Essa Bank & Trust Foundation
Accepts applications
Essa Bank & Trust Foundation is a private foundation in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. In tax year 2025 it gave $5.6 million in 11 grants; the typical grant was $8,000 and the largest $5.5 million. It accepts applications; its filing gives the instructions below.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$5.6 million
- Number of grants11
- Typical grant$8,000
- Largest grant$5.5 million
- Assets$0
- New grantees82%
Giving in 2025 was up from $320,000 the year before.
82% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $767,474 | 24 | $4.9 million |
| 2024 | $320,000 | 16 | $4.5 million |
| 2025 | $5.6 million | 11 | $0 |
How to apply
| Contact | John E Burrus 200 Palmer Street, Stroudsburg, PA 18360 |
|---|---|
| Phone or email | (570) 422-0182 |
| What to submit | Essa bank & trust foundation application for grant request. Must attach: 1) organization's budget, 2) copy of IRS verification of exempt status/501(c)3 letter, 3) recent annual report |
| Restrictions | Grant recipients must be organizations or agencies with IRS 501(c)3 status, request must be for at least $1,000, limited to one grant within four years per agency, and funds should be used to provide or improve services within monroe county and its contiguous service areas: lehigh valley, scranton/wilkes-barre and philadelphia regions. |
What Essa Bank & Trust Foundation funds
Where it gives
All of its grants went to recipients in Pennsylvania.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 11 | $5.6 million |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Scranton Area Community Foundation | Capital campaign | $5.5 million |
| East Stroudburg University Foundation | Capital campaign | $16,000 |
| Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health | Capital campaign | $10,000 |
| Garden of Giving | Capital improvements | $10,000 |
| Nepa Educational Television Association (Wvia) | Capital campaign | $10,000 |
| Northampton Community College Foundation | Capital campaign | $8,000 |
| Kettle Creek Enviromental | Capital campaign | $6,500 |
| Fusia Community Arts | Capital campaign | $5,000 |
| Lehigh Valley Monthly Meeting (LV Quakers) | Capital campaign | $2,637 |
| Pocono Township | Capital improvements | $2,500 |
| Camp Papillon Animal Shelter | Donation in memory of william p. Douglass | $1,000 |
Officers and trustees
- John E Burrus
- Stephanie A Lefferson
- Gary Solson
- Elizabeth B Weekes
- Lois B Heckman
- William P Douglass
Questions people ask
Does Essa Bank & Trust Foundation accept grant applications?
Yes. Its latest IRS filing says it accepts applications.
How much does Essa Bank & Trust Foundation give?
$5.6 million in tax year 2025, across 11 grants, with a typical grant of $8,000.
Who runs Essa Bank & Trust Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists John E Burrus (President/Director), Stephanie A Lefferson (Vp/Treasurer/Director), Gary Solson (Director) and Elizabeth B Weekes (Director) among 6 officers and trustees.
What does Essa Bank & Trust Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education.