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Helping People Help People

Founded in 1952. The Helen & R.K. Laros Foundation, Inc, a non-profit charitable trust, was established by Mr. Russell K. Laros and Mrs. Helen K. Laros with a Deed of Trust on November 16th, 1952. The Foundation was established to support community non-profit organizations serving the arts, education, the environment, health, historical preservation, and public and human services. The Foundation welcomes grant proposals for projects that will have a lasting impact for the organization and the community it serves.

The Helen & R.K.Laros Foundation has been committed to supporting the community of Bethlehem since its founding in 1952. Our founders, Helen & R.K. Laros believed in engaging and connecting with the people and organizations of Bethlehem to be a part of building a stronger, more resilient society. Fundamental to this commitment is the value we place on inclusion, diversity, equity, and access for all in the organizations and communities we serve. We believe the effectiveness of the grantmaking work we engage in is amplified in a world where equal opportunities exist for all.


To learn more about the Foundation and its long history you may access the PBS Channel 39 documentary below.

The Foundation's Mission Statement 

The Helen & R.K. Laros Foundation has a strong commitment to the Bethlehem Community. Our goal is to provide grants to non-profit charitable organizations, where those grants will either seed or support programs that might not otherwise occur. We focus on initiatives that will have a continuing benefit to the community and the people it serves.

 

Guiding Principles

· Community Impact - The project should have outcomes that will impact the larger community.

· Diversity - The grant proposal should address the organization’s ambitions to serve and celebrate diversity in the community.

· Future Focused - In addition to current needs, the grant should address ongoing needs.

· Lasting Impact - The foundation primarily supports bricks and mortar capital projects with provisions for capital reserve funding to sustain the project over time.

· Make a Difference - The Helen & R.K. Laros Foundation prefers projects that are unlikely to reach fruition without grant support.

 

 

· Matching Opportunity - The Foundation prefers grant opportunities where Matching Grants are available and made more accessible by virtue of Laros support.

· People Impact -The project should benefit the individuals served by the non-profit organization. and the larger community.

· Specific Organizations or Causes - Organizations or causes that were significant to Mr. and Mrs. R.K Laros and the Laros family receive preference.

 

 

 

Grant Application

Grant Proposals will be accepted once annually and considered for Capital Campaigns and Brick and Mortar Projects in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. The Foundation’s objective is to achieve maximum impact in the community through its charitable support. Past recipients have included organizations dedicated to Arts and Education, Child and Elder Care, the Environment, Health and Human Services, and Historical Education and Preservation.  

The Board of Trustees for the Foundation meets annually to review and consider grant proposals. Board meetings are held annually in November. This 2025 meeting is planned for 11.7.25.

The Trustees are happy to announce that The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation will be providing technical support to the Laros Foundation by receiving The Helen & R.K.Laros applications for processing. The grants will be reviewed and distributions determined by the Laros Foundation Trustees.

The 2024 grant applicants have been selected.

Please contact larosfoundation@gmail.com for additional information.

 

Requests must include the following documents and be submitted through the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation (LVCF) @

https://www.grantinterface.com/Process/Apply?urlkey=lehighvalley

1. Completed Grant Proposal

2. Project Budget with Contractor Quote (if applicable)

3. IRS verification of 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Status  

4. Copy of most recent 990

5. Current Organization Budget

6. Current Board of Directors for your organization 

Please note that grant proposals for multi-year funding are not considered.

Requirement to apply

It is required that you contact Vice Chair Laura Bennett Shelton at larosfoundation@gmail.com to discuss potential 2025 proposals.

Thank you

Updated on 11.21.24

 

To submit your application.

Before submitting an application, a pre-grant proposal meeting is required. Contact larosfoundation@gmail.com to arrange a virtual meeting to review your proposal.

The summary of questions that appear on the grant application may be accessed using the Grant Application button to the right.

Pre-approved proposals must be submitted through the LVCF portal found here:

https://www.grantinterface.com/Process/Apply?urlkey=lehighvalley

Do not attempt to complete the application on the Laros website.

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Since 1952 the legacy of Helen & Russell K. Laros has continued to provide support for the community. For 70 years the Foundation has distributed $9 million to over 150 Non-Profit and Charitable Organizations.

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