Cause Connection eNewsletter

Cause Connection May 2025

In this issue, we spotlight the enduring power of philanthropy—even during uncertain times—highlighting key trends, timely legislative updates, and the growing momentum behind donor-advised funds. You’ll also learn why many are choosing to move from private foundations to simpler, more flexible giving solutions, and how LVCF is exploring impact investing to align your financial stewardship with your values. Dive in and discover how your giving continues to strengthen the Lehigh Valley in meaningful, forward-thinking ways.

Cause Connection April 2025

The April 2025 edition of Cause Connection, is your inside look at how the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation supports smart, impactful philanthropy. In this issue, we’re diving into the importance of trust in charitable giving, exploring timely strategies for structuring your philanthropy, and sharing insights into how policy changes in 2025 could affect your giving. Plus, don’t miss your invitation to an exciting upcoming event that bridges the worlds of finance and philanthropy. Whether you’re a longtime fundholder or just beginning your journey with LVCF, this newsletter is full of ideas to help you give with confidence and clarity.

Cause Connection March 2025

The March 2025 issue of Cause Connection, the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation’s newsletter for donors and fundholders, highlights key updates and urgent community developments. It introduces Mariska van Aalst as the Foundation’s new Program Officer for Community Impact & Policy, bringing deep experience in government and publishing. The issue also explores the wide-reaching impact of a brief but disruptive federal funding freeze ordered by the Trump administration, which threatened the stability of local nonprofits reliant on government grants. Stories from organizations like Community Action Lehigh Valley and Third Street Alliance illustrate the scramble to respond and adapt. Legal and governmental pushback—including a successful lawsuit from Governor Josh Shapiro—eventually led to the restoration of funds, though uncertainty remains. Finally, the newsletter shares LVCF’s leadership in organizing the 2025 Lehigh Valley Week of the Young Child, a regional celebration spotlighting early childhood education and the vital role of families and educators.

Cause Connection February 2025

The February 2025 edition of Cause Connection provides updates on key initiatives and organizational developments. It highlights the Foundation’s continued efforts in early childhood education. The newsletter also announces Kevin Greene’s appointment to the Board of Governors and Maureen Wendling’s achievement of the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® designation. Additionally, it outlines internal advancements, including operational improvements, new staff appointments, and the adoption of a Values Statement to guide the Foundation’s work.

Cause Connection November/December 2024

In this edition of Cause Connection, we celebrate the power of connection, innovation, and gratitude. From a heartfelt evening hosted by Kay and Marshall Wolff at Easton’s historic Pomfret Club, to the exciting possibilities of cryptocurrency philanthropy, we’re showcasing the ways the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) is making giving easy, local, and impactful. As 2024 draws to a close, we extend our deepest thanks to the donors, fundholders, and friends who trust us to turn their philanthropic visions into reality. Join us in the new year as we explore new pathways to build a stronger, more connected community.

Cause Connection October/November 2024

In this issue we outline powerful strategies for year-end giving—from maximizing the impact of your Donor-Advised Fund to supporting local nonprofits in meaningful ways. Discover how giving locally and unrestricted, exploring matching programs, and engaging directly with the causes you care about can amplify your legacy. Whether you’re setting up a new fund or exploring bequests, our Foundation is here to streamline your philanthropy and help fulfill your charitable vision in our community.

Cause Connection September 2024

We are happy to share with you the September/ 2024 Cause Connection eNewsletter. In this month’s newsletter, we share some highlights from our program focusing on the early childcare that we co-hosted with The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, and Early Childhood Education Action Committee. Discover how our community is uniting to ensure every child receives the quality care they deserve.

Cause Connection | August 2024

In this month’s newsletter, we shine a spotlight on LVCF’s pivotal role in leading the Early Childhood Workgroup that helped in securing a $20 million federal grant for the City of Allentown. This transformative funding, part of the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Recompete Pilot Program, is set to address critical barriers to employment, including the enhancement of transportation and affordable childcare. LVCF, under the leadership of Megan Briggs, played a crucial role in crafting the childcare section of the Recompete application, ensuring that access to quality childcare is a cornerstone of Allentown’s economic revitalization efforts. Additionally, LVCF’s ongoing involvement in the Early Childhood Education Action Committee highlights its commitment to systemic change in the Lehigh Valley’s early childhood sector. We also introduce two distinguished new members of LVCF’s Board of Governors, Lindsay Watson and Jennifer L. Mann, who bring a wealth of experience and dedication to the Foundation’s mission. Discover how these efforts are paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for Allentown.

Cause Connection | July 2024

In this edition, we share highlights from our report on our 2023-2024 Youth and Families Grant Cycle, outlining our funding priorities, initiatives, and the critical issues we aim to address in early childhood education within the Lehigh Valley. We also share an update on our leadership activities that includes serving as a key partner the City of Allentown’s Recompete Plan, a federal grant application which seeks approximately $20 million to address employment barriers in the city’s most distressed neighborhoods. We introduce you to our Robyn Weaver, our newly hired Program Officer for Capacity Building who will focus on implementation and co-facilitation of CORE Fellowship and identifying regional nonprofit capacity building needs and solutions. Also, Maureen Connolley Wendling, our Director of Donor Initiatives, is now working full-time at the Foundation.

Cause Connection | June 2024

In this edition, we recap the recent wildly successful spring 2024 Board of Associates meeting which served as the perfect occasion to present the Community Foundation’s prestigious Lifetime Service to Philanthropy Award to Judith A. Harris, Esq. and the Vision in Philanthropy Award in honor of The Century Fund. As part of our ongoing commitment to providing LVCF fundholders with the best possible service and in alignment with industry standards, we have established our fee schedule effective July 1, 2024. Thank you for letting us be a part of your philanthropic journey and continue to make giving EASY, keep it LOCAL, and make IMPACT while ensuring your LEGACY.

Cause Connection | April 2024

With the tax season soon behind us, it’s the perfect time to explore effective strategies for your philanthropy in 2024. In this issue, we delve into impact of donating appreciated assets rather than cash that might seem complex, but it’s a powerful way to support the causes you care about most. By looking at concrete examples and numbers, we aim to show how giving strategies can be exceptionally beneficial. We also encourage you to consider the long-term advantages of planning your estate with philanthropy in mind. A fund with the Community Foundation not only offers flexibility but also allows you to create a lasting legacy that will benefit our community for generations to come. Thank you for letting us be a part of your philanthropic journey.

Cause Connection | February 2024

In this issue, we announce the news that we are now working with PNC Institutional Asset Management Group (IAM) as our Outsourced Chief Investment Officer (OCIO) to manage two of the Foundation’s portfolios. LVCF’s decision to partner with PNC IAM underscores our commitment to responsible stewardship of community resources and sustainable fund growth. Through this collaboration, we aim to strengthen our impact in the community and maintain our position as a trusted leader in philanthropy. We also included answers to some tax-time charitable giving questions and a story on the importance of unrestricted gifts to nonprofits.

Cause Connection | December 2023

In this issue was say thank you to all our fundholders and donors. We take a look back at 2023 and provide some highlights of our foundation-directed leadership grantmaking. Our three main focus areas, capacity building through our CORE Fellowship Program, early childhood care, and arts, culture and the creative economy are supported by a variety of sources including Community Investment Funds that generate the unrestricted dollars that support foundation-directed grantmaking.