F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
First Federal Charitable Foundation mourns the passing of John Raynock
The First Federal Charitable Foundation mourns the death of longtime board member John J. Raynock, who passed away on May 27 at age 91. John was a valuable member of our board and we are forever grateful for his contributions to the organization. He will be deeply missed. We extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Eleanor; his son, John; his daughter, Maura; and his entire extended family.
Supporting worthwhile causes in Luzerne, Schuylkill, Carbon and Columbia Counties
The First Federal Charitable Foundation was established to support worthwhile community causes. It strives to nurture non-profit institutions and programs that will effectively serve those in need from our community, empower non-profit institutions and programs that will expand their presence in and services to those of our community, and promote opportunities for new non-profit institutions and programs that will serve the unserved of our community.
Nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)(3) IRS designation that are located in Luzerne, Schuylkill, Carbon and Columbia Counties are eligible to apply. Any organization whose headquarters is in another county but services either Luzerne, Schuylkill, Carbon or Columbia Counties may apply for a grant to be used in one of those counties.
First Federal Charitable Foundation Grant Recipients
F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts received an $8,300 First Federal Charitable Foundation grant it plans to use toward its Laux Young People's Theater Series programming for students in grades K-12.
Brighter Journeys received a $15,000 First Federal Charitable Foundation grant in memory of its co-founder, Lisa Urbanski, that it plans to use to support the special needs community.
Catholic Social Services of the Diocese of Scranton received a $10,000 First Federal Charitable Foundation grant it is using to fund upgrades to the St. Joseph's Food Pantry.
Child Hunger Outreach Partners (CHOP) received a $10,000 First Federal Charitable Foundation grant it will use to support its Backpack Program and In-School Pantries that provide free food items to food-insecure children.
Conyngham Valley Historical Society (CVHS) received a $10,000 First Federal Charitable Foundation grant it plans to use to fund upgrades and repairs at its museum located at 470 Main Street in Conyngham.
For Pete's Sake Cancer Respite Foundation (FPS) received a $3,000 First Federal Charitable Foundation grant it plans to use to fund its Respite Experience for adult cancer patients and their loved ones.
Camp Cranium received a $5,000 First Federal Charitable Foundation grant in 2023 it planned to use to fund a summer camp, including providing the organization the ability to offer six scholarships to the camp.
The Hazleton Integration Project (HIP) received a $50,000 First Federal Charitable Foundation grant it will use to make security upgrades to its building.
The United Way of Greater Hazleton received a $15,000 First Federal Charitable Foundation grant it will use to help launch The Nurse's Pantry program within all 10 elementary/middle schools in the Hazleton Area School District.
Make-A-Wish Greater Pennsylvania and West Virginia received a $5,000 First Federal Charitable Foundation grant it will use as a Wishmaker donation, which will completely underwrite the wish of a child living in Luzerne, Columbia, Schuylkill, or Carbon counties with a diagnosed life-threatening medical condition.
The Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts (PTPA) received a $5,000 First Federal Charitable Foundation grant it will use to pay for the licensing rights for at least two of its community theatre shows this season. The grant funding will allow the organization to use the money it receives from ticket sales for the maintenance of its building.
Central Susquehanna Sight Services (CSSS) received a $6,000 First Federal Charitable Foundation grant it will use to fund its Prevention of Blindness and Social Services programs in Columbia County.