Beaver County Foundation List of Established Funds
General Purpose Funds
Benjamin Franklin Fund
Established through the Will of Benjamin Franklin with a bequest of $25,000 in 1992, this fund provides annual awards that recognize entrepreneurial activities in Beaver County. The fund is used to fund the Ben Franklin Award. Recipients often select a local organization to receive an award in their honor.
Acorn Fund
Established by the board of directors of the foundation with annual contributions, this fund will eventually provide for general purpose grants. This is a long-term fund maintained by small contributions of $100 annually from the foundation board. On July 22, 2010 the foundation received a gift in the amount of $80,323.53 following the death of Judge J. Q. Salmon. In the 1960s a free Healthfair was held in Beaver County, organized by businessman Edward Sahli, Sr. The Healthfair was free, but many businesses and individuals contributed to the event. After Mr. Sahli’s passing in 1989, Judge Salmon acquired custody of the funds in the name of the Beaver County Foundation. Judge Salmon died on September 30, 2009 at the age of 102. The fund was then transferred to the current Beaver County Foundation.
J. Q. Salmon Fund
The J. Q. Salmon Fund is a general purpose fund established on February 23, 2013 through the estate of the Honorable Jacob Quint Salmon a lawyer and former Judge of the Beaver County Court. The amount of the bequest was $476,000. The fund preferences are for projects and programs which favor Judge Salmon’s residence, the city of Beaver Falls, as well as those organizations in which he served.
Scholarship Funds
The Ambridge 1950s Scholarship Fund was formed by a group of alumni who planned a 50’s class reunion. Each year awards are made to a group of 10 to 15 graduates of Ambridge High School.
The Ambridge High School Football Alumni Fund scholarship is given to an Ambridge football player who has distinguished academically, athletically and in leadership.
The Robert Wayne and Alda Jane Cole Scholarship Fund was created by Mr. Cole with a gift of $25,000 in memory of his wife. An award of $1,500 is given annually. The award is for graduating senior of Hopewell High School.
The Fred “Coach” Latherow Scholarship Fund was established by the family and friend of Fred Latherow, long time coach at Western Beaver High School. For more than 30 years “coach” Latherow serves as a mentor, counselor and friend to hundreds of Western Beaver students. An annual award of $750 is made to a student athlete from Western Beaver who demonstrates leadership, scholarship and character.
The Ellwood City High School Class of 1957 Scholarship Fund. The fund was established in 2007 by contributions from graduates of the Ellwood High School Class of 1957. It is to be used to grant one or more scholarships to Ellwood High School or its successor to graduating seniors with preference given to students pursuing a four-year degree with professional training to follow.
The Stanley Polikowski Scholarship Trust was established through a bequest from Stanley Polikowski for students graduating from the Ambridge Area High School. The Ambridge School District transferred the bequest of $413,000, effective August 21, 2002, to the Beaver County Foundation which serves as the custodian and administrator of the fund. Mr. Polikowski was the former owner and operator of the Baden Hotel and had a love of education.
The Catherine Malesh-Vageonis Scholarship Fund was established by the family and friends of Catherine Malesh-Vageonis with an initial contribution of $5,000 in July of 2004. The scholarship fund is to be used to help support nursing education with preference being given to students from Aliquippa, Ambridge, Center and Hopewell high schools.
The John Knobloch Fund was established by Beaver Resident, John J. Knobloch on October 10, 2005 with gifts of stock that totaled $31,179.30. John Knobloch served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the former Babcock and Wilcox Company in Beaver Falls. The scholarship fund is to be used to provide financial assistance to students seeking to enter the fields of accounting, business, economics and finance with preference given to students from school districts who do not have scholarship funds with the Beaver County Foundation.
The Richard Zana Memorial Scholarship Fund was created by the family and former students of Richard Zana, the former director of music at Ambridge High School. Mr. Zana died in 2008. The award is given to any Beaver County High School student who has excelled in music.
The Philip H. Inman Excellence in Choral Conducting Arts and Scholarship Fund was established in 2010 by the Beaver Valley Choral Society in recognition of Mr. Philip H. Inman, Artistic Director Emeritus of the Choral Society. Mr. Inman is a former music educator at Rochester High School. Currently, Mr. Raymond Rotuna is the Artistic Director and Sharon Burchell is the Assistant Artistic Director of the Choral Society. Scholarships are awarded to those Beaver County students pursuing conducting education, or music performance at the following schools: Carnegie Mellon University, Duquesne University, Geneva College, Grove City College, or Westminster College.
The Dr. Nick Trombetta Scholarship Fund was established in 2010 by the National Network of Digital Schools in honor of Nick Trombetta, Ed.D. Dr. Tombetta is a pioneer in developing cyber school education and the CEO of The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School. This scholarship is awarded to a graduate of the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School.
The Executive Women’s Council Fund was established in June of 2013 with a grant of $5,079 from the council. The fund is to be used to provide financial assistance (scholarships) to one or more women recipients who are pursuing education in order to return to the workplace, seeking upward mobility that requires additional education, or those reentering the workplace.
The Sherri A. Zdunek Medical Scholarship was established as a memorial by her family and friends and is to be awarded to a Medical Student that either has a letter of acceptance or is enrolled in a United States Medical School or United States accredited Osteopathic Medical School. The applicant must have been raised a resident of Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, or Lawrence Counties.
The Domenic Viccari-Ellwood McDonalds Scholarship Fund was established in 2013 in honor of Domenic Viccari, a former council member in Ellwood City. The scholarship grants an award of $1,000 to a graduate of Lincoln High School or Riverside High School.
The Midland Alumni Scholarship Fund is to provide financial assistance (scholarships) to one or more students who attend a four years of a two years post high school institution. Students would include those who reside in Midland or would have attended Midland High School had it continued to exist.
The James Botti and James Kaplan Scholarship Fund was established in 2013 in honor of James Botti and James Kaplan, former Rochester Area music teachers and former owners of the Brighton Music Center. The Scholarship grants an award of $1,000 to a graduate of Allegheny, Beaver or Butler county high schools who have participated in the instrumental music program who is majoring in music education.
The John James Manjerovic Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in 2014 in honor of John James “Monty” Manjerovic. “Monty” worked at the Shippingport Plant of the Beaver Valley Power Station and his children attended and grandchildren now attend school in the South Side School District. He died at an early age from mantle cell lymphoma in 2013. He had a desire for education that was passed onto his children. His children wanted to pass this on to others so they set up this scholarship fund in his memory. Scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors from South Side High School.
The Charles Cerjak Scholarship Fund was established in 2014 by the National Network of Digital Schools Foundation in honor of Mr. Charles Cerjak, their former Board Member and past President. Mr. Cerjak was a former teacher at the Beaver County Vocational School and scholarships from this fund are awarded to Beaver County graduating seniors pursuing post secondary education in areas of trades and technology.
The Naomi Sondheimer Scholarship Fund was established by her family in recognition of her 35 years as a teacher in the New Brighton School District. A scholarship of $1,500 is awarded to a Beaver Falls, Blackhawk or New Brighton High School graduating senior who wishes to pursue a teaching career.
The Daniel J. Zuppe Scholarship was established in recognition of his service to the National Network of Digital Schools as a director and board president. A scholarship of $2,500 is awarded to a Beaver County School District graduate attending college.
The Michael Wickline Scholarship Fund was created in his memory by his family in recognition of Michael’s devotion to teaching and passion for coaching. Michael was a teacher and football coach at Riverside High School and also coached football at Geneva College. This scholarship is awarded to a graduate of Riverside High School who plays football at Geneva College.
The Midland Sports Hall of Fame Scholarship Fund was created in July 2015 with an initial contribution from Lincoln Learning Solutions to benefit graduating seniors who are currently residents of Midland, Pennsylvania to provide scholarship assistance for their post-secondary education. The fund will award a scholarship of $500 each year.
The TCM Scholarship was established October 2016 by Tri-County Management(TCM), the parent company of several McDonalds franchises in the area. The scholarship provides funds to be used to grant one or more scholarships for students attending New Castle School of Trades.
The Charles A. Sciulli Scholarship Fund was established in October of 2017 in memory of Charles A. Sciulli, who was a veteran and who stressed the importance of Catholic education to his children. This scholarship provides assistance to currently enrolled or graduates of Catholic High Schools in Beaver County or Beaver County residents attending or graduating from neighboring county Catholic High Schools.
The Philip H. Inman Scholarship Fund was started by Donald and Carol Inman in memory of their brother, Philip Inman, who was instrumental in starting the Henry Mancini Awards for high school students interested in the theater. This fund provides a scholarship for the Henry Mancini Awards winners of Best Actor and Best Actress each year.
The David B. Otto Scholarship Fund was established by his family and friends in 2019 in memory of David Otto because of David’s thirst for learning and passion for helping others, serving as CEO of Penn State Beaver for several years. This scholarship provides for a $500 scholarship for students attending Penn State Beaver.
The Dylan J. Elchin Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Staff Sergeant Dylan J. Elchin who, as part of the United States Army Special Operations Force Operational Detachment-Alpha Team, was killed when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan at the age of 25. This scholarship will be awarded to graduates of Beaver County High Schools which have ROTC programs. They must be attending a four year or two year institution or vocational school and must have signed an obligation to serve in the Armed Services.
The Frank C. Bauer Leadership Fund was established in memory of Frank Bauer, who grew up and coached in Rochester and later at Washington & Jefferson College, Geneva College and California University. He also worked for Ryno Productions, Wheeling Jesuit University and PNC Bank. The scholarship will be awarded to graduates of Rochester High School who demonstrated leadership on the football team or any other sport.
The Nahas Family Scholarship Fund was started by A.K. Nahas to provide scholarships for graduates of Beaver High School with preference of those students pursuing a career in business.
The Carole J. McBride Scholarship Fund was started with the Beaver County Foundation in 2023 in memory of Carole McBride, who served as Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent of the Blackhawk School District. This scholarship is for female students graduating from Blackhawk High School pursuing a 4-year degree.
The Cory A. Miller Scholarship Fund was started in 2023 in memory of Cory Miller, who made a big impact in the lives of the residents of Midland. The fund was started by his family and friends to honor his memory. The scholarship is awarded to residents of Midland who are high school graduates or have earned their GED and are attending a trade or technical school.
The Joe Zerilla Scholarship Fund became part of the Beaver County Foundation in 2023. This fund was started in memory of Joe Zerilla. Joe was a coach, referee, School Board president, Ambridge Borough councilman and a member of several sports’ hall of fames. The fund provides scholarships for graduates of Ambridge High School who were athletes.
All of these scholarship funds are used to make annual or semi-annual grants to students and require that funds are available for the fall and spring semesters.
Field of Interest Funds
The Baker-Blockhouse Fund was established with the Beaver County Foundation in 2010. The purpose of the fund is to maintain and preserve a historical site of the George Baker II family believed to be, with the Levi Dungan family, the first settlers of Beaver County. George Baker II established a homestead in Center Township in 1772.
The Beaver County Industrial Museum Fund was established with an initial grant of $5,000 from J & L Steel Corporation in part to preserve the history of J&L and other historical items of the industrial heritage of Beaver County.
The Penn’s Woods Equestrian Fund was created in 1995 in part from a special carriage event developed by the late Frank H. Morrow. The fund is to be used for the encouragement and promotion of equestrian education and events in Beaver County.
The Martha J. Fetterly Fund was established on August 12, 1998 with a gift of $25,000 and provided funds to scholarships, and tutoring for students in the Rochester Area School District. Miss Fetterly was a teacher in the district. The fund has been adapted and now provides funding for Lutheran Church programs for the elderly.
The Children’s Home Fund was established in 2001 with the transfer of funds from the Children’s Home Endowment to the Foundation. The initial transfer was in the amount of $670,000. The fund represents the endowment of the former Beaver County Children’s Home for orphaned youth. The fund operates as a “Foundation within a Foundation” and is used to encourage and support programs for youth. Currently the Board of the Children’s Home Fund advises the Foundation manager of its portfolio objectives.
Beaver Area Heritage Foundation is a fund established by a group of Beaver Area residents who wish to preserve and perpetuate the historical significance of the Beaver Area. The Heritage Foundation was begun in 1967 by Harry Philips, owner of the former Beaver Lunch. The funds were transferred to the Beaver County Foundation in September of 2005 with a beginning balance of approximately $100,000.
The Sweetwater Fund was created for the benefit of the Beaver Area Heritage Foundation. The gift was the result of the sale of the Sweetwater Hill Condominium by Mrs. Peggy Smythe March of Sewickley. Mr. Ed McLaughlin, Bovard Anderson, was instrumental in working with Mrs. March to provide this unusual demonstration of personal philanthropy.
Patterson Christian Ministry Fund was established on October 23, 2008 through a grant of $1,551,534. Mrs. Andrew (Ruth) Patterson bequeathed some $3 million to the First Presbyterian Church of Beaver, who in turn contributed approximately 50% to the Beaver County Foundation to form a Christian Ministry Fund in order to spread the Christian message through out Beaver County. Additionally, the fund will continue the support of a mission in Haiti begun by the church and the Patterson Fund.
The Grace Mission Fund was established January 12, 2018 to create a charitable fund to assist in the development and maintenance of Christian ministries through the region, nation and certain areas of special need, particularly in Haiti.
The Paramount Fund was started to provide economic and community development through entrepreneurship, leadership, training and local revitalization efforts. This fund will help new entrepreneurs get their business started through training and assistance.
The Friends of Beaver Parks Fund was started in 2018 to provide for the preservation, maintenance, improvements and renovations for the many parks in the Borough of Beaver. In particular, the funds are to be used to help improve Quay Park in Beaver.
The Margaret A. and George S. Wildman Fund was started in memory of Margaret and George Wildman and their passion for wilderness programs for girls. This fund provides assistance to high school girls from Beaver County to participate in Canadian Canoe Trails, Girl Scout Wider Opportunities Programs and other such wilderness adventure experiences.
The Royally Fit Fund was established on July 1, 2020 to provide fiscal sponsorship for Royally Fit, a mobile community wellness program particularly for underserved neighborhoods in the Beaver County area. The fund will provide for the general welfare of the cultural, educational, healthcare and social services of the area.
The Hopewell Education Foundation Fund was established by parents in the Hopewell Area School district in 2021 to provide for financial support of programs promoting student enrichment within the Hopewell Area School District.
The Water Complex at Shaw Park Fund was established to provide for the building or renovation and upkeep of a new pool in Beaver, PA.
The James and Celeste LaBate Fund was started in 2023 to provide for the maintenance, repairs and replacement of the story hike markers in Sahli Park in Chippewa.
The Beaver County Chamber of Commerce Partners in Progress Fund was established in December 2023. Fund seeks to support members, community organizations, non-profits and individuals who develop programs designed to promote economic growth and community development. We also encourage collaboration among private businesses, education, and community organizations to foster an environment that aligns with the Chamber’s mission to make Beaver County a great place to live, work and play.
Donor Advised Funds
The purpose of the Dioguardi Foundation is to provide financial support for charitable and non-profit organizations in Beaver County and Southwestern Pennsylvania. The Donors are deeply passionate about sustaining, maintaining, and improving upon the integrity, beauty, and preservation of the Beaver Cemetery. Therefore, the Beaver Cemetery shall have first and sole priority (unless the Donors or their Advisers expressly indicate in writing otherwise) in funding programs and projects of the Beaver Cemetery including, but not limited to, landscaping, tree trimming, lawn care, shrub maintenance, watering, monument restoration and the general upkeep and maintenance of the Beaver Cemetery.
The Beaver County Bar Association Fund was established on July 19, 2002 as the charitable vehicle for the association. The purpose of the fund is to support community oriented programs and events from time to time. It will be funded from periodic contribution made through the Bar Association
The Economy Borough Veterans Memorial Fund was established in 2006 by a group of Economy residents to create, construct and maintain a memorial recognizing those who served our nation with the ultimate sacrifice.
The John Kotun Fund. This fund was created in 2007, with an initial deposit of $500. John Kotun, a 1998 graduate of South Side Beaver County High School, was injured while skiing in Utah. The purpose of the fund is to provide financial support to families and individuals with serious injuries. Payments are only made to agencies and not individuals.
The McLaughlin Family Cemetery Fund. This fund was established by John R., and Joetta “Nicki” Z. McLaughlin with an initial deposit of $5,000. The purpose of the fund is to provide funds to pay for the ordinary and necessary expenses of operating, maintaining, and improving the cemetery, to buy cemetery property; and to create a fund that will provide a source of income for the perpetual care of the McLaughlin Cemetery and create a reasonable reserve for any ordinary and necessary purpose.
The Pisgah Fund was established on April 15, 2003 by individuals who wanted to support the campus ministry of Geneva College. Pisgah is the name of the mountaintop from which Moses looked over the Promised Land. Income from the fund helps support the Christian outreach of Geneva College
The Eugene F. and Margaret Moltrup Jannuzi Foundation was created by Eugene F. Jannuzi as a memorial to his wife Margaret. The “fund” was established on July 30, 2004 with an initial cash contribution by Eugene F. Jannuzi of $100,000 in the form of a charitable remainder trust. Additionally, the “fund” is the named beneficiary of several life insurance policies. Distribution from the “fund” will favor certain church groups and several upper Beaver Valley social service organizations.
The Blackwood Foundation was established by W. Richard Blackwood on October 5, 2004 with an initial contribution of $100,000. The purpose of the fund is to support programs of interest to the donor mainly in the upper Beaver Valley. Such programs include those related to golf for youth, the Humane Society, and various social service organizations.
Korean-Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund was established on November 19, 2004 by the Beaver County Times and its Controller, Ed Metzger. The fund is the result of an effort started by Brighton Township resident Paul E. Lanning, a Korean War Veteran. The Times began a fund raising effort in early 2003 and the memorial was dedicated on November 9, 2003. A similar effort was conducted in 1983 to construct a Vietnam Veterans Memorial was dedicated on November 11, 1983. Some $54,682 was raised beyond the cost of both memorials and as a result this fund was created to provide maintenance and upkeep of the memorials. A committee consisting of the President of the Vietnam Veterans, the Beaver County Director of Veterans Affairs and a representative of the Beaver County Times will advise the Foundation of the needs to maintain the memorials.
The Bloom-O’Data Fund was established to support religious and charitable causes such as the Lutheran Church, Geneva College, the Medical Center and the Humane Society. It was established by Beaver County Foundation founder, Charles O’Data and his wife, Marilyn. Funds were held as a Certificate of Deposit but in 2005 were moved to the Trust Department for investment.
The Beaver County Law Enforcement Memorial Fund agreement was signed, by the Beaver County Chiefs of Police Association, Beaver Valley Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #4, and the James Naim Memorial Lodge #26 on December 16, 2006. Each of the founding organizations contributed an initial deposit of $1800 and the fund was opened in January of 2007. The fund was established to provide financial stability for the long-term care and promotion of the law enforcement memorial erected in Agnew Square, Beaver, PA, in 2005. It will provide the funds for general maintenance, upkeep, and capital needs associated with preserving the memorial, as well as, support for expansion and memorial events. The treasurer of the Law Enforcement Memorial Fund Committee was designated as advisor for the fund.
Beaver Valley Chiefs of Police Association established a found in July 2007 with an initial gift of $15,000. The fund is to be used for training, continuing education, and communication within the chief’s association.
The Blanche E. and George B. Shaw Jr. Fund is a donor advised fund established by the Shaw’s daughter Sarah Shaw Wright on July 12, 2014 with a gift of $20,000. Income from the fund is to be used to support the Beaver Area Heritage Foundation, the Beaver Memorial Library, and the scholarship funds administered by the Beaver Area Education Foundation and the Rochester High School Alumni Association.
The Trinity Fund is established to provide financial support to agencies who help meet the needs of low income citizens of Beaver County. Eligible recipients are local non-profit organizations whose target population includes individuals and multi-person households who have exhausted all other funding resources for utilities, rental, medical and transportation assistance. The name of this Fund was inspired by Saint Ephrem who explained the Holy Trinity as “The sun is the Father, the light is the Son, and the warmth is the Holy Spirit.” May the Holy Spirit be upon the recipients of this Fund and reaffirm their self-worth, dignity and faith in God.
The IDAC Fund was started in 2017 to provide for payment of costs, expenses or contributions in support of fostering awareness of inclusion, diversity and values of cultural competency in Beaver County and surrounding areas.
The Eleanor G. Gaudio Foundation was established in memory of Eleanor Gaudio by her daughter to provide for funding and support for the Carnegie Free Library and the Big Beaver Falls School District music, art and library programs.
The Harold Reed Foundation was established in 2020 after the passing of Harold Reed, a prominent Beaver attorney. The fund benefits the First Presbyterian Church in Beaver.
The St. Teresa of Calcutta Fund was started in December of 2021 for the support of capital, special programs and operating needs of Mary, Queen of Saints Parish and St. Vincent College, Seminary and Archabbey; for annual campaign and special programs of the United Way of Beaver County; for local and national non-profits deemed worthy by the owners of the fund; and for student scholarships to Catholic schools in Beaver County.
The Edward A. Sondheimer Fund was started in December of 2021 in memory of Edward Sondheimer, owner of Tri County Restaurant Equipment in Beaver Falls. The fund is be used for the support of civic, medical, religious, youth and other charitable organizations in Beaver County and the surrounding area.
The Montanari Charitable Fund was started in December 2021 by Lee and Clara Montanari to support The Gospel Tabernacle and Mt. Carmel Evangelical Presbyterian Churches and other Christian churches; The United Way of Beaver County; and for the sponsorship of children and other causes of Compassion International and similar organizations.
The Ady’s Embracing Equines Fund was started in 2024 in memory of Adyson Olivia Franz, a 17-year old who lost her courageous battle with bone cancer. In remembrance of Ady, the “Ady’s Embracing Equine” Fund was established to give back and support those children that have faced similar struggles in life with their battle through cancer. Through this, children of all ages can be exposed to those similar fortunate life experiences that helped in defining who Adyson Olivia Franz was and what she is to be remembered for. This fund provides equine therapy for cancer warriors and their bereavement therapy for siblings and provides help to the Angels R Us fund of the Beaver County Cancer and Heart Association.
Organizational Endowments
The Foundation has the ability to manage organization endowments. Currently, there are three organizational endowments within the Foundation. Individuals may make contributions to the foundation for the benefit of these organizations. For information on how to assist these organizations through outright or planned gifts donors may contact the Foundation.
Big Brothers and Big Sisters. These funds are for the long-term security of the Big Brother and Big Sister organization.
Early Childhood Success Fund. This fund was established on December 21, 2009. The purpose of the fund is to provide endowed funds for early childhood programs such as Head Start in Beaver County.
The Women’s Center of Beaver County. The purpose of the Fund is to provide resources for the organization and its charitable purposes, so long as the organization is recognized as exempt from federal income tax under Section 501 (c)(3) for the Code. It is explicitly understood by all parties to the agreement that the purpose of the Fund is for long-term financial stability, to provide general operating funds as well as funds for capital needs of the Women’s Center.
NAMI Beaver County Endowment Fund. This fund provides resources for NAMI Beaver County, PA. NAMI Beaver County (the National Alliance on Mental Illness Beaver County) supports, educates and advocates for all persons with mental illness, their families and friends.
Funds within the Foundation may be created for as little as $5,000.
The Beaver County Foundation is able to create a Foundation within a Foundation. Individuals or businesses who establish a fund in the amount of $300,000 or more may choose to name the fund a “foundation.” Technically, the fund would function as a donor advised fund of the Beaver County Foundation.
The Beaver County Foundation has the ability to establish and manage charitable trusts, insurance gifts and other forms of planned gifts. For more information, interested persons may contact Theresa M. Laderer, Executive Director.
Updated: September 19, 2023