Community Foundation Offers Scholarship

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Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF) announces that applications for local scholarships are available to area students. The Foundation has 32 scholarships programs that will distribute over $61,000 in scholarship funds this upcoming season. Each scholarship is unique in their field of study, eligibility and community it serves.

The following is the list of scholarship available to all students through out Elk County:Elk County Farm Bureau ScholarshipGloria V. Anderson Music ScholarshipHelene L. Bowley Memorial ScholarshipMichele Campbell Memorial Nursing ScholarshipPerry G. Klein Memorial ScholarshipRuth E. Reed Nursing ScholarshipThe following scholarships are available for students attending specific schools or from a particular community:

  • Angie Bertolasio Memorial Scholarship
  • Bev Hogan Memorial Nursing Scholarship fund
  • Caribardi Family Scholarship
  • Christopher Forster Memorial Scholarship fund
  • Dean Schrecengost Scholarship
  • Dr. John E. Schloder Scholarship Fund for Fine Arts
  • Dr. Sandra Calkins Kowalski Scholarship Fund
  • Frank Clark ScholarshipHasselman/Hopton Scholarship Fund
  • Herbert B. Lenze Boys Basketball Scholarship
  • Herbert B. Lenze Marching Band Scholarship
  • Howard M. Keebler Scholarship
  • Jacqueline M. Renaud National Honor Society Memorial Scholarship Fund
  • Johnsonburg Alumni and Friends Scholarship
  • Johnsonburg Rotary Club Alva K. Gregory Scholarship
  • Joseph A. Williams Medical Scholarship
  • Judge Vernon “Buddy” Roof Memorial Scholarship
  • Lori De’Angelo Scholarship
  • Martha C. Selle Scholarship
  • Mary I. Filano Memorial Scholarship fund
  • Nicholas Sinibaldi Music Scholarship Fund
  • Pearl Llewellyn Memorial Nursing Scholarship
  • Ridgway Rotary Scholarship
  • Robert P. Martini Scholarship
  • Sara K. Folino Memorial Art Scholarship
  • Sashy & Gladys Kane Memorial Scholarship
  • St. Marys Jaycees Scholarship
  • Straub Brewery Scholarship

Applications for scholarships are available through guidance counselor offices at each of the participating high schools or by calling our office at 834-2125. All scholarships have specific requirements and are due soon to the school scholarship committee. The school committees will review the applications and will make their recommendations. The final decision then rests on the four members ECCF Scholarship Committee.

In addition to the dollars given though these scholarships, the Elk County Community Foundation is approved as a PATH Program organization. If a student is awarded a scholarship from the Community Foundation we will submit your name to AES/PHEAA for additional scholarship funding through PATH. To be eligible, the student must be enrolled in an approved Pennsylvania College or career school and be a State Grant recipient. This past year students who receive ECCF scholarships received a total of $27,000 addition funds. The Foundation is only one of 35 organizations in Pennsylvania that are partners with this program.

The Community Foundation also assists donors who have an interest in starting a scholarship fund, whether as a general purpose or in the memory of a deceased family member or friend. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the foundation for further information on the matter.

Elk County Community Foundation Prepares for Granting Cycle

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The Elk County Community Foundation announces their annual granting cycle applications are now available to area nonprofit organizations. The ECCF welcomes applications for funding as part of its mission to promote the betterment of Elk County and to enhance the quality of the life for all residents.

Funds will be award for such community development initiatives that will enhance the economic and community well being of Elk County. Distribution from the grants can be used to meet special project or program needs of organizations serving the people of Elk County. The Foundation encourages organizations that will serve a particular need of the community and will make a lasting impact on the overall community to apply. The Foundation seeks to fund projects or activities that will serve the needs of many in the community rather than the needs of a few individuals. Projects should include activities that are innovative and have a plan to be sustained themselves. In addition, grants are made to support programs serving all persons regardless of race, religion or creed and are made only to tax-exempt, charitable organizations.

Organizations that feel they meet the above criteria of the economic and community development are invited to submit their application to the foundation. Applications will be accepted through July 15, 2009 and are available by calling the ECCF’s office at 834-2125 or via their website at www.elkcountyfoundation.com.

Grants will be reviewed and approved by the end of August. The funds come from the foundation’s endowed community development fund and the Fund of the Future general endowment.

In 2008, over $40,000 was awarded to several organizations which include:

  • The St. Marys Economic Development Corporation for their Revolving Loan Program
  • Johnsonburg Area School District
  • Ridgway Area School District
  • ECCOTA Summer Concert Series
  • Dickinson Mental Health Center
  • Johnsonburg Community Trust
  • City of Saint Marys Kaulmont Park Project
  • Fox Township Hospital Equipment

ProgramCommunity Nurses Charity CareECCF is a non profit organization that manages endowed funds established by donors for area non profit organizations. Donor gifts are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law.

2009 Scholarships Awarded

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The Elk County Community Foundation awarded a total of 78 scholarships to local students this year totaling $62,725.00 in scholarship funds. Graduating seniors from Elk County Catholic, St. Marys Area, Johnsonburg Area, Ridgway Area, and Kane Area were the recipients of these scholarships. Fourteen scholarships went Elk County Catholic, twenty-two to St. Marys Area, twelve to Johnsonburg Area, twelve to Ridgway Area, and two went to Kane Area High School. Another six scholarships were given to students at DuBois and Brockway Area High Schools. Also, ten additional scholarships were awarded to students who were already in attendance at a post secondary institution.
The dollars given to these students will impact generations to come as these young adults shape our communities. Donors who have established these scholarships are contributing to our future leaders. The Elk County Community Foundation Board extends their gratitude to those who have seen the need and believe in the youth of today. Anyone interested in establishing a scholarship can contact the Foundation at 814-834-2125.

Bob and Betsy Roberts Establish New Fund at the ECCF

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Recently a new Donor Advised Fund was established at the Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF) by Bob and Betsy Roberts. This Fund was a birthday present to Bob, from his wife, Betsy. The Bob and Betsy Roberts Family Fund has been set up to help support the causes and organizations that are most important to them. “The Foundation is a great vehicle for supporting our community,” said Betsy. She went on to praise the Community Foundation’s ability to allow people with any amount of funds, large or small, to be able to provide support to the causes that are important them now and in the future. Much like a private foundation, but on a smaller scale, a donor advised fund at the Foundation allows donors to request annual grants or gifts to their favorite charity from their fund. Since the Foundation is recognized by the IRS as a 501 (c) (3), non profit, it also provides all the legal tax benefits.

Both Bob and Betsy were raised in St. Marys, though Betsy was born in Washington, DC, her family returned when she was very young. The couple received their education through the Catholic School system, graduating together in 1961 from St. Marys Catholic High School. Bob worked at the US Post Office in the area for over 30 years in several positions, including Postmaster for St. Marys and Ridgway. Betsy received her nursing degree from Duquesne University and worked for the PA Department of Health for 9 years. After taking a break to devote time to their children, Betsy returned to the field of nursing as the President/CEO of the Community Nurses, Inc. from where she retired, in 2004. Bob and Betsy have two children Jeffrey Roberts of Wilcox and Amy (Roberts) Smith of St. Marys and enjoy their two grandchildren Kirsten and Kayne.

The Roberts have always been involved in a variety of community affairs for years, serving countless hours in their community and with their favorite charities. Bob has served on City Council and in the past, was President of the St. Marys Parochial School Board and the St. Marys Church Parish Council. He is also an active member of the St. Marys Rotary Club and is currently holds leadership roles with the St. Marys Cemetery Board, Elk County Project Gifts for Kids and the St. Marys Catholic Church Building and Maintenance Committee.
Betsy has served as a board member of many organizations including: Andrew Kaul Memorial Hospital, Elk Regional Health Center, Elk Regional Health System, Community Nurses, PA Association of Home Health Agencies, and Visiting Nurses Association of PA. She was a founding member, and continues as a board member for the Community Education Council and for Elco Housing Inc. She is involved in the St. Marys Catholic Church as a member of the Adult Choir and serves on the parish Care and Concern Committee. Betsy is the current Treasurer of the St. Marys Christian Food Bank and plays an active role in this organization.
When asked about his opinion of their newly established Bob and Betsy Roberts Family Fund, Bob said, “Life has been good (to us) and I have always believed that the more you give the more you get.”

The Roberts’ have been involved with the Elk County Community Foundation in the past as advisors to the Charles and Doris Schloder Family Fund. This fund established a little over a year ago by Betsy and her bother John in honor of their parents. To learn more about establishing a fund or how anyone can support the good works the many organizations in the community contact Paula Fritz Eddy at the Elk County Community Foundation office by calling at 834-2125 or contacting them through their website at www.elkcountyfoundation.com.

Giving students a chance. Herbert Lenze’s memory lives on through new scholarship program.

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Herbert Lenze died on Nov. 8, 2007, but his legacy to the Ridgway Area School District will live forever through monies he has donated to the district earmarked for scholarships for boys’ basketball players and band members.

Lenze taught in the Ridgway Area School District for 30 years, and during the time he spent in Ridgway he was actively involved in extracurricular activities. He enjoyed the boy’s basketball and band programs the most.

Lenze was a basketball scorekeeper for most of his tenure at Ridgway, and also was treasurer of about every booster club and organization connected with the school.

Although it is unknown how long Lenze actually was involved with these groups, it is known that he put his heart into each activity for many years. Even though Lenze has passed on, he wanted to leave a little something so the students could continue to prosper from these programs.

Lenze decided to give an unknown amount of funds to the Ridgway Area School District to sponsor the basketball and marching band organizations, along with a scholarship program.

The monies going to these programs will allow the students to attend camps, purchase much–needed equipment and be governed by outside directors and coaches, along with giving students a financial bridge towards their college education.

The scholarship program will award one student that meets all necessary criteria with a $1,000 scholarships per year for up to four years. The student must maintain a B average. The criteria for the basketball scholarship is a student must have participated at least three years, including their senior year, as a player, manager or assistant. The band scholarship criteria is the student must be a senior and a member of the high school band for four years. Students must also be in the top 50 percentile of their class, and be accepted to a two– or four–year college.

The students are required to submit an essay entailed why the monies would benefit them. A students other activities will be considered during the elimination process, but they are not required to be considered.

The program will be conducted by a board comprised of the school superintendent, teachers, guidance counselors and the directors of the program. The scholarship monies will be delivered through the Elk County Community Foundation, a non-profit organization.

Paula Fritz Eddy said the organization is like an advocate for the donor’s monies. “We are not here to necessarily service individuals, but to service our donors,” Eddy said. “We help them become the philanthropist they want to be. We don’t provide services like the American Red Cross, but we service the donor to assure these programs will remain intact.”The benefits of having the monies organized through the ECCF is the students have a chance at increasing their scholarships. Since the ECCF is a state–based program and the scholarships are administered through the Partnerships for Access to Higher Education, a division of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, the students might become eligible for a larger scholarship. “About half of our kids end up getting additional grants,” said Eddy. “For a donor, it has potential of doubling their scholarship – not everyone, but those who are financially eligible.”

Jake Meyer, who is an attorney, says Lenze donated the monies to make the kids become more involved, make the programs better and he also hoped to lead other people to participate in making donations to the school.

Brent Rhoads stated the district will benefit in various ways because of Lenze’s generosity. Rhoads says the monies will pay a portion of the costs of having clinics, and now the district has the opportunity to bring in outside couches and directors. Rhoads says the monies will also allow for additional training the district was not able to afford before.

The school has already began reaping the benefits by purchasing clinics for the band students. The scholarship program will also begin disbursement for graduating seniors in May 2009, and the district is also considering some clinics for next summer.
Rhoads and the rest of the district is extremely grateful for Lenze’s donation.

“It is a great gift,” said Rhoads.