The First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania recently announced $420,965 in Field of Interest Grants. These grants will support nonprofit organizations serving residents across North Central Pennsylvania.

According to a news release, field of interest funds are established “by generous donors to address specific areas of community need or to benefit local neighborhoods. Through a competitive grant application process, nonprofits submit proposals that are reviewed and evaluated by advisory committees made up of community members.”

This quarter, the foundation received applications from 38 organizations across six counties, including Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Potter, Snyder and Union.

“The funded projects reflect the diverse priorities of the region and the commitment of donors to make a meaningful impact in their communities,” the news release said.

Grants recently approved by the foundation’s board include:

• The Century Fund for Human Services was established in 2016 as a result of a development campaign to celebrate FCFP’s 100th birthday. The 2025 grant program focused on programs that address dignity — basic human needs; making a house a home; and supporting individuals’ ability to thrive rather than just exist. Proposals received from nonprofits serving residents of Lycoming, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union counties were considered. Grantee: Fierce Love 4 Good, $25,000, to support the Angel Park Partnership, which provides clothing, personal hygiene items, and emotional support for child and adult survivors of human trafficking.

• The Earl G. and Meda E. Stroble Fund supports nonprofits with programs that help individuals experiencing poverty or homelessness, as well as nonprofits that help animals. Grantees: American Rescue Workers, $7,123, ongoing general operating support; Lycoming Animal Protection Society, $7,123, veterinary expenses for cats; The Salvation Army, $7,123, supplemental food for the weekly pantry.

• The Fath-Greene Animal Welfare Fund supports nonprofit organizations with programs that address animal welfare in the immediate vicinity of Coudersport and Potter County. Grantees: Potter County Animal Assistance Project, $15,324, spay and neuter expenses for cats; Teacher’s Pet Rescue, $15,324, veterinary expenses for dogs.

• The Lindig Lewisburg Foundation Fund was established to foster the religious, charitable, educational, cultural, recreational, or economic welfare of the Borough of Lewisburg. Grantees: DIG Furniture Bank, $4,600, to support the Good Night’s Sleep Fund through the purchase of mattresses and bed frames for individuals and families starting fresh in a new home; Heartland Youth Football League, $1,000, to replace expired helmets for the Lewisburg Youth Tackle Football program.

• The Lycoming Economic Development Foundation Fund, in memory of Joseph L. Rider, supports programs that address economic, commercial, and industrial welfare and the revitalization of Lycoming County. Grantees: Christ Community Worship Center, $41,900, to restore deteriorating sewer pipes, repair damaged flooring, and address updated safety needs at the L.I.F.E. Child Care and Preschool Learning Center; North Central Sight Services, $21,000, to support the ongoing expansion of the Sip for Sight program — bottleless water coolers for local businesses that generate revenue invested in employment and support services for individuals who are visually impaired.

According to the news release, the foundation also offered a special competitive grant program for emergency service organizations serving residents of Lycoming County. Career and volunteer fire companies, emergency medical services, and rescue companies were encouraged to apply for support for facility construction and renovation; equipment purchase and repair; recruitment, retention, training, and certification; or fire prevention education for the general public.

FCFP hosted a grant workshop featuring special guests Joe Marsicano, PA State Senate Legislative Assistant/Funding & Resource Specialist, and Elizabeth Vollman, Constituent Specialist for Senator Gene Yaw, representing the 23rd District. Grantees:

• Citizens Hose Co. of Jersey Shore, $43,588, to purchase a state-of-the-art powered ambulance stretcher to enhance patient safety, provider safety, and operational efficiency; • City of Williamsport, $11,000, to replace expired ballistic vests for the Williamsport Bureau of Fire; • Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Company, $39,660, to replace worn swift-water rescue technician kits and purchase a new water rescue boat; • Loyalsock Volunteer Fire Company #1, $10,700, to purchase advanced technical rescue struts; • Muncy Area Volunteer Fire Company, $30,000, to purchase critical life-safety portable radios and chargers; • Picture Rocks Volunteer Fire Company, $18,500, to purchase a portable hydraulic-operated Hurst cutter; • Ralston Volunteer Fire Company, $35,000, to purchase new digital radios compatible with Lycoming County’s updated public safety radio system; • Waterville Volunteer Fire Company, $81,000, to overhaul extrication equipment with Hurst Jaws of Life cutters and spreaders; • Willing Hand Hose Company #1, $6,000, to replace obsolete Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).