The Bethlehem-based Helen & R.K. Laros Foundation, established in 1952 by Laros Silk Company founder and owner R.K. Laros and his wife Helen, have announced the annual award of grants for 2024 to 10 local nonprofit organizations.

The Foundation Chair R.K. Laros III, Vice Chair Laura Bennet Shelton, and Foundation trustees gathered with this year’s recipients at a virtual event Jan. 21, to recognize the recipients and the 2025 Founders Award.

Grants totaling $166,200 were approved by the board of trustees of the foundation at their annual board meeting Nov. 8, 2024, and were awarded in January to the following nonprofit organizations:

ArtsQuest: a $23,000 grant to go toward the Textile Classroom in the Cultural Center; Bethlehem Emergency Sheltering: $10,000 for 2024-2025 operating support; Central Moravian Church: $20,000 toward the HVAC overhaul; Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites: $17,000 for Overlook on History in the Colonial Industrial Quarter ; Moravian University: $22,000 grant to support the student center/interview booth; Northampton Community College: $20,000 toward the continued expansion of their dental clinic; Stephen’s Place: $16,700 grant for masonry, gutters, concrete and flooring; Touchstone Theatre: $18,000 to support their efforts to enhance accessibility; Via of the Lehigh Valley: $19,000 toward their parking lot repaving and Bethlehem Area Public Library: $500 for the annual meeting host fee.

Since 1952, the Helen & R.K. Laros Foundation has provided grant support with a focus on enduring capital projects that will have significant community impact in the Bethlehem Area. The foundation has distributed $9 million in support to over 150 organizations. For more information about grant opportunities or the Helen & R.K. Laros Foundation, contact Vice Chair Laura Bennett Shelton at larosfoundation@gmail.com.

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