The ESSA Bank & Trust Foundation was formed with the mission of returning a portion of the bank's profits to the community to improve the quality of life. This philanthropic effort focuses on supporting health-related programs, arts, education, parks and recreation, and housing initiatives to benefit the Pocono region.
The ESSA Bank & Trust Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations within Monroe County, focusing on community health, housing-related programs, education, arts, and parks and recreation. Starting in 2024, grants are awarded quarterly with a maximum amount of $10,000 per application. The Foundation has a history of charitable giving since its establishment in 2007, with more than $17.5 million awarded to support the community's well-being.
The Foundation primarily focuses on five key areas: programs related to housing, parks and recreation initiatives, educational projects, community health efforts, and arts-related endeavors. While proposals outside these categories are not automatically excluded, priority is granted to those that align with these interests. Additionally, proposals that aim to leverage the grant for securing matching funds, either partially or in full, from other public or private entities will be especially favored.