Buchanan fund grants go to four local nonprofits

Four area nonprofits will receive $425 apiece in grants newly awarded through the Barbara J. Buchanan Fund of the Greater Pike Community Foundation. The recipients are Grey Towers Heritage Association, Pike Autism Support Services of Northeast Pennsylvania, Pike County Public Library and Pike County Historical Society.

The Barbara J. Buchanan Fund has supported a wide range of organizations in human services, the arts, historic preservation and civic improvement since its inception in 2014 as Greater Pike’s first donor-sponsored fund. Buchanan, who died in 2018 at the age of 95, was a lifelong volunteer, patron, philanthropist and community activist whose work supported many Pike County agencies and activities.

“Barbara Buchanan was an inspiring model of generosity and community philanthropy, and we are honored to continue her legacy of bringing our community together by making these awards in her memory,” said Greater Pike Executive Director Rick Little.

According to the Foundation, Grey Towers Heritage Association (GTHA) will use its grant to underwrite a series of three concerts — country, jazz and classical — this summer. The concerts will be free to the public, offering a family-friendly way to explore the historic grounds of Grey Towers in Milford. Buchanan helped establish GTHA in 1996 to promote conservation education and events.

Pike Autism Support Services of NEPA reportedly plans to use the funding in a first-responder training program. Autism shield training is designed to help police officers, firefighters, and EMTs recognize individuals with autism and learn practical strategies for interacting with them.

The Pike County Public Library will use its grant toward the installation of a StoryWalk along a walking trail at a park in Pike County. A StoryWalk is a way for people of all ages to read a book while taking a stroll by accessing signposts along the way displaying the text. The first book chosen is “In The Woods: Who’s Been Here?” by local author Lindsay Barrett George.

The Pike County Historical Society will use its grant to update and improve the signage in the museum’s Lincoln Room. Buchanan played a major role in the authentication of the society’s Lincoln Flag, which was hanging in Ford’s Theater the night Abraham Lincoln was assassinated and carries drops of Lincoln’s blood. The exhibit opened in 1996 and the signage in the room has faded over time.

“The members of our Grants Committee were impressed by the many strong funding requests we received for this grant. We feel these four projects will have a wonderful impact on our community and represent causes and organizations that were near and dear to Mrs. Buchanan’s heart,” said Carol Witschel, Greater Pike Community Foundation’s grants chair.

In addition to the Buchanan Fund grants, Greater Pike also awards grants of up to $5,000 to local nonprofits working in the areas of arts and culture, historic preservation, beautification, medical, health and wellness through the Richard L. Snyder Fund. Applications for Snyder Fund grants will be accepted from May 15 through June 15.

Check greaterpike.org for updates on the grant cycle. For more information, email info@greaterpike.org. Online donations to the Barbara J. Buchanan Fund and the Richard L. Snyder Fund can be made at greaterpike.org/fund_list.