The Rice Family Foundation Completes 2023 Grant Fund Distributions

HANOVER, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Rice Family Foundation (“Foundation”) is pleased to announce it has awarded grant funds to seventy-eight nonprofit organizations. This year’s recipients will benefit from a one-time contribution that significantly increases 2023 distributions over the prior year, marking the Foundation’s most substantial support to date.

Additionally, the Foundation is excited to announce that the Arlene Utz Hollinger Foundation, established in 1992 by Arlene Utz Hollinger, the daughter of the late Bill and Salie Utz—founders of Utz Potato Chips (now Utz Brands, Inc.)—will integrate into the Rice Family Foundation. This collaboration unites two foundations that share closely aligned principles dedicated to supporting those in need.

Founded in 2017, The Rice Family Foundation supports eligible nonprofits, primarily located in Hanover, Pennsylvania, and the surrounding area, that dedicate their time, efforts, and resources to foster a better community. The Foundation is supported by financial commitments made by Mike & Jane Rice and Dylan & Stacie Lissette, third and fourth-generation members of the Utz snacks family.

After a comprehensive evaluation of numerous applications, recipients were chosen through a rigorous selection process to ensure that grant funds are directed towards outstanding organizations with the potential to make the most significant impact on the community.

This year’s recipients have varying missions, from Accountability for Life, which is committed to preparing and mentoring at-risk adolescents for life-long success, to the Hanover Area Council of Churches, which, through local organizations, provides support through Meals-On-Wheels, Provide-A-Lunch and Ruth’s Harvest, who offer meals to qualified students.

One of this year's recipients, Shining Stars, provides therapeutic horsemanship programs to children, adults, and families with special needs in order to improve physical, mental, emotional, and social areas of their lives. “We are grateful to the Rice Family Foundation for their generous support,” said Pam Hoffman, Board President and Treasurer of Shining Stars. "Their contribution will play a key role in supporting capital renovations for a recently acquired farm, specifically directed towards adapting the facilities to offer support for individuals with mobility challenges."

"We are immensely proud of the Rice Family Foundation's accomplishments this year, particularly in supporting a one-time contribution to assist a record seventy-eight hard-working nonprofit organizations," said Stacie Lissette, Director of The Rice Family Foundation. "Looking ahead, in collaboration with the Arlene Utz Hollinger Foundation, we continue to draw inspiration from the impactful work of nonprofits who are so dedicated to our community. Thus, we are excited to continue supporting those nonprofits who enrich education, promote health, and foster well-being in our community."

For more information and to view a complete list of this year’s recipients, please visit The Rice Family Foundation website at www.thericefamilyfoundation.com.

About The Rice Family Foundation

The Rice Family Foundation, located in Hanover, Pennsylvania, provides grants to organizations focused on the education, health, and well-being of individuals, primarily in the greater Hanover, PA area. The Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides financial grants directly to eligible organizations.

For more information, visit The Rice Family Foundation at: www.thericefamilyfoundation.com.