Foundation To Receive AFP Outstanding Foundation Award

The Luzerne Foundation will receive the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter’s Outstanding Foundation Award at its annual Philanthropy Day luncheon on Friday, November 20th at the Season’s Ballroom at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. Tickets are available for the AFP Annual Luncheon at http://npd2009.eventbrite.com or by calling 570-586-3432.

This award honors a foundation that demonstrates outstanding commitment through financial support, innovation, encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and national, inter¬national and/or community involvement. Nominated by Rusty Flack, former Luzerne Foundation Board Chairman and current Board Member, The Luzerne Foundation met the award criteria of philanthropic support, creativity and innovation in addressing issues, program impact and leadership in the community.

The Luzerne Foundation has distributed over $12 million in grants to nonprofit organizations in Luzerne County from all sources since 1994. But the Foundation is much more than a granting organization. For 15 years, The Luzerne Foundation has assisted individuals and families, businesses, clubs, civic groups and other non-profit organizations with realizing their goals for philanthropy so that collectively they can improve the quality of life for those living and working in Luzerne County. In simple terms, The Luzerne Foundation helps people create funds to do good things today and lasting good for tomorrow.

However, The Luzerne Foundation doesn’t just house over 220 funds within its doors, it also serves as a resource to the entire community. The Luzerne Foundation’s involvement can be as simple as referring a donor to a community nonprofit organization or as involved as working with a donor’s financial consultants, accountants and attorneys to establish a new fund. The Foundation acts as a catalyst to bring diverse groups together to address local needs, foster greater giving and build endowments.

The Foundation works with area chambers, economic development organizations, educational institutions and others to provide information, resource access and recommendations for philanthropic activities in our region. Charles Barber, President of The Luzerne Foundation, often speaks to groups regarding the importance of philanthropy and the Foundation continually reaches out to untapped audiences – youth, young professionals, women, etc. – in an effort to continue its mission of improving the quality of life in Luzerne County and throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.