2024 marks 25 years of community giving through our Foundation. The journey of our growth speaks to the connections and impacts envisioned by our founders.
- From our beginnings as a $25 million health conversion in 1999,
- to the thoughtful decision by our visionary founders to expand our mission as a regional community foundation in 2003,
- to partnerships with five local affiliate foundations in the Central Susquehanna region,
- to over 350 unique and personalized funds that have distributed over $50 million back into our community for lasting impact.
Through 25 years of evolution and growth, we have seen one constant—you. Our work is only possible in a community where philanthropy is part of our culture. We are excited to celebrate this milestone anniversary with the community this year!
25 Stories for 25 Years
In celebration of our silver jubilee, we are sharing one story to mark each year of the Foundation's existence in the Central Susquehanna region. These stories will be shared throughout the year as we reflect on the strong partnerships we have developed with our donors, nonprofit partners, community leaders, and board members. A sampling of stories is below. Click here to access all of our anniversary stories.
Employees Unite to Lift Up Community
One of the seven core values that guide the Service 1st Federal Credit Union team is "support community". Employees take pride in volunteering for various nonprofits in the community and giving back through their own intiatives focused on creating awareness and support for local organizations. Read the full story.
Businessman's Legacy Leads to Community Support
Through a personal philosophy of community development, service and giving, C. Kenneth Battram left instructions to support charitable programs that provide basic necessities while instilling dignity and respect to those in need after his passing. The C.K. Battram Fund awarded $78,000 in its first year of grantmaking, reaching thousands of residents across the Central Susquehanna region. Read the full story.
Staff Highlight: Kara G. Seesholtz
Foundation President and CEO Kara Seesholtz has called the Susquehanna Valley home her entire life. Through the years and a variety of different roles, Kara reflects on the many memorable moments and stories that have stayed with her. Read the full story.
25th Anniversary Giving Campaign
Your gift to the Fund for the Community Giving Foundation will will work together with others to create permanent and visible community impact as we continue to meet needs in our region. This legacy of giving stays local, directly supporting organizations that live and work right here in our communities.
To encourage a movement of collective giving during our 25th anniversary, we've set an important goal of securing 2,500 partners during our anniversary year. When we all come together, we can achieve bigger and better things—giving more to organizations that are doing important work to help our communities thrive. Join us! You can make an online donation to support our work through the Fund for the Community Giving Foundation, or send checks payable to the Community Giving Foundation, Attn: Anniversary Campaign, to 725 West Front Street, Berwick PA 18603.