Luzerne Foundation Grants

Geographic Scope: Local, regional, and national grants available

Contact:

• Phone: 570.822.2065
• Email: info@luzernefoundation.org
• Address: 34 South River St, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702
• Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Eligible Recipients

Qualified nonprofit organizations in good standing, including:

• Nonprofit charities
• Schools
• Government programs
• Faith-based organizations
• International charities with a U.S. recipient entity
• Organizations where donor is a board member (with no personal benefit to donor or family)

Grant Minimums

• Minimum grant recommendations of $500 are preferred

What Is NOT Funded

• Personal pledges or obligations (though Foundation may pledge from fund with Board approval)
• Grants to individuals (except through separate Scholarship Fund)
• Grants that provide benefit to donor or donor advisor, including:
  • Membership dues
  • Auction items
  • Tickets to charitable functions
  • Priority seating at cultural or sporting events
  • Scholarships through Donor Advised Fund

Grant Administration

The Foundation's Board has authority and responsibility to exercise oversight and discretion when approving grants. Grant recommendations are subject to Board approval to ensure grants fulfill their intended purpose and protect tax deductions.

How to Apply

1. Contact the Foundation to discuss your grantmaking interests and strategy
2. Submit a Grant Distribution Recommendation Form indicating:
   • Charitable organization(s) to receive the grant
   • Grant amount
   • Purpose of grant
   • Any preference for anonymous granting

Support Available from Foundation

The Foundation offers guidance including:

• Learning about and addressing community priorities and emerging needs
• Research on specific areas of interest and nonprofit organizations
• Site visits to nonprofits to learn about their work
• Advice on grantmaking strategies
• Family involvement in philanthropy
• Partnership opportunities with other donors

Grant Administration Process

1. Foundation staff verifies nonprofit qualification through:
   • Research of tax-exempt status documentation
   • Organizational fiscal health review
   • Annual reports review
   • Program evaluation
   • Board and staff leadership assessment
2. Foundation prepares grant award letters and checks including:
   • Fund name
   • Purpose of grant
   • Instructions for acknowledging generosity
3. Foundation provides written confirmation of grant awards
4. Foundation forwards correspondence from grantee organizations to donor