The PPL Foundation Thursday announced it is now accepting applications for its 2017 Sustaining Grant Program from organizations focused on education, workforce development and community revitalization.

Interested nonprofit organizations can apply for sustaining grants from $1,000 to $25,000. The application deadline is March 31. 

Last year, the Foundation awarded more than $450,000 in grants to 95 nonprofit organizations in communities throughout PPL Electric Utilities’ 29-county service territory.

“We’re proud to partner with these admirable nonprofit organizations that are working to better the lives of the people who call our region home,” said Lissette Santana, manager of corporate relations for PPL. “We look forward to continuing this work. We’re committed to supporting communities across our 29-county service area and providing tools that help empower economic vitality.

“Our support for education has a particular focus on early childhood education, literacy, summer learning, and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programs,” added Santana.

Some of the initiatives and projects that received support through the PPL Foundation Sustaining Grant program in 2016 include:

-- Bloomsburg University Foundation for the STEM Magnet Program. This collaborative program (developed in partnership between Bloomsburg University, regional school districts and local industries) works to foster interest in STEM amongst academically talented students — to better prepare them to be successful in college and also meet the need of local employers for STEM graduates.

-- Harrisburg Parks Foundation for the revitalization of a community park in the Camp Curtain neighborhood of Harrisburg. The playground is heavily utilized and is in walking distance for many neighborhood families. The grant provided funding to allow the playground to stay open and safe. 

-- LEAF Project in Carlisle for a program that cultivates young leaders, ages 14 to 22, in South Central Pennsylvania by placing them in positions of real responsibility on farms. The students are hired as interns in the spring, summer and fall and are paid a modest stipend to work with chefs to help educate and feed the community.

-- Skills in Scranton for a critical workforce development program in Lackawanna County that connects high school students and administrators with the region’s employers.   

The PPL Foundation awards grants in spring and fall. The grant cycle open now — Sustaining Grants can be used for general operating expenses.

The Major Grants in the fall should be used to support major initiatives such as program expansions, capital campaigns and other major projects.

Complete instructions and a full FAQ are available on PPL Foundation’s Sustaining Grant Program webpage. To be considered for a grant, all organizations must apply online.

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1/30/2017