The Community Foundation is dedicated to supporting Lehigh Valley youth and families by managing funds focused on providing comprehensive approaches for engaging youth and their families in pursuing meaningful life aspirations. This involves flexible funding for organizations aimed at early childhood and other critical developmental periods, recognizing the importance of quality childcare for a vibrant, healthy economy while addressing the existing early childcare education crisis.
The Area-of-Interest Funds support programs and initiatives focusing on specific issues chosen by the donor, such as environmental conservation, camperships, or no-kill animal shelters. These funds aim to have a greater impact by pooling resources with other like-minded individuals. Foundation-directed area-of-interest fund awards are decided based on recommendations from a community committee dedicated to a specific initiative. The Lehigh River Fund, established by the Lehigh River Foundation, focuses on protecting, promoting, and enhancing the Lehigh River and its watershed. This includes efforts within the Delaware and Lehigh Canal National Heritage Corridor and Heritage State Park.