Community Interest
Meet Armstrong World Industries Foundation’s 2025 grantees
These four organizations are a catalyst for change in the Lancaster community,
The Armstrong World Industries Foundation (AWIF) supports communities by ensuring access to services and spaces that allow every individual to thrive while investing in organizations that embolden people to live better and healthier lives. Since 1985, that investment has totaled more than $50 million.
The foundation strives to ensure everyone in the communities where Armstrong World Industries operates has access to healthy and beautiful spaces, and primarily makes financial contributions to projects and organizations that make these communities stronger. As a company, Armstrong World Industries also donates products to projects that will maintain and improve the spaces where communities gather.
To date in 2025, AWIF has awarded nearly $400,000 in Better Building Grants to organizations in Lancaster County. In addition, AWIF dedicates almost $130,000 annually in support of United Way and other organizations.
LancasterHistory’s Thaddeus Stevens & Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy
Funds will support Phase Three of the project. With site construction complete, the Center is now prepared for the fabrication and installation of exhibition components and visual and didactic materials, accompanied by the addition of unique historical artifacts and engaging media materials— a process that will be ongoing through early 2026.
Tenfold
Funds will support the complete rehabilitation of a 115-year-old shelter facility housed in a five-story former hotel located in Downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The building is home to Tenfold’s TLC shelter program, which provides temporary housing with intensive supportive services for people experiencing homelessness.
YWCA
Funds will support a multi-phase construction project to address critical challenges related to space, accessibility, environmental health, and service capacity. Currently in Phase Three, this includes the addition of 16 new housing units; private counseling offices, group therapy rooms, and meeting spaces for sexual assault survivors; and restoration of the historic front porch and main entrance of their landmark facility.
Lancaster Redevelopment Fund & Lancaster County Homeless Coalition
Funds will support the Clay Street Emergency Shelter, which will provide a long-term solution and crucial interim stability for individuals transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing. The 80-bed shelter provides a safe, warm place to sleep. It also offers bathrooms and private showers for men and women. The shelter represents Phase One of a two-phase initiative by the Coalition to build a cohesive continuum of care to assist our unsheltered neighbors.
– Salena J. Coachman, VP, Talent Sustainability & Acquisition, Armstrong World Industries and President of the AWI Foundation
“The AWI Foundation is proud to support a variety of Lancaster County organizations in 2025. Each year, our board carefully evaluates causes and needs that matter to our employees and communities, such as food insecurities, workforce mobility, and building better spaces.”
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