Cause Connection eNewsletter
Cause Connection June/July 2025
In this issue, we highlight how easy it is to move a donor-advised fund to LVCF — something more and more donors are doing to align their giving with local values and personalized service. You’ll also find guidance on creating or refining a purpose statement for your fund — a meaningful way to ensure your intentions are honored now and in the future. Plus, we’ve included some special moments from our recent LVCF Night at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, where so many of you gathered to celebrate generosity and community.
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.
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.
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. 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.
LVCF Annual Report 2023-24 | The Power of Philanthropy
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Message from the Board Chair and President & CEO
The Power of Philanthropy—The fiscal year 2023-24 has been a testament to the incredible power of philanthropy and the enduring impact we can achieve when we come together as a community. Thanks to the dedication of our Staff, the leadership of our Board of Governors, and the commitment of our generous donors and partners, the Foundation continues to thrive as a catalyst for positive change in the Lehigh Valley.
This year, we embraced the power of connection in new and meaningful ways. We are proud to highlight our role in addressing the childcare challenges in the Lehigh Valley. We are going beyond strategic grantmaking to address the early childhood crisis by implementing a multifaceted leadership approach that includes coordination of activities, increasing awareness, and advocating for change. Philanthropy is about harnessing collective energy to create lasting change, and this work exemplifies that mission.
At the heart of all we do is the meaningful effort of connecting people who care to causes that matter. This year, we received $7.2 million in charitable gifts, a reflection of the shared passion and generosity of our community. We also distributed a total of $8.1 million in grants and community support, with more than 85% staying within the Lehigh Valley, demonstrating our unwavering commitment to strengthening the region we call home.
We invite you to explore this year’s annual report and discover the stories of impact and innovation that define our work. Share these stories with friends, family, and neighbors, and encourage others to join us in harnessing the power of philanthropy to transform lives and communities.
To our donors, partners, and advocates, we offer our deepest gratitude. Your belief in the power of giving fuels everything we do. Together, we are building a brighter future, one gift at a time.
With deepest appreciation and gratitude,
Stay Connected | Follow us on Social Media
Who doesn’t love to see interesting photos and videos in their social media feed online? How about when those photos/videos are of the people, places, causes and news-worthy philanthropic activities in and around the Lehigh Valley? At LVCF we aim to please, from Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to LinkedIn and the rest, the Community Foundation is using its social media platforms to connect people who care to the causes that matter— and more. We promise to educate, empower, entertain, and engage.
ASK MICHAEL | Stay up to date with latest news and information impacting philanthropy. Contact me with ideas or questions.
Michael Wilson
Director of Communications
840 West Hamilton Street
Suite 310, Allentown, PA 18101
484 695-3277 | michael@lvcfoundation.org