The Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce has taken an important step toward expanding its impact with the formation of the Bradford Chamber Foundation, launched in January.

“Many people don’t realize that chambers are 105(c)(6) organizations, meaning we don’t qualify for funding from most grants,” said Heidi Scrivo, president of the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce.

She went on to explain that the chamber does not receive money from the city, either.

“We only receive money from events and membership fees,” Scrivo said.

The chamber hosts many events throughout the year, from networking mixers to large community festivals. But Scrivo explained that attendance at these events can fluctuate, making it difficult to count on them as a stable source of funding.

“Post-pandemic, people have made a lot of lifestyle changes and they are less likely to attend events,” said Scrivo. “We have to always strive to remain relevant in the way that we reach people.”

Creating this foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, opens new funding opportunities. This will include not only grants but also philanthropic partnerships and tax-deductible donations. This will allow the chamber to pursue bigger projects focused on workforce development, small business support and community improvement initiatives.

“This way we don’t have to rely only on event income and we have more stable funding,” said Scrivo. “That takes some of the pressure off.”

The foundation will also help create long-term sustainability and growth for the local area, Scrivo said.

Seven people currently sit on the foundation’s board, working closely with chamber board members. The formation of this foundation has been years in the making, Scrivo said.

“We are so excited to see this all finally come together,” said Scrivo.

There are several projects that the foundation hopes to tackle, assuming they can find funding.

“We want to work on a talent and retention program that will include research into our area determining what makes us special and what would make someone want to come live here,” said Scrivo.

The next step would be to build a website highlighting Bradford and the surrounding area.

“There will be branding and a website seeking out people who would want to come live here and fill the jobs we have available,” said Scrivo.

Another project involves creating employee research groups across different businesses, so that like-minded people can come together and form a community.

The last project on the horizon is the Heart and Soul project, a statewide initiative.

“That would be focused on community pride and collaboration,” said Scrivo. “We would be looking at things like putting more murals around the area.”

Those who wish to support the foundation can make a tax-deductible donation at the chamber office on Main Street or by going to zeffy.com and searching for Bradford Chamber Foundation.