SHARON, Pa. – The Community Foundation of Western PA & Eastern OH widened its impact in 2023 with an increase in donations and the number of grants it made.
The foundation saw a 16% increase in donations received in support of the funds it administers, says Sarah Worthington, grant administrator. The foundation increased the number of grants made by 10%, totaling more than $10.2 million distributed in 2023.
Board members granted more than $2 million in direct assistance to support organizations in Trumbull and Lawrence and Mercer counties in Pennsylvania.
In 2023, 82% of the donations made were for $500 or less.
“Every dollar donated makes a difference in the life of someone else, and having a big bank account is not a prerequisite to supporting a favorite organization,” Worthington says.
The most popular categories donors chose to support included health and family services, children’s programs, community development, arts, culture and humanities; and college scholarships.
Grant funding went to children’s programs such as Inspiring Minds in Warren, West Hill Ministries in Sharon, Pa.; and Pine Valley Camp in Ellwood City, Pa. Donors who are passionate about animals helped support the Animal Welfare League in Vienna; Healthy Hearts and Paws in Brookfield, and Strayhaven Animal Shelter in Greenville, Pa.
Arise in New Castle, Pa.; Buhl Park in Hermitage, Pa.; and Ursuline Sisters Mission in Canfield were each granted financial support for their community development efforts.
The Community Foundation of Western PA & Eastern OH has been supporting the community since 1981 by providing ways for families, individuals and organizations to choose their areas of support. The foundation has 11 employees and administers more than 750 funds that collectively contain about $150 million.