The people of our community are truly remarkable.   Despite economic challenges, thousands of individuals and businesses persist by giving of themselves. They volunteer, make cash gifts, and give generously.

This not only helps the charities they support, it brings our community together. It means we look out for those in need, especially when times are tough.

History proves even in a bad economy, Americans are resilient—and our belief in philanthropy is too. Giving has grown continuously nearly every year for the past four decades through every economic climate, crossing $300 billion mark for the first time last year.

Today, more than 250 members of our community gather in Wilkes-Barre to recognize Clayton and Theresa Karambelas of Wilkes-Barre as outstanding volunteer fundraisers, the Maslow Family Foundation as outstanding foundation, and Pennstar Bank as outstanding philanthropic corporation. Helen Bernstein Miller of Scranton will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for Philanthropy.

With the Holidays near, now is the time to celebrate our community’s good fortune and give generously of our time, talent, and treasure.  Social service agencies shouldn’t have to turn down families who need food, senior citizens who need blankets or children who want something special from Santa.

In these tough times, National Philanthropy Day calls attention to the huge impact generosity can have. Today, let’s celebrate giving and continue to be a bright light for others in the world.

John Dawe is President of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.  AFP works to advance philanthropy through advocacy, research, education and certification programs, fosters development and growth of fundraising professionals, and promotes high ethical standards in the fundraising profession.

The following article appeared in the November 2008 edition of the NEPA Business Journal.

Philanthropic history appears to be repeating itself.  Seven years ago this September, four jetliners changed the course of American social, economic and philanthropic history. The stock market plunged and a recession ensued.  Attributes such as confidence and trust all but faded from our vocabulary.

Yet, charitable giving spiraled upward, despite it all, during year-end giving season 2001. Billions of dollars were raised for relief efforts. Most of those gifts were tied to the aftermath of 9/11. As this column is being written in October 2008, the stock market continues on a daily slide and words such as bailout, meltdown and recession nearly dominate conversations and media reports. Read more »

POSITION TITLE:   Academic Grant Writer
CLASSIFICATION:   Professional
DEPARTMENT:   Academic Affairs
POSITION REPORTS TO:  Vice President for Academic Affairs

JOB FUNCITON: Under the direction of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Academic Grant Writer is responsible for working closely with faculty members to identify their research interests and scholarship endeavors; for researching and identifying funding opportunities that match research interests/scholarship endeavors; for assisting with the development of grant applications, ensuring that all agency-required materials are included with the application (e.g. updated curriculum vitae); submitting grant applications/proposals in a timely fashion; and, once a grant is awarded, facilitating the initial meeting between the principle investigator/project director of the grant and the assistant comptroller. The Academic Grant Writer trains faculty on how to develop the components of a grant proposal including needs assessments, sustainability plans, goals and objectives, and budgets. The Academic Grant Writer stays abreast of state and federal laws, regulations, and eligibility requirements. When appropriate, the Academic Grant Writer works in collaboration with the Director of Corporate, Foundation and Government Grants in the Division for Institutional Advancement in order to avoid potential duplication of efforts. Read more »

The Alzheimer’s Association is searching for a Special Events Manager for the Wilkes Barre Office located at 57 N. Franklin Street. This individual is responsible for implementation and coordination of our Memory Walk program in the Northeast region and with other special events. Minimum requirements are Bachelor’s degree with experience in the fundraising field, walk experience highly preferred. Computer applications including Word and Excel required. Local travel as well as evening and weekend hours are required. Please send resume and cover letter to Angela Grimm, Vice President of Development at1100 Liberty Avenue, Ste E-201, Pittsburgh, PA 15222 or angela.grimm@alz.org. No phone calls please. EOE