The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation was recognized with the Outstanding Foundation Award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter at the annual National Philanthropy Day Luncheon held Nov. 21 at The Woodlands Inn & Resort.
Established from the sale of Mercy Hospital, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation has the following mission: reducing health disparities, improving access to care, and fostering collaboration across Lackawanna, Luzerne, and Wyoming counties.
“The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation is an extraordinary force for good in our region,” said Laura Ducceschi, president and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “Beyond its generosity, the Foundation is a true convener—listening deeply, responding compassionately, and leading collaboratively to strengthen the healthcare system for everyone in our community. We were honored to nominate them for this well-deserved recognition.”
A defining pillar of the foundation is its Careers in Care initiative, designed to address critical workforce shortages across the health care economy. Since 2020, the Careers in Care Nursing Scholarship Program has awarded over $975,000 in scholarship funding to 131 individuals, many of whom are now employed in local healthcare settings. The Foundation also established the Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation Scholars Program at the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM), a multi-year $3.2 million commitment that has supported 20 medical students from the tri-county region who are dedicated to practicing medicine in Northeast Pennsylvania.
“The Foundation’s leadership has been especially crucial during the ongoing hospital crisis in Lackawanna County. The Northeastern Pennsylvania Health Care Foundation partnered with regional philanthropic organizations to provide emergency support, sustain critical services, and advocate for solutions that prioritize community well-being. This timely and strategic response exemplifies what community-centered philanthropy looks like in action,” Ducceschi said.