Allentown, Pa., February 5, 2025—The Lehigh Valley Community Foundation has joined forces with 40 other Pennsylvania community foundations to launch the PA Giving Pledge, a statewide campaign to inspire Pennsylvanians to leave at least 5% of their estates to help future generations.
Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Community Foundation Association (PACFA), the newly announced PA Giving Pledge aims to scale Pennsylvania-focused giving with an emphasis on generating sustainable financial resources for worthy causes and nonprofits addressing a wide range of community needs across the state.
“The PA Giving Pledge is a remarkable opportunity for Lehigh Valley residents to create a lasting legacy that will enhance the quality of life for our families, friends, and neighbors for generations to come,” said Erika Riddle Petrozelli, CPA, CAP®, Lehigh Valley Community Foundation President and CEO. “Place-based philanthropy is essential to addressing the unique needs of our communities, ensuring that resources stay local and drive sustainable impact where they are needed most. By collaborating with other PACFA community foundations, we can amplify our impact and ensure meaningful change in nearly every county in the commonwealth.”
The effort aims to tap into 5% of the estimated $418 billion transfer of wealth projected in Pennsylvania by 2030, according to estimates by the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. If 5% of that $418 billion were endowed through the pledge, it would generate $21 billion to benefit Pennsylvania communities and causes forever, said PACFA president Michael L. Batchelor.
With the launch of the PA Giving Pledge, donors and professional advisors can now access an interactive website, PAGivingPledge.org, to find their nearest community foundation and explore county-by-county data highlighting the total estimated wealth transfer by 2030.
“The potential impact is truly transformative,” Erika said. “Here in the Lehigh Valley, if our residents committed just 5% of the projected transfer of wealth, it could mean millions in additional funding each year to support local nonprofits and vital community initiatives.”
PACFA members will be engaging business leaders, professional advisors, and philanthropists in their communities to endorse the program and help build further momentum.
“We’re thrilled to have the Lehigh Valley Community Foundation as a dedicated partner in advocating for the PA Giving Pledge,” Batchelor said. “Together, we have the opportunity to leave a shared legacy that will benefit Pennsylvanians for generations to come.”
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