High Foundation

Grantee Spotlight: Kennett Area Park Authority

Anson B Nixon Park, in Kennett Square, PA, was made possible because community leaders had the vision to form the Kennett Area Park Authority.

Anson B. Nixon Park preserves open space and provides a welcoming place where people of all ages can gather, learn, and thrive. For more than 30 years, the Park has served as Kennett Square’s “backyard,” offering accessible green space that promotes physical activity, environmental education, and community connection.

“Our partnership with High Foundation has been instrumental in accomplishing our goals of natural resource protection, environmental education, recreation, and public service. Continued interest among organizations such as High Foundation make our efforts possible and contribute to a vibrant community.” — John Gaadt, Chair

High Foundation is honored to support the Kennett Area Park Authority through its journey to preserve Anson B. Nixon Park, a true community asset.

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Based in Lancaster, PA, High Foundation supports organizations in communities where the High companies provide economic investment and employment.

Grantee Spotlight: Community Hive

Community Hive (formerly Ephrata Area Social Services) serves neighbors across the Ephrata and Cocalico communities of Northern Lancaster County by addressing food insecurity and connecting individuals and families with resources that promote stability, dignity, and hope.

Core programs include the Hand Up Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels, Transportation Services, and Community Support Services, which provides case management and connections to critical resources.

“High Foundation’s partnership helped us take a critical step forward in expanding our impact. Their support allowed us to begin renovations that will create more space for neighbors to access food, resources, and compassionate support when they need it most. What once felt like a future vision is now becoming a reality. Because of partners like High Foundation, we are building a stronger hub of care for our community.” — Casey Ellis, Executive Director

High Foundation is pleased to support their mission to address food insecurity and connect individuals and families with resources they need.

Grantee Spotlight: Aaron's Acres

Aaron’s Acres provides year-round, therapeutically based, age-appropriate recreational programs for individuals ages 5–40 with disabilities. Led by specially trained staff, the programs foster socialization, enhance communication skills, and build meaningful peer relationships within an inclusive environment.
For 28 years, Aaron’s Acres has operated without a home of its own. Funding from High Foundation helped provide one home for programs, the administrative team, storage and meeting space — allowing them to grow existing programs and implement new initiatives.

"There is a tremendous need for meaningful programs for individuals who have disabilities, especially once high school ends. Providing purpose and opportunities in which to socialize with peers, while engaging in age-appropriate activities can occur because of us having a space to call our own."

High Foundation is proud to support their commitment to provide all children with the opportunity to participate in recreational activity.

Grantee Spotlight: The Lancaster Science Factory​

Lancaster Science Factory’s mission is to inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence through an inclusive environment for hands-on STEM exploration, making science, technology, engineering, and math accessible to learners of all backgrounds.​

Since opening in 2008, hundreds of thousands of local students have engaged with STEM through field trips, summer camps, and after-school programs—many of whom have gone on to careers in STEM fields.​

With support from High Foundation, Lancaster Science Factory was able to update and strengthen several of its most popular exhibits, helping ensure visitors can continue to enjoy reliable, interactive learning experiences.​

"Lancaster Science Factory welcomes over 84,000 visitors each year to our exhibit floor with over 80 hands-on exhibits. The hands-on aspect is what makes our space so special, but it also leads to wear and tear on the exhibits. It is very disappointing if a visitor comes to visit only to see that one of their favorite exhibits is not working. With the help of High Foundation, the Lancaster Science Factory was able to update and “harden” several of our popular exhibits, extending the time visitors are able to use them, and increasing the educational impact and fun factor for guests." – Karen Knecht, Executive Director​

High Foundation is pleased to support their mission to inspire the next generation of STEM learners through hands-on exploration and discovery.

Following the example set by S. Dale High, Chair Emeritus of the High companies and Chair of the Board of the High Foundation, we remain committed to courageous leadership through challenges and uncertainty, knowing that bold action creates the change needed to transform our community.

Grantee Spotlight: The Peyton Walker Foundation​

Founded in memory of Peyton Walker, who passed away from sudden cardiac arrest at age 19, The Peyton Walker Foundation is dedicated to raising awareness and improving survival rates of sudden cardiac arrest through free heart screenings, CPR training, AED donations, and scholarships for students pursuing healthcare careers.​

To date, the Peyton Walker Foundation has screened more than 5,500 hearts, donated over 2,200 AEDs to local nonprofits and youth athletic organizations, trained thousands in CPR, and provided more than $150,000 in scholarships for future healthcare professionals.​

“It is critical that we continue to provide life-saving AEDs to more schools, organizations and businesses throughout the Lancaster community,” says Julie Walker, President of the Peyton Walker Foundation. “If just one person has an underlying or unknown heart condition, he or she could die within a matter of minutes when collapsing from sudden cardiac arrest if no AED is readily available.”​

High Foundation is honored to support the Peyton Walker Foundation’s mission to save lives through prevention, preparedness, and education.

Grantee Spotlight: Horizons at LCDS

Horizons at Lancaster Country Day School advances educational equity by building long-term partnerships with students, families, communities, and schools to create experiences outside of school that inspire the joy of learning.​

High Foundation supports Horizons’ tuition-free program that helps students in the School District of Lancaster overcome summer learning loss and build a foundation for long-term success.​

One inspiring success story is J.B., a 4th-grade student who received literacy intervention through Horizons for four summers. Through targeted, fun, and personalized reading instruction, he transformed from a reluctant reader into a confident, hard-working student with improved reading scores. J.B. gained vital skills that accelerated his reading growth and entered the school year with increased confidence. High Foundation funding helped make this possible.​

"As a 100% donor-funded program, we are only able to achieve these impressive results thanks to the generosity of supporters like the High Foundation."​

High Foundation is pleased to support Horizon’s mission to advance educational equity and help students achieve long-term academic success.

Grantee Spotlight: Attollo

Attollo is a college access and leadership development program that supports high school students from diverse backgrounds in their pursuit of academic achievement, self-empowerment, and social engagement.

Through programs on self-discovery, excellence, and leadership, Attollo equips students with tools to succeed in college, their careers, and their communities. High Foundation’s support has helped strengthen Attollo's programs, leadership, and long-term sustainability.

This year, Attollo has focused on deepening the impact and effectiveness of its programs. Leo Silva, CEO of Attollo, shared: "We appreciate partners like High Foundation, who see sustainability as the pathway to long-lasting, generational impact. Given High Foundation's approach to philanthropy and commitment to generational transformation here in Lancaster, it is no surprise that they understand this work so well."

The impact of Attollo's work is evident in students like Hasset Tesfaye, a School District of Lancaster graduate who is planning to attend Georgetown University. Hasset shared: "Attollo is a home away from home. A family that sees you for who you are. A community that allows you to grow. The support isn’t something I need to ask for; it’s what is affirmed. I’ve made it, and it’s all because of my Attollo family.”

We’re grateful to organizations like Attollo that help young people discover their potential, pursue their goals, and become the next generation of leaders in our community.

Grantee Spotlight: Chesapeake Bay Foundation

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is dedicated to saving the Chesapeake Bay through education, advocacy, litigation, and restoration efforts. A key part of this work is restoring the native oyster population, which plays a critical role in improving water quality, supporting biodiversity, and strengthening the Bay’s ecological and economic health.

High Foundation helped fund a critical roof replacement at the future Truman T. Semans Center for Oyster Restoration and Innovation, set to open in 2027. The project addressed structural damage, leaks, and mold issues, protecting the building and laying the groundwork for its transformation into a hub for oyster restoration, education, and community engagement across the Chesapeake Bay region.

High Foundation is proud to support their mission to restore the Chesapeake Bay’s native oyster population and create a healthier, more resilient future for the Bay and the communities that depend on it.