Recent Op-Eds
Op-ed by Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP and Marci Lesko
When Washington shuts down, hunger rises. Let’s respond together, Lehigh Valley
Published by Lehigh Valley News – October 31, 2025
Op-Ed by Megan Barnes Briggs
The Urgent Case for Protecting Early Childhood Education
Published in The Morning Call – July 22, 2025
Cause Connection eNewsletter
Cause Connection December 2025
In this issue, we share early impact from the Critical Support Fund’s rapid response to rising food insecurity across the Lehigh Valley, highlight how donor generosity is strengthening our region’s safety net, and offer a heartfelt message of gratitude as we close out the year. You’ll also find updates on how partners are mobilizing essential goods, preparing for broader community needs, and considerations for year-end charitable giving as 2025 comes to a close.
IIn this issue you’ll read about how you can make the most of a pivotal giving year. Learn why acting before new 2026 tax rules take effect could maximize your charitable deductions—and how a donor-advised fund at LVCF can help you give strategically while sustaining your impact. Plus, discover a creative way to turn inherited IRAs into meaningful gifts that support both loved ones and the community.
Cause Connection September 2025
In this issue you’ll read about how your partnership makes a difference in the Lehigh Valley—whether it’s investing in early childhood education through the expansion of the Children’s Academy, supporting the launch of our new Trusted Response Fund to provide nonprofits with flexible and equitable resources, or joining together for our upcoming Fall Meeting on Workforce Development & Economic Mobility.
In this issue, we break down the latest tax legislation and what it means for your charitable giving, highlight new leaders joining our Board of Governors, and share a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities facing our local arts and culture sector. You’ll find insights, strategies, and inspiration to support the causes that matter most in our community.
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 2024-25 | Investing in Community
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Message from the Board Chair and President & CEO
At the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation, our work is rooted in a simple but powerful belief: when we invest in our community, we strengthen the systems, people, and partnerships that allow our region to thrive. As we reflect on the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, we do so with deep gratitude for the donors, nonprofits, civic partners, and leaders who make this mission possible.
This year marked a transformative period in our Foundation’s history. We closed the fiscal year with over $100 million in charitable assets under management, a significant milestone for community foundations that reflects both the generosity of our donors and the trust they place in our stewardship. In this fiscal year, the Foundation received more than $22 million in gifts and distributed over $9 million in grants, both of which are significant figures. We stand firmly in our role as a community leader helping nonprofits deliver essential services and advance meaningful change across the Lehigh Valley.
In particular, we continued to spotlight the importance of early childhood education and to address the challenges that parents face to access affordable, quality childcare. We have deployed innovative approaches to addressing this urgent local need, such as our first impact investment to support the expansion of a childcare facility in downtown Allentown. These investments, paired with our engagement in regional efforts such as the Early Childhood Education Collaborative, demonstrate how strategic partnerships can expand opportunity for families and children.
Internally, we strengthened the organizational infrastructure that enables our mission. With a new accounting system and donor portal, expanded visibility efforts, and continued investment in our staff, LVCF is poised for the next phase of growth. As we prepare to develop a new strategic plan, we do so with a renewed focus on impact beyond the check, growth through partnership, and our values of Connection, Opportunity, Integrity, and Learning.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to this year’s accomplishments. Together, we are investing in community—today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
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