Private foundation · EIN 23-2953650 · Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Joseph B and Virginia H Banks Foundation

Should you approach them?

Don't send a cold proposal. The foundation reports that it only gives to preselected organizations; an introduction through a current grantee or board member is the realistic route.

From the 2025 Form 990-PF: 20 grants paid, $119K total, median $5,000. 100% of grants stayed in Pennsylvania.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
20
$119K
Median grant
$5,000
Stays in PA
100%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$1.7M

Grants paid in 2025

20 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV

RecipientPurposeAmount
Weinburg Northeast Regional Food BaPittston, PAProgram support$20K
Back Mountain Memorial Library AssnDallas, PAProgram support$10K
Northeast Sight ServicesExeter, PAProgram support$10K
Fork Over LoveKingston, PAProgram support$10K
Moa Prescription FundKingston, PAProgram support$10K
Ruth's PlaceWilkes Barre, PAProgram support$7,500
Dinners for KidsEdwardsville, PAProgram support$6,000
CASA of Luzerne CountyPlains, PAProgram support$5,000
Family Services AssociationWilkesbarre, PAProgram support$5,000
Autism Foundation Allied ServicesClarks Summit, PAProgram support$5,000
Lehman SanctuaryShavertown, PAProgram support$5,000
Nepa Youth ShelterScranton, PAProgram support$4,500
Volunteers in MedicineWilkesbarre, PAProgram support$4,000
Luzerne County SPCAWilkesbarre, PAProgram support$4,000
Childrens Service CenterWilkesbarre, PAProgram support$3,000
Anthracite Scenic Trails AssnDallas, PAProgram support$2,000
St Vincent Depaul KitchenWilkesbarre, PAProgram support$2,000
Blue Chip Farm Animal RefugeDallas, PAProgram support$2,000
Meals on Wheels of Wyoming ValleyKingston, PAProgram support$2,000
Rotary Club of DallasDallas, PAProgram support$2,000

About this foundation

Joseph B and Virginia H Banks Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, administered in care of Virginia H Banks, tax-exempt since 1998. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.

All filings on ProPublica

Does Joseph B and Virginia H Banks Foundation accept grant applications?

No. On its 2025 Form 990-PF the foundation checked that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations. Look for an introduction through a current grantee.

How much does Joseph B and Virginia H Banks Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $119K across 20 grants, a median of $5,000.

Where does Joseph B and Virginia H Banks Foundation give?

Pennsylvania (20 grants), per its latest filing.

More foundations near Wilkes Barre that accept applications

All in Pennsylvania
FoundationBased inGrants paidMedian grantAccepts applicationsAssets
Allone Foundationsince 2002 Wilkes Barre, PA $5.7M62 grants · 2025 $13KYes $133M
Mericle Foundationsince 2011 Wilkes Barre, PA $84K7 grants · 2024 $10KYes $4.6M
Thalenfeld Charitable Trsince 2010 Wilkes Barre, PA $87K5 grants · 2024 $10KYes $2.3M
Tambur Family Foundationsince 2005 Wilkes Barre, PA $81K79 grants · 2024 $500Yes $1.8M
William Penn Foundationsince 1947 Philadelphia, PA $149M1,027 grants · 2024 $50KYes $3.3B
John Templeton Foundationsince 1988 West Conshohocken, PA $134M426 grants · 2024 $217KYes $3.4B
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