Alana Roberts (right), PPL Regional Affairs Director, presents a PPL Foundation grant to Krista Schneider, Executive Director of the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress.

DOWNTOWN ALLIANCE RECEIVES GRANT FROM PPL FOUNDATION


The Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress is pleased to announce it has received a $5,000 grant from the PPL Foundation. These funds will be used to support the organization’s Main Street Program and downtown revitalization efforts, which have been ongoing since 2014.

This work has included the completion of a Strategic Plan, the purchase and ongoing renovation of the former Security Savings Bank building for use as a new arts center, the establishment of a new city park, the ongoing rehabilitation of a blighted property for use as a new downtown business incubator, the establishment of a façade rehabilitation program that has resulted in the renovation of five buildings, and the establishment of the First Friday program that brings art, music, entertainment and cultural events to the downtown every first Friday of the month. Over the past few years the Alliance has been responsible for securing several millions of dollars of state, federal, and private grants to fund these revitalization initiatives, as well as those of partner organizations and several city projects and programs.

“We are very thankful for the PPL’s generous contribution to our organization,” said Krista Schneider, Executive Director of the Alliance. “Our operations are entirely funded by private donations, so these funds will help us continue the work we are doing to enrich our community and help grow the local economy.”

The PPL Foundation awards annual grants through a competitive application and review process.

“Each day throughout the areas we serve, everyday heroes at nonprofit organizations roll up their sleeves and go to work to lift up our communities,” said Ryan Hill, president of the PPL Foundation. “They don’t seek the limelight. They are simply about helping others and making the world a better place. We share their values, and the PPL Foundation is proud to support the tremendous work they do.”

About the PPL Foundation

Through strategic partnerships, the PPL Foundation will support organizations that are doing innovate and groundbreaking work to create vital, sustainable communities and empowering each citizen to fulfill her or his potential. The PPL Foundation contributes more than $2 million annually to a wide variety of nonprofit organizations. For more information, visit www.pplcares.com.