Credit: Tom Sofield/NewtownPANow.com
Amazon announced the launch of a new grant program Monday in Bucks County.
The technology and e-commerce giant is committing $100,000 to support local program across Bucks County as the company expands its footprint in the area.
The Amazon Bucks County Community Fund is the first of its kind for the company in the area, according to a statement.
The program is designed to provide financial backing to schools, nonprofits, individuals, and community groups driving local projects.
Under the fund’s guidelines, nonprofit organizations are eligible for grants of up to $10,000. Individual applicants and community groups may apply for awards of up to $5,000.
“We’re thrilled to launch the Amazon Bucks County Community Fund and put resources directly into the hands of local changemakers,” said Lisa Schooley, community engagement manager at Amazon. “This initiative reflects our long-standing commitment to being a good neighbor by supporting innovative programs that increase inclusiveness in our communities.”
The fund will prioritize projects focused education and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math); health and wellbeing; sustainability and the environment; culture, heritage, and digital skills; and hunger relief.
Applicants may also seek funding to replicate successful community programs established in other parts of the world, according to Amazon.
The announcement comes as Amazon is building a multi-billion dollar data center and technology campus at the Keystone Trade Center in Falls Township.
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While the expansion has generated construction jobs and funding for education programs from Amazon, the development has also led to discussions and concerns over potential environmental impacts and power requirements.
The grant program will be administered by ChangeX, an organization that will review applications based on funding criteria and projected community impact.
Those interesting in learning more about the fund can attend a virtual information session scheduled for March 6 at 11 a.m. via Zoom.
Applications for the fund will be accepted through March 30.
Outside of the Falls Township data center project, Amazon has several other facilities in Bucks County and will be constructing a second data center in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
