The Bethlehem based, R.K. Laros Foundation, established in 1952 by Laros Silk Company founder and owner R.K.Laros and his wife Helen, announces the award of grants to five local nonprofit organizations.

The R.K.Laros Foundation announces a recognition program honoring the longevity of several long serving trustees. The Trustee Service Award honors Trustees with over 20 years of service to the foundation. The following trustees were so honored: R.Keller Laros, foundation chair; Michael Abgott; Robert Bilheimer; Ron Donchez, foundation co-treasurer; Laurie Gostley Hackett; and Robert Huth Jr., foundation treasurer

Trustees receiving the Trustee Service Award are able to designate a nonprofit organization to receive a $1,000 grant. Grants to Bethlehem nonprofits have been awarded to The Kellyn Foundation, Moravian College’s Mo’s Cupboard, Northeast Community Center, National Museum of Industrial History and Touchstone Theatre.

In addition the trustees have recognized the R.K.Laros Foundation Executive Director Sharon Jones Zondag with the Founders Award. The Founders Award was established in 2017 to honor the Foundation founders, Helen and R.K.Laros, and their commitment to community. The award has previously been given to Jeff Parks at ArtsQuest for his vision and determination after Bethlehem Steel’s closing to reignite our community through the arts, Bonnie Coyle for her commitment to the Hispanic Center of the Lehigh Valley and its creation of services and connections for the Hispanic community and Diane LaBelle for her work to move the Charter Arts HS to Bethlehem’s Southside and ultimately create deep relationships between the school and the larger community.

The R.K. Laros Foundation provides grant support with a focus on enduring capital projects with community impact in the Bethlehem Area. 2020 Grant proposals will be accepted Oct. 13-22, 2020. Grant applications are available on the foundation website http://www.larosfoundation.org

For more information about grant opportunities or the R.K. Laros Foundation contact Executive Director Sharon Jones Zondag at larosfoundation.org.