Lancaster County Community Foundation will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2024 with the theme "One Year to Change the Next 100." For the last century, Lancaster County residents have made charitable legacy gifts into the foundation's endowment. These gifts were invested and have grown over time, creating resources that support the community today.

These donors' foresight and commitment have led to more than $60 million being distributed to support local causes since 1924, and they were the spark that ignited the ExtraGive, the Community Foundation's signature event, which has generated $100 million in donations for local organizations. This year, the Community Foundation will invite people to share their ideas for the future and to be part of investing in Lancaster County for the next 100 years.

A series of activities in 2024 will invite people across the county to be part of the celebration.

More than $1 million dollars in Shaping Tomorrow grant awards and scholarships will be distributed in four future-focused categories: Creative Expression, Well-Being & Vibrancy, Next Generation, and Our Planet.

A Summer for Lancaster Celebration will be held in Ewell Plaza and Binns Park. This interactive experience will invite people to share their ideas for the next 100 years and celebrate the community's creative and cultural vibrancy. All Lancaster County residents will be invited to be part of this collaboration between the Community Foundation, City of Lancaster, Steinman Institute for Civic Engagement, Atomic, and Tait.

Throughout the year, the celebration will include complimentary coffee at county coffee shops, activities with local chambers and business associations, and pop-up events.

Information will be available about the endowment and how people can support Lancaster County now or in the future.

In addition, the public is invited to attend four free events taking place throughout the county. Among the activities at these events will be the announcement of the winners of the Shaping Tomorrow Awards and Scholarships.

Celebrating Creative Expression will take place on Wednesday, March 27, at Rock Lititz. This event will center around creativity and celebrating the arts.

Health and wellness activities will be offered during Cultivating Well-Being and Vibrancy on Saturday, April 20, in Buchanan Park.

Elevating the Next Generation will be held at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology on Saturday, Sept. 28. This event will center on youths and looking ahead.

Protecting Our Planet, an evening of nurturing and celebrating nature, will occur on Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Farm at Eagles Ridge.

Lancaster County students are encouraged to apply for the Shaping Tomorrow Scholarships. Eight $2,500 scholarships are available. To apply by Wednesday, Jan. 31, visit http://www.lancfound.org.

To learn more about "One Year to Change the Next 100," visit http://www.ChangeTheNext100.org.