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Lehigh Valley Early Childhood Education Collaborative Announces 2026 Week of the Young Child Events

Lehigh Valley, Pa. April 10, 2026 — The Lehigh Valley Early Childhood Education Collaborative (ECEC) will hold a number of local events in celebration of the 2026 Week of the Young Child, a national initiative recognizing the importance of early learning, young children, their families, and educators. This year’s celebration is especially significant, marking the 100th anniversary of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the 55th anniversary of the Week of the Young Child.

Throughout the week, ECEC will host a series of engaging, community-centered events designed to celebrate early childhood educators, connect families, and highlight the critical role of childcare in strengthening the region’s workforce and economy.

Family Parade & Celebration
Saturday, April 11, 2026 | 9:00–11:30 a.m.
Sigal Museum & Easton Farmers Market

Families are invited to kick off the celebration with a lively morning of creativity and fun. The Family Parade & Celebration will feature hands-on activities, music, storytelling, and a parade walk through the Easton Farmers Market and Public Market. Children will have the opportunity to create their own instruments and banners as part of the festivities. This free event is open to the public, with parent or guardian accompaniment required.

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Early Childhood Educator Appreciation Event
Monday, April 13, 2026 | 5:30–8:30 p.m.
DeSales University

In recognition of the vital contributions of early childhood educators, ECEC will host a special evening celebration honoring those who shape the lives of young children every day. The invite-only event will include a dinner program and recognition ceremony. Admission is free for invited guests, with registration required. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the program begins at 6:00 p.m.

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2026 State of Early Childhood Education in the Lehigh Valley: Childcare as Economic Infrastructure
Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 7:30–9:30 a.m.
Lehigh Valley Public Media (PBS39), Bethlehem

Closing out the week, ECEC will convene regional leaders for a focused breakfast conversation examining childcare as a workforce and economic imperative. Designed for elected officials, employers, and community stakeholders, this session will explore how access to affordable, high-quality childcare impacts talent recruitment, retention, and regional economic growth.

The program will feature brief presentations and a moderated panel discussion with leaders from early childhood education, business, public policy, and economic development. Attendees will gain updates on local initiatives, learn about employer tools and incentives, and leave with actionable strategies to expand childcare access across the Lehigh Valley. A light breakfast will be provided. The event is free, with registration required.

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A Community Investment in the Future

“The Week of the Young Child is an opportunity to celebrate not only our youngest learners, but also the educators, families, and systems that support them,” said Megan Barnes Briggs, Vice President of Community Investments at the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. “Investing in early childhood education is essential to building a strong workforce, thriving families, and a resilient regional economy,” noted Megan who is a member of the ECEC.

The Early Childhood Education Collaborative is committed to ensuring that all families in the Lehigh Valley have access to high-quality, affordable childcare. By bringing together partners across sectors, the Collaborative works to advance solutions that support children, families, and employers alike.

About the Early Childhood Education Collaborative
The Early Childhood Education Collaborative, convened by the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, brings together partners representing early childhood advocates, providers, businesses, and community stakeholders. The Collaborative works to strengthen the early childhood sector and improve outcomes for children and families across the Lehigh Valley.

Learn more at: www.lvearlyedcollaborative.org

About the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation
The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation connects donors with causes that matter, managing more than 300 charitable funds totaling over $130 million. For more than 58 years, the Foundation has supported high-impact initiatives that strengthen nonprofits and improve quality of life across the region.

Thank you Sponsors

Support for these events was made possible through a grant from PNC, with additional sponsorship provided by Crayola Experience, Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites, Just Born Quality Confections, the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, Lehigh Valley Industrial Park (LVIP), Lehigh Valley Public Media (PBS39), Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, the Pennsylvania Association for the Education of Young Children (PennAEYC), United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, and Zoellner Arts Center.

For more information, visit: www.lehighvalleyfoundation.org

Media Contact:
Michael Wilson, Director of Communications
Lehigh Valley Community Foundation
484-695-3277
michael@lvcfoundation.org

Critical Support Fund Delivers Immediate Food and Crisis Relief Across the Greater Lehigh Valley

Nearly 100 donors and partners committed over $689,000 to address urgent food access and emergency needs.

Families across the Greater Lehigh Valley received immediate food and emergency relief through the Critical Support Fund, a joint effort of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. Launched in October 2025 to address urgent community needs, the fund raised more than $689,000, allowing partners to act quickly and deliver direct support to thousands of neighbors facing food insecurity and other critical challenges.

“Because of the generosity of our partners, we were able to move at the speed of need to respond at the scale this moment required,” said Marci Lesko, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “The Critical Support Fund allowed us to act immediately, coordinate across systems and ensure families had access to food, heat and essential supports during a critical time. This is what collaboration looks like when a community comes together around urgent need.”

“Community foundations play a critical role in mobilizing philanthropy when urgent needs arise,” said Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, President and CEO of the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation. “Through the Critical Support Fund, donors and partners were able to move resources quickly to organizations already serving families on the front lines of food insecurity and economic hardship. This collaboration shows how philanthropy and community partnerships can work together to respond quickly and effectively when our neighbors need support most.”

To meet needs, the organizations worked in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania, a program of Community Action Lehigh Valley. Funding supported bulk purchases totaling 775,995 pounds of food, serving 25,762 households per month across Carbon, Lehigh, Northampton and Monroe counties. Purchases filled shelves at more than 100 food pantries with produce, dry goods, cereal, rice, beans and shelf-stable items, along with fresh proteins and essential staples. This level of food purchasing rapidly expanded the ability to source supplies in the region, where approximately 66,000 pounds of food were distributed in September and October prior to the fund’s launch. Bulk food purchases began in early November and continued through February, ensuring food access for families throughout the winter months.

In addition to food distribution, funds have been invested in warming shelter operations in Easton, including a $15,000 investment to support Safe Harbor, as well as food delivery and alternative food access options for individuals who are unable to reach food pantries, utility assistance for working families struggling to afford basic needs and after-school program food access.

This work was driven by a network of food providers, formed in early October, when the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation and United Way of Greater Lehigh Valley convened over a dozen food pantry and food bank leaders to strategically share information and resources to get through the crisis. They also partnered with Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley and North Penn Legal Services to host a webinar in November focused on changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The session supported nonprofit partners in helping community members maintain access to SNAP, with a second session currently being planned.

Additional Critical Support Fund investments were issued in early 2026 to support specific populations and emergency needs. These included $30,000 in grants to organizations serving people with disabilities, older adults, immigrants and LGBTQ residents with partners including the Lehigh Valley Center for Independent Living Inc., Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, Eastern PA Trans Equity Project, Lehigh Valley Friends Meeting and Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley. An additional $120,000 was distributed to support utility assistance for households with oil heat through grants to The Salvation Army in Bethlehem and Allentown and the Easton Area Neighborhood Center, Inc.

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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. 

Thank you to LVCF Fundholders who supported these grants, they include:

• The Pine Fund 
• Lehigh Valley Helping Hand Fund 
• Donald & Alice Farquharson Fund 
• Leonard A. Wenzel Memorial Fund for South Bethlehem
• Outdoor Recreation Fund for Youth
• Luther J. Hottle Fund
• William C. Rybak Fund for People with Disabilities
• John L. Daniel & Carol Holben-Daniel Fund
• Margaret Ann Bachert Fund 
• Ben Franklin Trust Fund 
• Eugene G. Grace, Jr. Fund 
• 250th Book Fund 
• Deborah S. Haight Fund 
• Anthony J. Ruggiero Fund 
• Martina M. Malone Fund 
• Randy H. & Ramona A. Bruch Fund 
• E. Spencer & Nellie C. Addison Fund 
• Betsy & Jack Jordan Fund 
• Michael C. Schrader Fund 
• Greene Family Fund
• Link Family Fund 
• contribution from Margot Hillman and Steven W. Kraft

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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