The FirstEnergy Foundation has awarded $20,000 in “Gifts of the Season” grants to two nonprofit organizations in Pennsylvania. The initiative is part of a broader program that will distribute $100,000 to eight nonprofits across five states within FirstEnergy’s service area during 2025.
The grants are aimed at addressing food and housing insecurity in communities served by FirstEnergy Pennsylvania. Endless Mountain Mission Center received $10,000 to support its work providing meals, shelter, and essential resources for individuals and families facing hardship in Troy, Pennsylvania. The organization delivers housing support as well as rental and utility assistance to help stabilize the lives of 70 to 100 people each year.
Another $10,000 grant was given to Erie Center for Arts and Technology, Inc. (ECAT). This funding will help maintain a student food pantry and expand workforce training programs designed to lead participants toward stable employment. In 2024, ECAT enrolled 84 students; all graduates from construction trades programs secured full-time jobs. The new grant is expected to benefit more than two dozen additional students.
John Hawkins, President of FirstEnergy Pennsylvania, said: “The holidays can be a tough time for those struggling with basic needs. We’re committed to building stronger communities year-round, and through these ‘Gifts of the Season’ grants, we’re supporting programs that provide immediate relief and create long-term opportunities.”
The “Gifts of the Season” program marks its tenth year in 2025. Since its inception in 2016, it has provided $1.2 million in grants supporting local nonprofits and community initiatives focused on bringing people together and strengthening neighborhoods.
The FirstEnergy Foundation supports tax-exempt nonprofits that address critical needs within areas served by FirstEnergy’s electric operating companies or where the company does business. So far in 2025, the Foundation has distributed over $5.5 million in community support throughout its operational area.
FirstEnergy emphasizes corporate responsibility through environmental and community initiatives as outlined on its official website (https://www.firstenergycorp.com/about/corporate-responsibility.html?_gl=1*t8gjrv*_up*MQ..*_ga*NTEzMTczNTMzLjE3NjQwMTA5Mzg.*_ga_TVQJK7Z44E*czE3NjQwMTA5MzckbzEkZzEkdDE3NjQwMTE0NzckajYwJGwwJGgw). The company manages about 24,000 miles of transmission lines and serves more than six million customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York (https://www.firstenergycorp.com/about.html?_gl=1*1pny36x*_up*MQ..*_ga*NTEzMTczNTMzLjE3NjQwMTA5Mzg.*_ga_TVQJK7Z44E*czE3NjQwMTA5MzckbzEkZzAkdDE3NjQwMTA5MzckajYwJGwwJGgw).
For information about grant opportunities or sponsorships with the FirstEnergy Foundation, interested parties are directed to visit the foundation’s webpage or contact their Community Involvement team.
