Carbon Foundation Announces Grant Application & Award Nominations

CommunityHuman InterestJim ThorpeLehightonGeneral News ArticlePress ReleasePalmerton

The Carbon County Community Foundation is now accepting applications and nominations for two opportunities that highlight and support local impact: a $5,000 grant for Carbon County nonprofits and the Elissa M. Garofalo Community Impact Award.  Both will be celebrated at the 20/20 Circle Annual Meeting & Grants Dinner on October 15, 2025, at Blue Mountain Resort.
 
$5,000 Grant Opportunity for Carbon County Nonprofits
 
Nonprofits serving Carbon County are encouraged to apply for a $5,000 grant from the 20/20 Circle Fund. Applications are available on the Community Foundation’s website and are due by August 31, 2025.
 
The 20/20 Circle, established in 2018, is a group of individuals and businesses committed to making a greater impact together in Carbon County.  Members pledge a one-time contribution of $1,000 to the 20/20 Circle Fund—an endowment that grows over time.  Each year, members gather to hear from innovative local organizations and vote to award a grant from the fund. 
 
This year, a committee of 20/20 Circle members will review the grant applications received and will select three nonprofit finalists to be invited to present at the 20/20 Circle Dinner.  Following the dinner, 20/20 Circle members will have 24 hours to cast their votes.  The selected organization will receive the $5,000 grant. In recent years, individual members have also stepped up with additional donations—allowing all three finalists to receive funding.
 
“The 20/20 Circle is an incredible example of what happens when people come together to create greater impact,” said Sharon Alexander, President & CEO of the Community Foundation. “Not only are we pooling resources for meaningful grantmaking, but we’re also raising awareness of the powerful work being done by nonprofits right here in Carbon County.”
 
Since 2020, the 20/20 Fund has awarded more than $17,000 in grants, with additional contributions from individual members. The 20/20 Circle is open to new members, and sponsorship opportunities are available for the October 15th dinner.
 
Nominations Open for the Elissa M. Garofalo Community Impact Award
 
The Foundation is also accepting nominations and self-nominations for the Elissa M. Garofalo Community Impact Award, honoring a local leader who is making a lasting difference in Carbon County. Nominations are due by August 31, 2025.
 
The award seeks to recognize individuals who show:

  • Demonstrated community leadership and impact
  • A vision for long-term change in the community
  • A passion for mentoring others 
This is not intended as a lifetime achievement award, but rather as recognition for someone in the prime of their career—a leader who still has meaningful work ahead.  While all are welcome to apply, priority will be given to female applicants or nominees who reflect the award’s purpose and spirit.
 
The recipient will receive a $500 stipend for professional development or may choose to direct the funds to a charitable organization. A committee of Elissa’s friends and family will review the nominations and select the honoree.
 
Created in 2024 by those who knew and loved Elissa, the award reflects her legacy of dedication to community. The inaugural recipient was Kara Scott of Bowmanstown.
 
“Elissa was a community builder in every sense of the word,” said Alexander. “This award is a way to celebrate that spirit and recognize individuals who are helping to shape a stronger Carbon County.”
 
Although the award is independent from the 20/20 Circle, it will again be presented at the 20/20 Circle Annual Meeting & Grants Dinner—a fitting occasion, as Elissa was an early member of the 20/20 Circle and a passionate supporter of local community.
 
The Community Foundation aims to endow the Elissa M. Garofalo Award so it can be presented annually for generations to come.  Wild Elder Wine & Cider Co. is an establishing sponsor of the award and has pledged to help grow the fund to endowment.  Amber Finsel, co-owner of Wild Elder and former Executive Director of the Community Foundation, admired Elissa’s dedication to community and was grateful for the chance to collaborate with her on local initiatives.  She is helping lead the effort to secure long-term support for the award.
 
Information about the 20/20 Circle grant and the Elissa M. Garofalo Community Impact Award can be found on the Community Foundation website at www.cccfoundpa.org.  Applications and nominations should be submitted online by August 31st.  Award notifications will be made by mid-September. 
 

Carbon Foundation Announces Grant Application & Award Nominations