The Members 1st Charitable Foundation has awarded grants ranging from $1,500 to $5,000 each to 13 nonprofits across its 12-county geographic footprint. The grants were awarded as part of the foundation\u2019s second funding cycle for 2026.<\/p>\n
Among the recipients are two Berks County nonprofits: Animal Rescue League of Berks County Inc., which received $3,500; and Safe Berks, which was awarded $5,000.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery funding cycle offers an opportunity to invest in organizations that are addressing critical needs and creating lasting impact close to home,\u201d Sara Firestone, executive director of the Members 1st Charitable Foundation, said in a statement. \u201cFrom supporting children and families to expanding access to food, housing, mental health resources and financial education, these nonprofits are strengthening communities in meaningful ways. We are honored to support their efforts and the positive impact they have across our region.\u201d<\/p>\n
A total of $56,500 was awarded to 13 nonprofit organizations whose programs and services are helping to build stronger, healthier and more financially sound communities, the company said in a press release.<\/p>\n
The following are the other recipients:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Adams County Children\u2019s Advocacy Center, $3,000, Adams County<\/p>\n
\u2022 Caring Cupboard Inc., $5,000, Lebanon County<\/p>\n
\u2022 Children\u2019s Aid Society, $5,000, York, Adams, and Franklin counties<\/p>\n
\u2022 Elizabethtown Community Housing & Outreach Services, $5,000, Lancaster County<\/p>\n
\u2022 Friends of Ephrata Police Foundation, $3,500, Lancaster County<\/p>\n
\u2022 Joshua Group, $5,000, Dauphin County<\/p>\n
\u2022 KidsPeace, $1,500, Lehigh County<\/p>\n
\u2022 Love INC of Greater Hershey, $5,000, Dauphin County<\/p>\n
\u2022 NAMI of Cumberland and Perry Counties, $5,000, Cumberland and Perry counties<\/p>\n
\u2022 Tri-County Community Housing, $5,000, Dauphin, Cumberland, and Perry counties<\/p>\n
Grant recipients were selected for programs that advance the foundation\u2019s mission through youth and family support, food security, housing stability, mental health services, financial education and overall community well-being, according to the release.<\/p>\n
Applications for grants are accepted on a rolling basis and are funded four times each year, according to information on the foundation\u2019s website<\/a>. Grants up to $10,000 are awarded each cycle, and organizations are eligible to receive one grant per calendar year.<\/p>\n