Category: Uncategorized

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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Allentown, Pa., July, 21, 2025—The George T. Walker Charitable Fund at Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) recently issued $412,020 in grants to support seven organizations that were important to the late George T. Walker of Monroe County in Pennsylvania. A donor designated fund at the Community Foundation, the Fund provides annual grants to organizations designated through the estate of George T. Walker in perpetuity.

Grants from the Fund for 2025 included the following:

• American Red Cross – Northeastern PA Chapter
  General Operating – General Operating & BioMedical Services – $46,000
  
• Deborah Hospital Foundation
  Capital Campaign – Deborah100: The Campaign – $50,000
  
• Effort United Methodist Church
  Capital Projects– $40,000
  
• Guiding Eyes for the Blind
  General Operating – $80,000
  
• Mount Pocono United Methodist Church
  General Operating – $40,000
  
• Salvation Army East Stroudsburg Corps
  Emergency Shelter/Housing Programs serving Monroe County, Pa. – $81,020
  
• St.Jude Children’s Research Hospital
  Named Space at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital – $75,000

The late George T. Walker of Monroe County in Pennsylvania discussed his charitable goals with his professional advisors in 2005, creating the parameters for a charitable fund at the Foundation which was funded by bequest upon his passing.  The George T. Walker Charitable Fund was established with his bequest in 2011.  “Mr. Walker specified that the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation has complete discretion, each year, regarding the amounts to be granted to each of these charitable organizations as well as the specific programs to be funded by grants from the Fund,” said Carrie Krug Nedick, LVCF Director of Donor Services. “We are pleased to make these grants to the organizations Mr. Walker held dear as the Foundation fulfills his charitable legacy.”

About George T. Walker

George T. Walker lived a humble life in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. He was very generous, and he was especially careful to support organizations doing so much for their communities without asking for reimbursement or charging fees. He wished to continue this legacy of “helping those who help others” after his lifetime. He sought guidance from his financial advisor and estate planning attorney on how to incorporate his charitable wishes into his estate plans. The legacy gifts resulting from his considerable estate had the potential for significant impact. His professional advisors recommended a charitable fund at Lehigh Valley Community Foundation to give to organizations in perpetuity. Grants from the Fund are made to Mt. Pocono United Methodist Church, Effort United Methodist Church, the Salvation Army of East Stroudsburg, the American Red Cross of East Stroudsburg, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Deborah Heart and Lung Center, and Guiding Eyes for the Blind. 

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ALLENTOWN, Pa., July 15, 2025 — The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation announced that Anne Baum, President, Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, part of Jefferson Health, has joined the Foundation’s Board of Governors. She will serve on the Foundation’s Community Investments Committee.

Baum brings a wealth of leadership experience in health care and nonprofit governance to the foundation. As president of the region’s first and largest children’s hospital, she oversees strategic planning and operations for Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, which serves children of all ages across more than 100 locations. Under her leadership, the hospital offers the most pediatric specialists in the region and is home to the only children’s surgery center, cancer center, express care and emergency department in the Lehigh Valley.

In addition to her professional role, Baum is deeply engaged in community service. She serves on the boards of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, Valley Youth House (vice chair), Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority, Allentown Symphony Association, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley 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’s contributions have been recognized through numerous awards, 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, among others.

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. A certified protocol and etiquette consultant, Baum is also the author of “Small Mistakes, Big Consequences” and “Small Mistakes, Big Consequences for Interviews.”

“We are honored to welcome Anne to the Community Investments Committee,” said Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “Her leadership in the healthcare sector and long-standing service on a wide range of nonprofit boards make her uniquely equipped to guide our community investments and help shape our grantmaking for maximum local impact.”

For more information about LVCF and its work in the Lehigh Valley, visit www.lehighvalleyfoundation.org.

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ALLENTOWN, Pa., July 15, 2025 — The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation recently announced that Nicholas (Nic) Hindle, President of HindlePower Inc., has joined the Foundation’s Board of Governors. He will serve on the Finance Committee.

Hindle brings a strong background in engineering, renewable energy and business leadership to the Board. As president of HindlePower, a family-owned manufacturer based in Easton, he has led the company for the past five years, driving innovation and reinforcing its role as a national leader in industrial battery chargers and DC power systems for the utility industry. Under his leadership, the company has sustained strong growth while maintaining a culture that values employee well-being and long-term reinvestment.

A fourth-generation leader in the DC power industry, Hindle previously served as director of technology and director of sales and marketing at the company. Before joining the family business in 2011, he worked as a project engineer at SunEdison, where he designed and delivered more than 25 large-scale rooftop solar installations for national retailers, contributing to the early growth of the commercial solar energy sector.

Hindle is also committed to community development. He currently serves as vice president of the Greater Easton Development Board, where he supports regional economic and civic initiatives. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Rhode Island and studied art history at IES Rome.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Nic to the Finance Committee,” said Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “His 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.”

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 LVCF and its impact in the Lehigh Valley, visit www.lehighvalleyfoundation.org.

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Allentown, Pa., July 15, 2025 — The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) is pleased to announce that Kathryn M. Brown, CFP®, ChFC®, CAP®, Co-Founder and Principal of Morton Brown Family Wealth, has joined the Foundation’s Board of Governors. She will serve on its Finance Committee.

A respected leader in the financial planning field, Kathryn brings more than 20 years of experience helping individuals and families align their financial resources with their core values and life goals. In 2018, she co-founded Morton Brown Family Wealth, an independent registered investment advisory firm based in Allentown, with a mission to create deep, client-centered relationships rooted in trust and clarity.

In addition to her professional work, Kathryn is a dedicated community advocate. She has held leadership roles with organizations such as the Allentown Chamber of Commerce, Valley Youth House, and previously served on the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation’s Board of Associates. Her contributions to the region have been widely recognized, including her recent inclusion in Lehigh Valley Business’s “Power 100” (2025) and “Power 30 in Banking/Finance” (2024).

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Finance, with a minor in Entrepreneurial Studies, from York College of Pennsylvania. Kathryn is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, Chartered Financial Consultant®, and Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy®.

“We are honored to welcome Kathie to our Board of Governors,” said Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, President and CEO of LVCF. “Her deep financial expertise and demonstrated community leadership will be tremendous assets to our governance and fiscal oversight.”

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.

To learn more about the Foundation and its mission, visit www.lehighvalleyfoundation.org.

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Morton Brown Family Wealth is an SEC-Registered Investment Adviser.

Lehigh Valley Celebrates “Week of the Young Child” with Events, Arts, and Educator Appreciation

Lehigh Valley, PA — The Early Childhood Education Collaborative (ECEC) is proud to announce a vibrant lineup of local events in celebration of the Week of the Young Child (WOYC), taking place April 5–11, 2025, across the Lehigh Valley. This national initiative shines a spotlight on the importance of early learning and honors the educators, families, and community partners dedicated to the well-being and success of our youngest children.

In the Lehigh Valley, the week is marked by special events that highlight the community’s commitment to high-quality, accessible, and affordable childcare — a critical component for thriving families and a thriving local economy.

Week Highlights:

• Themed Days of Celebration: From “Work Together Wednesday” to “Artsy Thursday”, early childhood care centers across the region will be highlighting creative way children learn as they enjoy music, explore food and cooking, build together, create art, and celebrate their families!
• Educator Appreciation Event – April 9: A special Early Childhood Educators Appreciation Event will be held at ArtsQuest, featuring an Artist-in-Residence experience designed to celebrate and uplift the early learning community.
• Space Transformation Event – April 11: United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and their Talk. Read. Sing! initiative will join members of the ECEC committee to provide a new reading space and library at the Lehigh School (1593 Lehigh Street Allentown 18103).
• Educator Spotlights & Social Media Shoutouts: Community members are encouraged to show their support by sharing why early childhood education matters to them and tagging #ecec2025, #lvecec, and #woyc25.
• Partnerships in Action: Throughout the week, collaborative efforts will showcase how local solutions are being implemented to address issues like staffing shortages, affordability, and access to early education.

The ECEC brings together childcare providers, educators, business leaders, and families to tackle the region’s childcare crisis head-on. As of late 2024, the Lehigh Valley faced 187 open childcare staff positions and over 90 classroom closures, leaving an estimated 1,655 children without access to early education. Through events like WOYC, the Collaborative aims to raise awareness and build momentum for lasting change.

Each of the region’s three mayors shared Week of the Young Child proclamations, pledging their support of the initiative. “Our children deserve the best start possible, and that begins with investing in early childhood education,” said members of the ECEC leadership team. “We invite the entire community to join us in celebrating the people and programs shaping our region’s future.”

The Early Childhood Education Collaborative is sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and is joined by the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, PPL, Crayola, Tuskes Homes, PennAEYC, Just Born, Victaulic, St. Luke’s Children’s Hospital, PNC, Lehigh Valley Industrial Park, Lehigh Valley Health Network, and PBS39 in supporting the Week of the Young Child initiative.

Visit ececlehighvalley.org and follow @ececlehighvalley on Instagram or @ECECLV on Facebook to learn more and participate.

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Contributed Release

Allentown, Pa., March 13, 2025—Mariska van Aalst joined the staff of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation in March 2025 as Program Officer, Community Impact & Policy. Her primary responsibilities include supporting and developing the Foundation’s expanded role in government relations and advocacy work as well as managing arts programming.

Prior to joining the foundation, Mariska served as Lehigh Valley Regional Manager for U.S. Senator Bob Casey, Jr. and Deputy District Director for U.S. Congresswoman Susan Wild. Before her roles in government, Mariska was a professional writer and editor. She spent 10 years as a magazine and book editor at Rodale, Inc., then became a nonfiction book collaborator and co-wrote eight New York Times and Washington Post bestsellers. Her work is published in over 30 languages.

Mariska is a member of the inaugural cohort of the CORE Fellowship, the Executive Team of Resilient Lehigh Valley, and Muhlenberg Board of Associates. She was a founding board member of Seven Generations Charter School in Emmaus.

Originally from New Jersey, Mariska has lived in the Lehigh Valley since 1998. She received a BA in English from Schreyer Honors College at Penn State.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mariska to the Community Foundation team. Her deep understanding of government relations, policy, and community engagement—combined with her extensive experience in writing and communications—makes her an incredible asset to our organization,” said Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, President and CEO of the Community Foundation.  “As we expand our role in advocacy, Mariska’s expertise will be instrumental in strengthening our impact across the region. We look forward to the meaningful contributions she will bring to our work and to the communities we serve.”

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LVCF Supports Early Childcare Access with $175,500 in Grants

Allentown, Pa., February 28, 2025 — The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) has awarded over $175,500 in general operating grants to local nonprofits dedicated to improving early childcare access. This funding is part of LVCF’s ongoing commitment to addressing early childhood care challenges through strategic, foundation-directed community investments.

“Ensuring that families in our region have access to high-quality, affordable early childcare remains a priority for LVCF,” said Megan Briggs, Vice President for Community Investments. “We recognize that financial support alone won’t solve these challenges, so we are also working alongside community partners and the Early Childhood Education Collaborative to drive sustainable solutions.”

The following organizations have been awarded third-year grants, as part of a three-year funding cycle, with amounts ranging from $20,000 to $25,000 for the fiscal year 2024-25:

• Resurrected Community Development Corporation
• The Children’s Center, Volunteers of America of Pennsylvania
• Third Street Alliance

Additionally, the second grant of two-year grant awards ranging from $2,500 to $14,000 to for 2024-25 have been granted to:

• Community Services for Children
• Fine Feather Foundation Inc.
• Greater Valley YMCA
• Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers, Inc.
• Mindful Child Initiative
• Northampton Community College Foundation
• Pinebrook Family Answers
• ProJeCt of Easton, Inc.
• Red Door Early Learning Center
• Saucon Valley Community Center
• Via of the Lehigh Valley

Addressing Key Challenges

LVCF’s funding strategy is informed by ongoing engagement with community leaders. “Our goal is to foster a long-term, sustainable approach to early childcare access,” explained Briggs. “We’re leveraging not only financial resources but also collaboration, advocacy, and research to drive impactful change in this sector.”

LVCF’s early childcare initiatives align with broader impact areas such as workforce development, family stability, economic mobility, and health. LVCF remains dedicated to ensuring that every child in the region has access to quality early learning opportunities, recognizing the critical role these programs play in shaping a brighter future for both families and the broader community.

For more information about LVCF’s foundation-directed grantmaking: click here.

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