and creative economy throughout the Lehigh Valley.”

A defining element of the CSFF program is its flexibility. Grant funds may be used for a wide range of organizational priorities, including administrative capacity, program development, or project-related expenses, enabling recipients to direct resources where they are most needed.

2025-26 Creative Sector Flex Fund Grant Recipients

– Allentown Public Theatre
– Appalachian Fiddle and Bluegrass Association
– Bethlehem Fine Arts Commission
– Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center
– CEC of Organization for the Rebirth of Ukraine, ODWU
– Chamber Music Lehigh Valley
– Godfrey Daniels
– InnaStar Inc.
– Karl Stirner Arts Trail Inc.
– Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra
– Lehigh Valley Chorale
– Lehigh Valley Girls Rock
– Mosaic Youth Chorus
– Movement Moves Media
– Mock Turtle Marionette Theater
– Paza Tree of Life, Inc.
– Pennsylvania Playhouse INC
– Repertory Dance Theatre
– SATORI
– SouthSide Film Institute
– The Lehigh Art Alliance Inc
– Women Veterans Empowered & Thriving
– Young People’s Philharmonic

LVCF administers the Creative Sector Flex Fund locally as part of the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts regional funding partnership, expanding access to state arts funding across Region 5, which includes Carbon, Monroe, Lehigh, and Northampton counties.

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About Lehigh Valley Community Foundation

At the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, we connect donors who care with causes that matter. For more than 50 years, LVCF has strengthened the Lehigh Valley through charitable giving, fund stewardship, and strategic grantmaking that supports nonprofits and communities throughout the region.

The Foundation manages more than 300 charitable funds totaling over $80 million and continues to grow in both scale and impact by deepening partnerships, advancing community leadership, and pursuing innovative approaches to philanthropy.

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About Pennsylvania Council on the Arts

These grants are made possible byThe Pennsylvania Creative Industries, powered by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA), and the Pennsylvania Partners in the Arts (PPA) regional funding partnership. State funding is provided by Pennsylvania’s General Assembly and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency. In Region 5, the PPA program is administered by the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation.

For more information about the Creative Sector Flex Fund, visit
https://www.lehighvalleyfoundation.org/creative-sector-flex-fund/.

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Critical Support Fund Provides Rapid Relief for Families and Food Providers Across the Region 

More than 75 donors commit $600,000 as coordinated support strengthens food providers and expands access to essential items 

Allentown, PA, November 18, 2025 – United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) announced early impact from the Critical Support Fund, which launched on October 30 to address rising needs for food and emergency services. More than 75 businesses, organizations and individual donors have contributed more than $600,000, allowing partners to take swift action to support families and food providers. 

Earlier today, United Way and LVCF held a press conference in partnership with Community Action Lehigh Valley and Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania to share updates on the community effort. 

“When people in our community need help, the Greater Lehigh Valley shows up. We want to thank each and every person and organization who have supported the fund to provide rapid relief to the families and food providers. Your resources have been immediately put into action to get food on shelves and tables all across Lehigh, Northampton, Carbon and even Monroe counties,” said Marci Lesko, President and Chief Executive Officer, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.  

Bulk orders of produce, dry goods, rice, beans and other shelf stable items have been placed through Second Harvest Food Bank and are being distributed to more than 100 food pantries across Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Monroe counties. Additional orders of beef, turkey and chicken are being secured through local farmers and regional suppliers to help meet the need for proteins. 

“The strength of the Lehigh Valley is demonstrated in how we come together. Thanks to the remarkable generosity of our donors and the dedication of our food provider network, the Critical Support Fund is delivering rapid relief to families across the region,” said LVCF President and CEO Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP ®. “The Community Foundation is proud to work alongside United Way and our community partners to ensure these essential resources reach those in need—and to strengthen the safety net that so many depend on.”  

“Community Action Lehigh Valley is deeply grateful to United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Lehigh Valley Community Foundation for their partnership in establishing the Critical Support Fund. As families across our region face increased food insecurity due to reductions in SNAP benefits, among other emergency issues, this collaborative effort ensures that we can respond swiftly and compassionately. Together, we are providing a lifeline for our neighbors and reaffirming our shared commitment to a community where everyone has access to the basic resources they need to thrive.” said Dawn Godshall, Chief Executive Officer, Community Action Lehigh Valley.  

Partners are coordinating efforts by scheduling a pantry network meeting with Second Harvest, connecting volunteer needs through the Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley and providing a train-the-trainer session with Valley Health Partners to help pantry staff support residents who receive SNAP benefits. 

The Critical Support Fund was created to meet immediate needs, beginning with food, while remaining flexible to provide other emergency and crisis supports as they arise. In the future, funds may be used to provide baby-mother essentials, energy assistance, emergency shelter and winter warming stations.  

United Way and LVCF will continue working with partners to assess needs and ensure relief reaches families and providers efficiently and effectively. 

For more information about the Critical Support Fund, please contact Erin Connelly at United Way at erinco@unitedwayglv.org or Erika Riddle Petrozelli aterika@lvcfoundation.org at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. 

See photos and video on LVCF’s Flickr page

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LVCF Supports Nonprofits and Increased Food Access in Upper Bucks County

Allentown, Pa., November 21, 2025 — The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) announced that the Upper Bucks Community Fund has awarded approximately $38,000 in grants to eleven nonprofit organizations serving the Upper Bucks region, with an increased emphasis on expanding access to food as a central priority of this year’s grantmaking.

In response to rising need, the Fund directed significant support to two key community providers—Bucks County Opportunity Council and Quakertown Food Pantry—both of which play critical roles in addressing food insecurity throughout the region. The Upper Bucks Community Fund is supported by the Richard E. Gasser Fund and the Erwin J. and Gertrude K. Neusch Fund, which provide annual grants to programs serving the Palisades, Pennridge, and Quakertown School Districts.

“We are glad to have the ability to help support the greater Upper Bucks Community by assisting the Bucks County Opportunity Council along with the Quakertown Food Pantry,” noted Dennis Pfleiger, a member of the Upper Bucks Advisory Committee.  “This year has been extremely difficult for these organizations to provide the basic essential of food to at risk individuals in our communities.  This truly helps to make our community stronger!”

“Each year, our Advisory Committee reviews applications with a deep commitment to the Upper Bucks community,” explained Mariska van Aalst, Program Officer for Community Impact & Policy at LVCF. “The committee selected this year’s grantee projects for their innovative approaches, meaningful community partnerships, and strong potential to strengthen the fabric of Upper Bucks.  The Fund is also supporting two local food providers, both of which play vital roles in helping residents navigate basic needs during difficult times.”

The following organizations received grants in the 2025–26 grant cycle:

• Bucks County Opportunity Council
  Direct donation (service area restricted to Quakertown and Palisades School Districts)

• Cybersonics Technology Team 103
  Cybersonics Robotics Program for students in Palisades from grades 9 to 12

• Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
  PSF’s Community Touring Productions and FreeWill in Upper Bucks 2026

• Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, Inc.
  Girl Scouts STEM Programming in Upper Bucks

• Heritage Conservancy
  Deer Enclosure and Educational Resources at Heritage Conservancy’s Fuller-Pursell Preserve

• Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts
  Strengthening Arts and Academic Education for Upper Bucks Students at Charter Arts

• Lenape Chamber Ensemble
  Classical Chamber Musicians’ Stipends for Americana 250 Program in April 2026

• National Inventors Hall of Fame
  Camp Invention STEM, Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship Programs in Upper Bucks County

• Palisades School District
  STEM Night

• Quakertown Food Pantry
  Direct donation

• River Crossing YMCA
  STEM Camp at River Crossing YMCA, Quakertown Branch

About the Upper Bucks Community Fund

The Upper Bucks Community Fund of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation is a geographic affiliate supported by the Richard E. Gasser Fund and the Erwin J. and Gertrude K. Neusch Fund. The Fund assists organizations and programs primarily in the Upper Bucks region and focuses on strengthening the quality of life through education, the arts, STEM, and community engagement.

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United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Lehigh Valley Community Foundation Launch New Fund to Address Immediate Needs in Our Region

Partners aim to raise $500,000 to strengthen emergency food access and deliver rapid relief to families in need.

Allentown, PA, October 31, 2025 – United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation have launched the Critical Support Fund to address immediate needs in the community, beginning with emergency food access.

With more than 40% of Greater Lehigh Valley residents living paycheck to paycheck and funding pauses to programs like SNAP, food insecurity is rising. Currently, just over 106,000 people receive SNAP benefits in the region. At the same time, many of our region’s social service providers are struggling to keep up with the need and have not been able to access funding that typically supports food access programs.

The United Way’s Critical Support Fund will provide rapid relief, so nonprofit food providers can keep shelves stocked and distribute food where it is needed most. “Too many of our neighbors are feeling the strain when vital support systems are stretched,” said Marci Lesko, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way. “When need rises and resources tighten, our community shows up. We’re grateful for the extraordinary collaboration across nonprofits, funders and volunteers who are stepping up together to meet this moment.”

The United Way is joining together with LVCF and additional donors and funders to raise $500,000 to support:

• Keeping key food pantries stocked with crucial staples for a minimum of three months
• Ensuring food is distributed to neighborhoods with the greatest need

Initial funding partners as of October 31st include the Dexter F. & Dorothy H. Baker Foundation, Capitol Blue Cross, Cornerstone Advisors Asset Management, LLC, First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union, Crayola, the Garrigan Foundation, Just Born Quality Confections, LeCompte Realty, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, Stephen Link and Family Fund, the Marcon Family Fund, The Martin Guitar Charitable Foundation, Dan and Lucinda McCarthy, Olympus Corporation of the Americas, PPL Foundation, Teamsters Local 773, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Andrea and Angelo Valletta, and Valley National Financial Advisors.

Funds will be distributed for immediate relief, working in partnership with an action group of local food providers who are co-leading this response strategy.

“This is what community looks like in action. This effort is also a powerful example of what can happen when funders, nonprofit leaders, and donors come together with urgency and purpose. United Way and the Community Foundation are standing shoulder to shoulder to ensure food remains accessible to every family during this critical moment,” said Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, President and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. “The Bridge Fund for Critical Support at the Community Foundation allows us to act now — to make sure food pantries are stocked and our neighbors have access to the nourishment they need.”

How to help

Donors may contribute online at www.unitedwayglv.org/donate (Select “Critical Support Fund”) and on Lehigh Valley Community Foundation’s website by clicking: Bridge Fund for Critical Support.

Donations can also be made via mail (checks payable to UWGLV, 1110 American Parkway NE, Suite F-120, Allentown, PA 18109 – attention “Critical Support Fund”) or to Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (checks payable to LVCP, 840 W. Hamilton Street, Suite 310, Allentown, PA 18101 – attention “Bridge Fund for Critical Support”).

Food and diaper donations can be directed to the following hubs: Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley, Easton Area Neighborhood Center, and Allentown Area Ecumenical Food Bank. Priority food items include: canned proteins, cereals, canned fruits and vegetables and peanut butter.

For more information, contact Erin Connelly at United Way at erinco@unitedwayglv.org or Erika Riddle Petrozelli aterika@lvcfoundation.org at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation.

Finding help

To find food and other resources, dial 2-1-1 or 855-567-5341, visit www.pa211.org or text your ZIP code to 898-211. PA 211 is a free, confidential service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Allentown, Pa., August 10, 2025—The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) recently announced the distribution of $40,000 in Creative Entrepreneurs Accelerator Program (CEAP) grants to 20 creative businesses and individuals across the region. Each recipient has been awarded $2,000 to support their artistic entrepreneurship and creative business development.

Grant funding is provided by Pennsylvania Creative Industries, powered by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts—a state agency supported by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the National Endowment for the Arts—and administered locally by LVCF. This grants program helps small creative enterprises in the Lehigh Valley grow, stabilize, and thrive.

“The CEAP grants are a testament to our commitment to cultivating the region’s creative economy,” said Megan Briggs, Vice President of Community Investments at LVCF. “These entrepreneurs bring innovation, identity, and vitality to our community, and this funding is designed to help them scale their work and impact.”

The 2025 CEAP grantees are:

• 7th & Northampton Studio Productions LLC
• Children Of Light Productions LLC
• Adriano Farinella
• GLSPRINTS
• ItsDifferentDecor
• Michael Barry Judkins
• Graham Douglas Lucks
• Claire B. Marcus
• David Ely Molloy
• Next Play Pictures LLC
• OlyKanoli
• Parisian Phoenix Publishing
• Patricia Lynn Passick
• Premium Makers, LLC
• Radiant Video LLC
• SAFE HAVEN STUDIOS LLC
• Stacimorae
• VillaNovak Creative LLC
• UnityPallet Productions
• Sherry May Velasco

Through CEAP, LVCF aims to support early-stage entrepreneurs in creative fields ranging from visual and performing arts to digital media, publishing, design, and beyond. The program prioritizes individuals who have been historically underrepresented and underserved in business development and funding.

For more information about CEAP and how to apply, visit: www.lehighvalleyfoundation.org/ppa-creative-entrepreneurs

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LVCF Awards $27,000 Through ARPA-Funded Arts & Culture Recovery Program

Allentown, Pa., August 11, 2025—The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) announced $27,000 in grants to nine individual artists and cultural organizations through the ARPA PA Arts & Culture Recovery Program. This initiative, made possible through funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and administered by LVCF, aims to revitalize the region’s creative sector in the wake of pandemic-related challenges.

“These grants offer meaningful support to artists and small arts organizations who continue to shape and inspire the cultural fabric of the Lehigh Valley,” said Megan Briggs, Vice President of Community Investments at LVCF. “These awards are a small but important investment in cultural vitality, equity, and resilience in the Lehigh Valley.”

Each recipient received a grant of $3,000 to support their recovery and ongoing work in the arts. The 2025 grantees are:

· Fairy Fox Design LLC
· Dina Hall
· Jacinth Headlam
· Claire B. Marcus
· David Ely Molloy
· O’Grady Quinlan Academy of Irish Dance
· Nancy Reed
· Spencer Reed
· House of Metalworks

The program especially recognizes those who continue to create, teach, and engage communities despite the disruptions of recent years. For more information about the ARPA PA Arts & Culture Recovery Program or other community grantmaking initiatives, visit: www.lehighvalleyfoundation.org.

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ALLENTOWN, Pa., July 18, 2025 — The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation announced the appointment of three community and business leaders to its Board of Governors: Anne Baum, Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, part of Jefferson Health; Kathryn M. Brown, CFP, ChFC, CAP®, co-founder and principal of Morton Brown Family Wealth, and Nicholas (Nic) Hindle, president of HindlePower Inc. Anne Baum will serve on the Foundation’s Community Investment Committee and Kathryn Brown and Nic Hindle will serve on the Finance Committee.

“These three outstanding leaders bring a powerful combination of business acumen, financial insight and deep community commitment to the Foundation,” said Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “We are honored to welcome Anne, Nic and Kathryn. Their expertise will strengthen our ability to steward philanthropic resources and ensure long-term impact in the Lehigh Valley.”

About Anne Baum

Baum serves as president of Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Reilly Children’s Hospital, the region’s first and largest children’s hospital. She oversees strategic planning and operations across more than 100 locations and leads a team of the region’s most comprehensive pediatric specialists. The hospital is home to the Lehigh Valley’s only children’s surgery center, cancer center, express care and emergency department.

In addition to her professional role, Baum is deeply engaged in civic life. She serves on the boards of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, Valley Youth House (vice chair), United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Allentown Symphony Association, Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority and Northampton Community College Foundation (chair). She is also involved with the Downtown Allentown Community Development Initiative and the Upper Macungie Township Community Foundation.

Baum has received numerous honors, including Pennsylvania’s Best 50 Women in Business, the ATHENA International Award, the Girl Scouts’ Take the Lead Award and United Way’s Women United Philanthropist of the Year. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a master’s degree in health systems management from Rush University in Chicago. She is a certified protocol and etiquette consultant and author of “Small Mistakes, Big Consequences” and “Small Mistakes, Big Consequences for Interviews.”

“We are honored to welcome Anne to the Finance Committee,” said Petrozelli. “Her breadth of experience in both business and community leadership will bring valuable insight to our financial stewardship and long-term sustainability.”

About Kathryn M. Brown

Brown is co-founder and principal of Morton Brown Family Wealth, a registered investment advisory firm based in Allentown. With more than 20 years of experience in financial planning, she helps clients align their wealth with their values and long-term goals. Morton Brown Family Wealth was founded in 2018 with a focus on building trust-based, client-centered relationships.

She has held leadership roles with the Allentown Chamber of Commerce, Valley Youth House and previously served on the foundation’s Board of Associates. She was named to Lehigh Valley Business’s “Power 100” in 2025 and the “Power 30 in Banking/Finance” in 2024.

Brown holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance, with a minor in entrepreneurial studies, from York College of Pennsylvania. She is a Certified Financial Planner, Chartered Financial Consultant and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy.

“Her deep financial expertise and demonstrated community leadership will be tremendous assets to our governance and fiscal oversight,” said Petrozelli.

About Nicholas Hindle

Hindle is president of HindlePower Inc., a family-owned manufacturer based in Easton, Pennsylvania, specializing in industrial battery chargers and DC power systems for the utility industry. Over the past five years, he has led the company through continued innovation and growth while fostering a culture centered on employee well-being and reinvestment.

He previously served as director of technology and director of sales and marketing at the company. Prior to joining the family business in 2011, Hindle worked as a project engineer at SunEdison, where he led more than 25 commercial rooftop solar installations for major national retailers, contributing to the early growth of the renewable energy sector.

Hindle is vice president of the Greater Easton Development Board and holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Rhode Island. He also studied art history at IES Rome.

“Nic’s experience in both the private and nonprofit sectors, along with his passion for helping the community, will make him a valuable voice in our financial planning and governance,” said Petrozelli.

About the LVCF Board of Governors

The Board of Governors at Lehigh Valley Community Foundation provides administrative, programmatic and fiscal oversight in support of the organization’s mission.  Members of the Board serve as ambassadors, promoting the Community Foundation as a vehicle for philanthropy and a leader of community improvement.

For more information about the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and its mission, visit www.lehighvalleyfoundation.org.

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Good Neighbor Fund Supports Energy Assistance with $197,500 in Grants to Nonprofits

Allentown, Pa. July 29, 2025—The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) announced the recipients of the Good Neighbor Fund grants for 2025. This program, designed to address the growing energy cost burdens faced by households in eastern and central Pennsylvania, awarded a total of $197,500 to fifteen nonprofit organizations. The grants will enable these nonprofit community-based organizations to provide direct financial assistance to families struggling with home energy costs, including electricity, fuel, oil, and even wood pellets.

Grants ranging from $2,500 to $20,000 have been awarded to nonprofits serving 29 counties in eastern and central Pennsylvania. These grants, aimed at organizations with existing utility assistance programs, will provide crucial support to households earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level, with aid capped at $1,000 per household.

The funding is supported by the Good Neighbor Fund, an initiative that received initial funding from the the PPL Foundation to address the growing financial challenges faced by families, particularly with rising home energy costs. The program also includes administrative support to help nonprofits manage expenses, ensuring that resources are distributed efficiently and effectively to those in need.

“These grants allow trusted, frontline organizations to extend their reach and impact,” said Megan Briggs, Vice President of Community Investments at LVCF. “By supporting their utility assistance efforts, we’re helping families stay safe and stable in their homes—especially through hot summers and cold winters helping households deal with rising energy costs.”

The following nonprofit organizations received 2025–26 cycle grants from the Good Neighbor Fund:

• 4 Girls On A Mission
  4 Girls On A Mission Utility Assistance Program
  
• Casa Guadalupe Center
  Casa Utility Assist
  
• Eastern PA Trans Equity Project
  Utility Assistance for Transgender People and Loved Ones
  
• Family Promise of Berks County, Inc.
  Rent and Utility Assistance
  
• Family Promise of the Poconos, Inc.
  Keep the Lights On
  
• Jewish Family Service of Lancaster
  Jewish Family Service of Lancaster 
  
• Lehigh Conference of Churches
  Utility Assistance at Lehigh Conference of Churches
  
• New Bethany
  New Bethany’s Housing Advocacy & Assistance 
  
• Raising The House
  Palmerton Family Assistance Program
  
• Salvation Army
  The Salvation Army Allentown Utility Assistance program
  
• Salvation Army of East Stroudsburg
  The Salvation Army East Stroudsburg Corps Utility Assistance Program serving Monroe County PA
  
• The Open Link
  Upper Perk Utility Assistance Program
  
• Third Street Alliance for Women & Children
  Third Street Alliance Utility Assistance Program 2025
  
• Turning Point of Lehigh Valley
  2025 Utility Assistance for Domestic Abuse Survivors
  
• Valley Youth House
  Utility Assistance for Formerly Homeless Youth and Families in Rapid Re-Housing Programs

About the Good Neighbor Fund

The Good Neighbor Fund supports nonprofits offering utility assistance programs in PPL Electric’s service area. This collaborative effort aims to alleviate the financial strain of energy costs on families, ensuring more households can meet their basic needs. For more information about the Good Neighbor Fund and the grant recipients, please visit LVCF’s website.

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