Earlier this year, The Provident Bank Foundation has announced 12 $15,000 grants to be awarded to organizations nominated by employees of Provident Bank and Beacon Trust. In celebration of the Foundation’s 15th anniversary, the “Commit to Care” grants are intended to fund organizations doing the most innovative and effective work in the communities served by Provident Bank.

The Foundation’s Board of Directors announced the winners of the grants, twelve organizations exemplifying PBF’s mission of enhancing the quality of life in New Jersey and Pennsylvania communities. “Throughout this process, we’ve learned so much about our employees’ commitment to their communities and to the nonprofit organizations they know and love,” says Jane Kurek, Executive Director of The Provident Bank Foundation. “We appreciate their nominations, allowing us to support so many meaningful initiatives to mark this significant anniversary for the Foundation.”

While the majority of the grants were granted in New Jersey, the Provident Bank Foundation is honored to present the following organizations with the 15th anniversary “Commit to Care” grants in Pennsylvania:

* Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley: The grant will help fund the organization’s Sixth Street Shelter, which provides an essential service to the community as a place for homeless families to find temporary shelter and help in preparing for the challenges of a difficult job and rental market. This initiative forwards the mission of the Community Action Committee of the Lehigh Valley – to improve the quality of life in the Lehigh Valley by building a community in which all people have access to economic opportunity, the ability to pursue that opportunity, and a voice in the decisions that affect their lives.

* Episcopal Ministries of The Diocese of Bethlehem Inc. (New Bethany Ministries): This organization is committed to creating opportunities for a secure future for the homeless, hungry, poor and mentally ill. The grant will be used to purchase necessary equipment to expand the operational capacity of their choice-based food pantry, which will make nutritious food, such as meat and produce, accessible for an estimated 7,300 individuals throughout Lehigh Valley – a 22 percent increase in reach.

On July 24, The Provident Bank Foundation will host a 15th anniversary celebration reception to honor the “Commit to Care” Grant recipients, as well as their Provident Bank and Beacon Trust employee sponsors. “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to meet and celebrate each and every recipient as they move forward in their commitment to providing meaningful value to their communities,” adds Kurek.

For more information and guidelines on other funding opportunities, visit www.theprovidentbankfoundation.org or call (862) 260-3990.