25 Stories for 25 Years
Serving in multiple roles - community leader, connector, donor service provider, grantmaker - community foundations offer great value as a partner in philanthropy. This model puts community foundations in a unique position to connect the critical needs of nonprofits with the passions of donors who display an ongoing commitment to community development and growth. Money stays local, helping individuals, families, and businesses invest in the causes they care most about to create meaningful and permanent impact.
The collective work of the Community Giving Foundation's staff of seven brings this model to life in 5 1/2 counties across the Susquehanna Valley. With a commitment to personalized service and stewardship, Foundation staff work together to achieve the community's charitable goals and multiply the impact of local nonprofits who make our region a thriving and beautiful place to live.
Staff reflected on the Foundation's values and "superpowers" as they considered the impact of each of their roles to meet the Foundation's mission in local communities.
"I'm inspired daily by the Community Giving Foundatinon's core strengths - especially the trust we've built, the integrity we uphold, and the knowledgable, engaged team that keeps us closely connected to our community's needs. Leading with these values in mind empowers us all to foster relationships across our region, helping advance our mission with purpose and care. Together, we're creating lasting impact in the communities we serve." (Kara G. Seesholtz, President and CEO)
"I focus on helping others by providing personalized support to grant and scholarship applicants, ensuring they understand the resources available ot them. By customizing my support to address individual needs, I empower recipients to reach their goals, reinforcing our shared mission of promoting access and opportunity in the community. Through collaboration and empathy, I contribute to the Foundation's commitment to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve." (Karri Harter, Grant and Scholarship Administrator)
"Stewarding donor contributions and Foundation resource sis important to my role - by properly accounting and investing funds, we ensure the Foundation can benefit future generations of grantees in perpetuity." (Al Meale, Chief Financial Officer)
"My role of maintaining strong relationships and effective communication with our board members and partners embody the Foundation values of integrity and collaboration. By focusing on these important daily details and smooth workflows, our stakeholders and Foundation team are empowered to support our mission and amplify our impact in the community." (Kim Groshek, Administrative Assistant)
"At the Foundation, education is central to my role and personalization enhances its impact. Whether I'm helping a donor establish a fund or guiding students in the Youth in Philanthropy program, I tailor each experience to meet individual goals and needs. It's rewarding to see donors understand how their specific contributions will make a lasting difference, and to help young people realize their unique potential as future leaders. By combining education with personalized guidance, I contribute to our mission of building a stronger, more engaged community." (Alyssa Meyers-Sanonu, Director of Philanthropy)
"Building strong relationships with our nonprofit partners through communication and site visits reflects our are and stewardship of the community's charitable resources. By working closely with these organizations and carefully tracking the impact of our grants, my role helps ensure the Foundation is in touch with community needs and maximizing our support for psoitive change across our region." (Becky Stugart, Impact Coordinator)
"I believe storytelling is a call to community. Telling the stories of our donors, nonprofits, and local partners requires trust in the Foundation's work and the connections that bring us together to ignite change and cultivate growth. It's an honor to put into words and images the unique passions and generous spirits that make up our community - a collection of stories that define our Community Giving Foundation both now and for generations to come." (Katie Simpson, Director of Communications)