FOUNDATION NEWS 2023

October 2, 2023

MILFORD, PA – The Safe Haven Legacy Fund, administered by Greater Pike Community Foundation, was established to grant awards to organizations in Pike County to assist survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault to find and relocate to permanent, safe housing.

To commemorate the significance of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Greater Pike has piloted a micro-grant program with three providers in Pike County; VIP Empowers, Family Promise, and Pike County Human Services. Each recipient has received a micro-grant to be used to help survivors of domestic violence and their children achieve housing permanency within Pike County.

“As we work to honor Domestic Violence Awareness Month throughout October and beyond, Greater Pike is committed to helping survivors of domestic violence and their children live lives that are free from violence,” says, Jess Zufall, Executive Director.

“To that end, we have issued micro-grants to various organizations throughout Pike County via the Safe Haven Legacy Fund. Through these micro-grants, our providers will be able to assist survivors on their path to stable and permanent housing while breaking generational cycles of violence,” Zufall added.

(read more…)

October 3, 2023

MILFORD, PA – Greater Pike Community Foundation, with its slogan “For Good. Forever.” was created to enable generous individuals, families, and local businesses to maximize their charitable support through organized, targeted, long-term community philanthropy. Greater Pike provides a permanent and personal way to give back to the region we love and have worked so hard to nurture and maintain.

The foundation is currently accepting applications for board members to begin new terms in January of 2024. Being a board member with Greater Pike  allows you to be a part of a vibrant and diverse community of people who work together to advance the mission of the foundation. Greater Pike has various opportunities for board members to serve on committees for grants, scholarships, governance, finance, branding, and marketing.

“On the horizon are many wonderful new developments happening for the foundation and now is the time be involved,” says, Jess Zufall, Executive Director of Greater Pike. “We are finishing the work on our three-year strategic plan, developing an emerging philanthropy program, and beginning a youth advisory committee; all running parallel to opening new funds, increasing our asset base and improving the quality of life for those living, working, and playing in Pike County,” she added.

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August 8, 2023

MILFORD, PA – A diverse array of programs including portable lighting that will improve nighttime rescues; therapeutic equipment for children and adults with developmental disabilities; local theater productions that illustrate our area’s history, and improvements to parks and playing fields are among the 31 initiatives that will receive funding from Greater Pike Community Foundation’s Richard L. Snyder Fund. These ambitious projects by area nonprofit organizations will address health and wellness initiatives; enhance and beautify public spaces and support local arts and cultural events and programs.

Greater Pike Chair Gail Shuttleworth expressed gratitude for the generosity and foresight of Dick Snyder, who set up the Richard L. Snyder Fund before his death. “With this funding, Greater Pike can positively impact the community and reach all corners of our region.”

(read more…)

August 8, 2023

Greater Pike Awards More Than $40,000 in Scholarship Aid

Greater Pike Community Foundation recently presented scholarship awards totaling $40,700, including $20,000 in recurring awards to 4 past recipients, to Delaware Valley, Port Jervis, Kittatinny, and Wallenpaupack Area High School seniors who are planning to pursue a variety of academic interests in colleges and universities this fall…. (to read more click on the link below)

Wayne Bank Supports Greater Pike Community Foundation

Jim Donnelly, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Wayne Bank, is pleased to announce that Wayne Bank has supported the Greater Pike Community Foundation with a donation through the Educational Improvement Pre-K Program.

The mission of the Greater Pike Community Foundation is to enable generous individuals, families, and local businesses to maximize their charitable support through organized, targeted, long-term community philanthropy…. (to read more click on the link below)

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July 24, 2023

MILFORD, PA – Greater Pike Community Foundation recently presented scholarship awards totaling  $40,700, including $20,000 in recurring awards to 4 past recipients, to Delaware Valley, Port Jervis, Kittatinny, and Wallenpaupack Area High School seniors who are planning to pursue a variety of academic interests in colleges and universities this fall.

The awards, benefiting 14 students, are from Scholarship funds administered by Greater Pike.

“We are so pleased to be able to provide these deserving students with a little bit of financial help as they pursue their academic interests,” said Greater Pike’s Board Chair Gail Shuttleworth.

“The Foundation greatly appreciates the generous donors who support these scholarships,” said Ann Morey, Greater Pike Scholarship Committee Chair. “Their support helps these talented youth attend college and pursue their career interests.”

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July 18, 2023

MILFORD, PA – A longstanding community supporter, an enterprising family-based hospitality business team and a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping veterans have been named the 2023 Greater Pike Community Foundation honorees and will be honored at Greater Pike’s 8th Annual Dinner Celebration on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023.

“As we move forward into our second decade of community service, Greater Pike is working hard to advance philanthropy and help address the evolving and emerging needs in our community,” said Gail Shuttleworth, Greater Pike Board Chair. “We are grateful for the continued support of the greater Pike County region and the outstanding work of community members such as those selected to be our 2023 honorees.”

Honoring these community members will be part of the much-anticipated Annual Dinner, planned for Sunday, Oct. 8 at 5:30 pm at Cedar Lakes Estate, Greenville, NY. Additional information, tickets, and sponsorships are available at www.greaterpike.org/1-annual-dinner.

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May 9, 2023

MILFORD, PA – The promise of emergency help for families and individuals facing temporary homelessness is getting a leg up by establishing a new endowment fund with Greater Pike Community Foundation.

Family Promise of the Poconos is responding to this growing and critical need in Pike County by establishing The Promise of a Better Future Organizational Endowment Fund that will strengthen its long-term sustainability and improve financial stability to see its programs succeed in the future.

“This Fund is going to help ensure that what we start today will continue to address the evolving needs of at-risk and homeless children and their families in the future,” said Enid Logan, Executive Director of Family Promise. “We can’t predict the future and an endowment fund with Greater Pike will help Family Promise be better poised to change with the evolving needs of the community.”

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May 15, 2023

Greater Pike Community Foundation Accepting Richard L. Snyder Fund Grant Applications

Nonprofit organizations located in or that serve Pike County can apply for grants through Greater Pike Community Foundation’s Richard L. Snyder Fund from May 15-June 15.

Nonprofit organizations working in the areas of arts and culture, historic preservation, beautification, medical, health, and wellness are encouraged to apply. Contact Greater Pike for clarification if you are unsure if your application will qualify under one of the areas specified…. (to read more click on the link below)

Nonprofits Can Get Boost with NEPA Gives Campaign

Nonprofit organizations looking for a way to boost their fundraising efforts can register now to participate in the June 1-2 NEPA Gives online event, hosted by Greater Pike Community Foundation and other foundation partners in northeast Pennsylvania…. (to read more click on the link below)

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May 4, 2023

Loneliness in Leadership

In August of 2020, Arthur C. Brooks reported in The Atlantic that loneliness at the top does not come from physical isolation because honestly, who spends more time in meetings than a CEO? Instead, it comes from the inability to make deep human connections at work because of the leader’s position. At work, successful people are “lonely in a crowd.”

Have you ever felt feelings of loneliness in your leadership role?

In 2011, I was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer for a large nonprofit organization in the Bronx that supports people with autism spectrum disorders. Prior to that, I was a National Vice President of a national nonprofit that also supported people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

I was excited to begin this new role. I knew this organization I was about to lead needed a major organizational culture shift, and I also believed that I was the best person to bring this organization back to health.

(read more…)

May 1, 2023

MILFORD, PA – Nonprofit organizations located in or that serve Pike County can apply for grants through Greater Pike Community Foundation’s Richard L. Snyder Fund from May 15-June 15.

Nonprofit organizations working in the areas of arts and culture, historic preservation, beautification, medical, health, and wellness are encouraged to apply. Contact Greater Pike for clarification if you are unsure if your application will qualify under one of the areas specified.

“This fund is a lasting legacy that will carry forward Richard Snyder’s enduring support and love for the greater Pike community,” said Jess Zufall, Executive Director of Greater Pike Community Foundation. “He had great admiration for the good work that our area nonprofits do every day, and this grant program is a great representation of this.”

Eligible organizations are encouraged to apply online at https://greaterpike.org/richard-snyder-grant/. Complete applications will be accepted until 5 PM on June 15, 2023. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. All past grant recipients must have completed a closeout report for any previous grant received from Greater Pike before being considered for a new grant. For more information, please contact Jessica Zufall at 973-580-3091 or email grants@greaterpike.org.

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April 13, 2023

MILFORD, PA – The Barbara J. Buchanan Fund of Greater Pike Community Foundation is pleased to announce a total of $1,700 in awards to help support six nonprofit organizations that provide critical social services in the region.

“Barbara Buchanan was a tireless advocate for our community and her generosity was instrumental in establishing Greater Pike’s first fund,” said Board Chair Gail Shuttleworth.  “We are honored to continue her legacy and make these awards in her memory.”

The 2023 awardees include:

• Center for Developmental Disabilities: To update the sensory/movement room;
• Epilepsy Foundation of Eastern PA: For seizure recognition training for law enforcement;
• Forest Volunteer Fire Department: To produce safety outreach materials;
• GAIT Therapeutic Riding Center: For therapeutic sessions for a Pike County resident with special needs;
• Pike Autism Support Services: For art class for teens and adults with special needs;
• Westfall Township Volunteer Fire Department: To purchase dry suits for rescue operations in cold water.

(read more…)

April 10, 2023

MILFORD, PA – Nonprofit organizations looking for a way to boost their fundraising efforts can register now to participate in the June 1-2 NEPA Gives online event, hosted by Greater Pike Community Foundation and other foundation partners in northeast Pennsylvania.

For 24 hours—from Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 7p.m. to Friday, June 2, 2023, at 7 p.m.— donors may make secure donations to their favorite local nonprofit organizations through the NEPA Gives online platform.

All nonprofit organizations are encouraged to register now at https://www.nepagives.org/register  and begin to spread the word about the event to their supporters. Nonprofits that register before May 4 qualify for a $500 incentive if $500 is raised on the giving days. Registration deadline is May 19 at 5 pm.

In-person events are scheduled for Thursday, June 1 at Rodanos, Wilkes-Barre; Friday, June 2 at The Settlers Inn in Hawley and Friday, June 2 at the Hilton, in Scranton.

(read more…)

March 21, 2023

MILFORD, PA – I have always believed that the mission is what you do, and the vision is how you do it. Sounds simple but how do you encompass all the good work your organization does in a sentence or two followed by a vision that should provide strategic guidance to your stakeholders?

Tough, but not impossible.

I once had a CEO who believed that if your workforce can’t recite your mission statement, you have the wrong mission statement. I thought this was extreme however, that organization had over 3,000 employees so I understand the importance of streamlined messaging with such a vast workforce.

A mission is what rallies your stakeholders, what makes them believe in what you are doing and why you are doing it and, makes them want to do the work with you, in various capacities. A vision is how you get to that common goal of the mission and what the organization will look like when it achieves its goals.

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March 8, 2023

Everyone Can Leave a Legacy – What Will Yours Be?

A worldwide pandemic and the subsequent outcome as our local and global communities attempt recovery may be prompting some to think about refocusing their life plan. If you are among those who are thinking along these lines, it could also be an ideal time to consider helping your community get through future unexpected occurrences by leaving a legacy of charitable philanthropy… (to read more click on the link below)

Pike Autism Support Services

A new organizational endowment fund recently set up with Greater Pike Community Foundation will not only provide financial stability to Pike Autism Support Services (PASS) but will assist families seeking help with much-needed services into the future…. (to read more click on the link below)

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February 22, 2023

MILFORD, PA – Nonprofit organizations and community leaders have the opportunity to network, share information and learn about funding opportunities at Greater Pike Community Foundation’s Annual Nonprofit Workshop planned for Thursday, April 13, 2023, at the Tom Quick Inn in Milford, PA. The morning will begin with a light breakfast at 8:30 AM, and the meeting will commence promptly at 9 AM.

“Our goal for this event is to foster collaborative solutions to address the identified needs and challenges in our community,” said Jess Zufall, Greater Pike’s Executive Director. “We took a good look at the responses to last year’s nonprofit survey and are responding to those concerns.”

For example, Greater Pike has launched an online newsletter with helpful information for nonprofits and received support for a grant writer to assist nonprofits seeking out funding opportunities.

(read more…)

February 16, 2023

MILFORD, PA – A global pandemic and the subsequent outcome as our local and global communities attempt recovery may be prompting some to think about refocusing their life plan. If you are among those who are thinking along these lines, it could also be an ideal time to consider helping your community get through future unexpected occurrences by leaving a legacy of charitable philanthropy.

“The need to support one another and band together in community is being felt more now,” said Jess Zufall, Executive Director of Greater Pike Community Foundation. “We are hearing from our neighbors who are seeking ways to continue helping in this post-Covid era.”

Greater Pike, a community foundation that has distributed more than $1.69 million into the community in the past decade, has opportunities for individuals to continue helping in perpetuity.

Even though Greater Pike offers traditional opportunities to individuals who want to include the Foundation in their will or other planned gift, the Foundation recently launched the Greater Pike Legacy Society, which offers the opportunity to leave a legacy to protect and strengthen our community.

(read more…)

February 4, 2023

MILFORD, PA – A new organizational endowment fund recently set up with Greater Pike Community Foundation will not only provide financial stability to Pike Autism Support Services (PASS) but will assist families seeking help with much-needed services into the future.

Jeannemarie Passaro, PASS Executive Director, has been a staunch advocate for autism support for the past 25 years and has tirelessly sought to support a growing number of families in the region that need help finding services for those diagnosed with autism.

From a loosely knit parent support group at her kitchen table – her son was diagnosed with autism when he was 3 years old – to a nonprofit organization that serves hundreds of individuals annually, Pike Autism Support Services has now enhanced its ability to serve the community into the future by establishing the I Care About Autism Fund.

“We have been piecemealing together our fundraisers, donations and grants in order to keep up with the growing demand for services and responding to new inquiries,” Passaro said. “This is not a sprint, it’s a marathon!”

(read more…)

February 2, 2023

MILFORD, PA – Greater Pike Community Foundation is thrilled to bring you our “Philanthropic Frontline” a monthly to bi-monthly collection of nonprofit best practices from the experiences of our Executive Director. We hope that you find this information to be helpful as you continue to do the amazing work you do! Below will represent some of the best practice areas you can expect to receive over the next year. If you have an idea for a best practice area, please let us know!

Mission and Vision
Conducting a Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat Analysis (SWOT)
Grant Writing
Policy and Procedure Development
Loneliness in Leadership
Board Recruitment and Retention
Strategic Planning
Nonprofit Pillars
Stakeholder Engagement and Stewardship

Each Philanthropic Frontline will feature an article that complements the best practice areas we will be discussing.

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January 27, 2023

MILFORD, PA – The grant cycle for the Barbara J. Buchanan Fund of Greater Pike Community Foundation is open and submissions are due by March 6, 2023, at 5 pm. Eligible nonprofits will be able to apply for grants up to $500.

This annual program funds eligible local nonprofit community organizations in the arts and culture, basic human needs, health, families, education, and the environment with innovative ideas for improving our quality of life.

Greater Pike Community Foundation has migrated to an online application process to improve efficiency for grantees. Organizations that have received a grant in previous grant cycles must be current with all reporting requirements to be eligible for a new grant. In addition, Greater Pike Community Foundation has amended reporting requirements for grantees to streamline the life cycle of the grant process. To apply, please visit https://greaterpike.org/bjb-grant/.

(read more…)

January 19, 2023

MILFORD, PA – Greater Pike Community Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of two seasoned members to its growing Board of Directors. Peter Maio and Justin Pfaff, both of Milford, PA, bring to the foundation the expertise areas of law, finance, and technology, which align consistently with the evolving needs of Pike County.

Maio retired to his Gold Key Lake home in 2019 and he and his wife knew almost immediately that they wanted to do more than just live and recreate in the area. They wanted to give back to the community in a focused and purposeful way, so they started a fund with Greater Pike that will focus on such needs as housing, food insecurity and environmental concerns.

But the more he learned about Greater Pike and the vast expanse of other needs that the organization addresses, he knew he could do more.

“I recently heard the saying ‘change is inevitable; progress is optional’,” Maio said. “Greater Pike is an organization that can ensure progress and I hope as a board member I can help.”

(read more…)

January 19, 2023

MILFORD, PA – Greater Pike Community Foundation is pleased to announce the addition of two seasoned members to its growing Board of Directors. Peter Maio and Justin Pfaff, both of Milford, PA, bring to the foundation the expertise areas of law, finance, and technology, which align consistently with the evolving needs of Pike County.

Maio retired to his Gold Key Lake home in 2019 and he and his wife knew almost immediately that they wanted to do more than just live and recreate in the area. They wanted to give back to the community in a focused and purposeful way, so they started a fund with Greater Pike that will focus on such needs as housing, food insecurity and environmental concerns.

But the more he learned about Greater Pike and the vast expanse of other needs that the organization addresses, he knew he could do more.

“I recently heard the saying ‘change is inevitable; progress is optional’,” Maio said. “Greater Pike is an organization that can ensure progress and I hope as a board member I can help.”

(read more…)