The Norwin Community Foundation plans to meet Wednesday to discuss funding several projects throughout the region.
The foundation meets once a year and grants funding for community-based projects in Irwin, North Irwin and North Huntingdon.
William Kerr, superintendent of the Norwin School District and a member of the foundation's board of trustees, said the Norwin Community Foundation gives money for projects ranging from scholarships for Norwin High School students and helping with educational initiatives to recreation, arts-based and crime prevention initiatives.
"The funding promotes the well-being of the Norwin community through various means," Kerr said. "The funding opportunities usually cover a pretty broad spectrum."
Kerr said the foundation received several requests for funding, but did not identify which organizations applied.
The foundation, which began in 1971, typically distributes between $2,500 and $5,000 annually.
The money comes from interest earned from the foundation's investments, which are handled by Raymond James & Associates, a member of the New York Stock Exchange based in St. Petersburg, Fla.
The foundation's board of trustees includes treasurer Megan Schaffer of S&T Bank in Irwin, Jason Csukas of National City Bank in North Huntingdon, Irwin manager Mary Benko, North Huntingdon Township manager John Shepherd, North Irwin secretary Adele Nehas and Pastor Todd Neveu from the Norwin Ministerium.
Benko, who has been a trustee since 1998, said the communities have embraced the foundation because although it accepts donations, it does not look for financial help.
"It's strictly altruistic," Benko said. "We're not looking for any help. We just want to make donations to worthwhile causes that truly benefit our communities."
