The Luzerne Foundation Grant Cycles

The Luzerne Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of Luzerne County residents by assessing and addressing community needs through strategic grantmaking. We promote responsible philanthropy and connect donors with causes that matter to them.

Below are available opportunities 501(c)(3) public charities in good standing can apply for online.

The Luzerne Foundation is now accepting applications for a spot in the Youth Advisory Committee’s (YAC) Nonprofit Forum! Only the first 20 qualified participants will be selected. 

*Organizations that received grant funding in the prior year from YAC are ineligible to participate until December of the current year. 

Over the past decade, the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) has awarded over $205,000 to nonprofit organizations throughout Luzerne County. The grant cycle begins with an online application, followed by determination of the first 20 qualified nonprofits to present at the YAC Forum in early February. Each nonprofit will have 5-10 minutes to clearly and concisely describe its background and mission, and how it is addressing the unmet need in the community.  The Luzerne Foundation established the Youth Advisory Committee, otherwise known as “YAC”. YAC’s mission is to empower high school youth to identify needs and fund them responsibly. YAC consists of twenty-three students from 9 Luzerne County High schools eager to help support local nonprofit organizations through a professionally run comprehensive program.

Eligibility Requirements:

Attention Nonprofits Serving Northeast Pennsylvania!

The Greenlight Project is an initiative established by Congressman Rob Bresnahan and his wife, Chelsea.

Together, they created the Greenlight Project to give back to the people and places of Northeastern Pennsylvania that have shaped their lives and values.

Rob and Chelsea proudly plan to invest in causes through this fund close to their hearts throughout NEPA, fueling opportunity, driving progress, and fostering a culture of initiative and hope.

“The Greenlight Project is our way of giving back to the region that has given so much to us,” said Congressman Bresnahan. “This is more than a donation. It is a commitment to invest in the people, institutions, and ideas that move Northeastern Pennsylvania forward.”

Each year, The Greenlight Project will feature a unique theme to guide funding priorities. For its 2026 grant cycle, the theme will be “Protect and Preserve.” Nonprofits serving Northeastern Pennsylvania are invited to apply for grants ranging from $500 to $8,000, demonstrating how their work helps bridge a gap in the community, whether in access to education, healthcare, housing, opportunity, or support services. Applicants should name a specific, tangible need that funding from The Greenlight Project would help fulfill.

“Our goal is to support the problem solvers,” said Chelsea Strub. “The people and organizations who’ve already spotted what’s missing and are out there doing something about it. They’re not waiting for permission. They’re rolling up their sleeves and finding solutions. The Greenlight Project is our way of backing that kind of effort and helping our community get closer to its full potential.”

The application portal will open Thursday, October 1, 2026, and close Monday, December 7, 2026

The NorthPoint Community Partnership Grant is designed to support projects that strengthen the people, organizations, and communities of the Greater Hazleton Area. Through this initiative, NorthPoint Development seeks to invest in local programs, services, equipment, and community improvements that enhance quality of life, address local needs, and create lasting benefits for residents. NorthPoint Development recognizes that strong communities are built through partnerships among nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and local leaders.

Grant Amount
Grant requests of up to $10,000 will be considered. Applicants are encouraged to request an amount that reflects the actual cost and scope to complete the proposed project. Thoughtfully sized requests help maximize the impact of available grant funding throughout the eligible communities.

Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants include organizations primarily serving the Greater Hazleton Area, which is defined by the boundaries of the Hazleton Area School District, including:

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
• Municipal first responders
• Volunteer fire companies, ambulance associations, and emergency service organizations
• Public and nonpublic educational institutions, including licensed early childhood education and preschool providers
• Faith-based organizations
• Community and civic organizations (such as veterans organizations, youth organizations, and community associations)

*Please note, organizations that do not have 501(c)(3) status may partner with an eligible fiscal sponsor.

Funding Priorities
The NorthPoint Community Grant supports projects that create meaningful community benefit, including but not limited to:

• Public safety and emergency response
• Community infrastructure and equipment
• Health and human services
• Youth development and education
• Recreation and community engagement
• Community beautification and revitalization
• Environmental stewardship
• Community facilities and improvements
• Other projects that address identified community needs and improve quality of life

*Examples may include first responder equipment, public safety enhancements, community improvement initiatives, program expansion, recreational opportunities, and other projects that provide tangible benefits to local residents.

Ineligible Requests
The following activities are not eligible for funding:

• Projects or programs that promote or support partisan political activities.
• The purchase, manufacture, or distribution of weapons.
• Organizations that promote hate, discrimination, or violence against individuals or groups.

Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated using the following criteria:

Community Impact

• Extent to which the project benefits residents of the Greater Hazleton Area .
• Number of residents served and significance of the anticipated impact.

Demonstrated Need

• Clear identification of the community need or opportunity being addressed.
• Evidence supporting the importance of the project.

Feasibility and Readiness

• Realistic implementation plan and timeline.
• Organizational or municipal capacity to successfully complete the project.

Stewardship of Funds

• Appropriate and reasonable use of grant funding.
• Demonstrated ability to maximize community benefit from the requested investment.

Sustainability and Long-Term Value

• Potential for lasting impact beyond the grant period.
• Ability to maintain or build upon project outcomes.

Review Process & Tentative Timeline

• The Luzerne Foundation staff will conduct an initial review to confirm eligibility and organize applications for consideration.
• Applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee, which may recommend full or partial funding based on project merit, community impact, and the availability of grant funds.
• Application Deadline: Monday, November 9th, 2026

Reporting Requirements
Grant recipients will be required to submit a brief final report 9 months after receiving grant award describing:

• How grant funds were used
• Project accomplishments and outcomes
• The impact on the community
• Photos, stories, or other documentation demonstrating results

For questions about the application or the process, please email Jessica@luzernefoundation.org or call 570-822-2065.