RELEASE: Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust Announces Scholarship Recipients, Continues Legacy of Impact
PHILADELPHIA, PA. — The Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust is proud to announce its latest cohort of Step Up Scholarship and Moving Mountains recipients. Grounded in the visionary legacy of Reverend Leon H. Sullivan, the Step Up Scholarship awards $2,500 to Philadelphia residents getting ready to pursue or continuing postsecondary education who demonstrate outstanding perseverance, academic excellence, and a deep commitment to community empowerment. The Moving Mountains Scholarship awards $10,000 to Philadelphia small businesses designed to stabilize daily operations, mitigate risks, unlock capacity, and help realize long-term revenue growth.
2026 Step Up Scholarship Awardees
• Shakya Geiger | Junior, Community College of Philadelphia (Compass Program) | Major: ASL Interpreter
• Mariafernanda Herrera | Freshman, Villanova University | Major: Business2
• Adijared Huerta | Sophomore, University of Pennsylvania | Major: Political Science & Environmental Science3
• Anaya Walker | Junior, Howard University | Major: Communication Studies (Pre-Law Track)4
• Marcel Allen | Senior, Drexel University | Major: Operation & Supply Chain Management / Business Analytics
• Amir Staten | Junior, Morehouse College | Major: Sociology
• Sabrina Guo | Senior, University of Pennsylvania | Major: Health and Societies7
• Dean Harvey | Freshman, Morehouse College | Major: Marketing
2026 Moving Mountains Small Business Awardees
• Plant and People Partnership, Cherron Perry Thomas | Retail plant and wellness events business. Grant will support delivery capabilities, event activations, and digital marketing.
• DreamWorld Bakes, Ashley Huston | Neighborhood bakery and cake studio. Grant will support accessible expansion with respect to ADA regulations.
• C2 Consulting Contract Readiness & Business Growth Readiness, Chelsea Cox | Strategic planning, communications, and analytics consulting firm. Grant will modernize certifications, management support, upgrade digital footprint, and formalize bookkeeping.
• STEM Prep, Renee Harris | STEM education programs for students, afterschool and summer focus. Grant will fund instructional lab materials, program staffing, and digital marketing outreach.
• Unicorn Beauty, Sara Brown | Nail salon with luxury beauty and personal services. Grant will renovate facilities, invest in staff brand certifications, and upgrade supply and inventory.
Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust (LHSCT) has a longstanding history of investing in the community through grants to nonprofit organizations and small businesses, as well as scholarships to students. Historically, LHSCT grants and scholarships generally ranged from $2,500 to $5,000, supporting organizations, entrepreneurs, and students advancing opportunity within the community. In 2025, under the leadership of Executive Director Portia Fullard, LHSCT refined its grantmaking strategy and launched a new biannual grantmaking structure, creating a more intentional and programmatic approach to community investment. Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust increased the size of the awards for their Pathways to Impact Moving Mountains, for small businesses and nonprofits, and has a fundraising goal to increase the Step Up scholarship for students.
The new structure established three distinct programs aligned with the Trust’s mission and Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan’s legacy:
o Moving Mountains – supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship.
o Pathways to Impact – investing in nonprofit organizations and community impact.
o Step Up – expanding educational opportunity through student scholarships.
The new model builds upon LHSCT’s historic commitment to grantmaking while creating clearer and more consistent pathways for nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and students to access resources. This evolution reflects the Trust’s commitment to carrying Reverend Sullivan’s principles of self-help, self-sufficiency, education, economic empowerment, and community advancement forward through a structured grantmaking strategy designed to meet the needs of today’s communities.
“This year’s recipients embody Reverend Sullivan’s core principles of self-help, education, and economic justice, spanning across diverse academic institutions, fields of study, and entrepreneurial sectors,” said Portia Fullard, Executive Director of the Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust. “As we’ve refined our grantmaking strategy, we’ve been intentional about creating clear pathways to invest in students, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations. By building capacity, expanding access, and creating opportunity for lasting impact – these grants honor Reverend Sullivan’s legacy by preserving and continuing his work.”
Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust is proud of this cohort of academic and business leaders. For Philadelphia leaders seeking to get further involved with Reverend Leon H. Sullivan Trust’s legacy, there are additional grant opportunities opening soon. The Step Up Scholarship, for students, is currently open through September 11, 2026. The next round of Moving Mountains grant applications will open in early September. The next round of Pathways to Impact grant applications for nonprofits will open in the middle of October. All grants and scholarships from Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust operate on a bi-annual schedule, alternating Spring and Fall, every year.
Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust continues the legacy of Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan by investing in education, economic opportunity, and community empowerment. Through scholarships, grantmaking, capacity-building, and community partnerships, the Trust creates pathways for individuals and organizations to strengthen their communities, advance self-help and self-sufficiency, and build lasting opportunities across Philadelphia.
During Black Philanthropy Month, Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust Celebrates $125,000 Invested in Philadelphia Communities
PHILADELPHIA, PA. — In celebration of Black Philanthropy Month, the Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust today released its 2025 Impact Report, highlighting $125,000 in grants and scholarships awarded to 20 students, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations across Philadelphia. The investments reflect the enduring tradition of Black philanthropy: leveraging resources, leadership, and collective action to strengthen communities and create pathways to economic opportunity.
Founded on the vision of civil rights leader and social justice pioneer Rev. Leon H. Sullivan, the Trust continues to advance his belief that economic empowerment is one of the most powerful tools for community transformation. This year’s investments demonstrate how strategic philanthropy can create lasting impact by supporting education, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and community-based solutions.
“Black Philanthropy Month reminds us that giving extends beyond charitable donations. It is about investing in people, building institutions, and creating opportunities that strengthen our communities for generations,” said Portia Fullard, Executive Director of the Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust. “This year’s impact report reflects the power of that commitment and the legacy Reverend Sullivan championed throughout his life.”
Investing in Philadelphia’s Future
The Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust’s 2025 investments were distributed through three signature programs designed to expand opportunity and promote economic self-sufficiency across the city.
Step Up Scholarship Program The Trust awarded 10 scholarships totaling $25,000 to students who are recent high school graduates or currently pursuing postsecondary education. Recipients were selected for demonstrating perseverance, personal growth, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their communities.
Moving Mountains Grant Program Through its entrepreneurship initiative, the Trust awarded $50,000 to five Philadelphia-based small businesses. These grants help business owners strengthen operations, increase capacity, reduce risk, and position themselves for sustainable growth.
Pathways to Impact Grant Program The Trust also invested $50,000 in five nonprofit organizations working to advance equity and opportunity across Philadelphia. Supported organizations are expanding access to education, youth mentorship, workforce readiness programs, and food security initiatives.
Black Philanthropy in Action
At a time when communities face growing economic and social challenges, the 2025 Impact Report demonstrates the vital role Black-led philanthropy plays in advancing equity and creating opportunity. The Trust’s investments support emerging leaders, strengthen local businesses, and empower nonprofit organizations that are addressing some of Philadelphia’s most pressing needs.
The report illustrates that Black philanthropy is not simply about giving. It is about building community wealth, expanding access to opportunity, and creating lasting systems of support that enable individuals and organizations to thrive. Through these investments, the Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust is helping carry forward a legacy of self-help, economic empowerment, and collective advancement.
Continuing Reverend Leon H. Sullivan’s Legacy
The release of the 2025 Impact Report comes as the Trust prepares to celebrate its 60th Anniversary Gala, taking place on October 30, 2026, at W Philadelphia. The milestone event will honor the extraordinary legacy of Rev. Sullivan while generating support for the next generation of students, entrepreneurs, and community leaders.
Leon H. Sullivan Charitable Trust continues the legacy of Reverend Dr. Leon H. Sullivan by investing in education, economic opportunity, and community empowerment. Through scholarships, grantmaking, capacity-building, and community partnerships, the Trust creates pathways for individuals and organizations to strengthen their communities, advance self-help and self-sufficiency, and build lasting opportunities across Philadelphia.
