The Bernard, Mary and Richard Selby Family Memorial Fund at the Adams County Community Foundation has awarded more than $66,000 in grants to organizations serving the Littlestown community, continuing the philanthropic legacy of lifelong Littlestown resident Richard “Dick” Selby.
Established by Dick Selby and named in honor of his parents, Bernard and Mary Selby, the endowed fund reflects the family’s deep roots in Littlestown and commitment to strengthening the community they loved. Since its creation in 2019, the Selby Family Memorial Fund has distributed more than $380,000 to support Littlestown nonprofits, churches, youth programs, public safety initiatives, and community projects.
“Dick Selby cared deeply about Littlestown and the people who call it home,” said Ralph Serpe, President and CEO of the Adams County Community Foundation. “Whether supporting youth athletics, community organizations, churches, or local government, these grants continue Dick’s vision of investing in the community that meant so much to him.”
A familiar face at local sporting events, Dick could often be found cheering on young athletes at the baseball fields or supporting the Littlestown Thunderbolts on Friday nights. Several grants this year reflect his passion for youth development and recreation, helping ensure local children have opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.
The 2026 grants also honor Dick’s commitment to civic service. Before retiring, he served as Borough Manager for Littlestown Borough and remained dedicated to the community throughout his life.
Two grants were awarded to support public safety and community improvements:
Littlestown Police Department received a grant to purchase two Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for police cruisers. Because police officers are frequently first on the scene during medical emergencies, the equipment will allow officers to provide lifesaving assistance before emergency medical personnel arrive.
Littlestown Borough received a grant for pedestrian safety improvements in Littlestown Square, helping create a safer environment for residents and visitors.
Additional grants support food security programs, youth sports organizations, community celebrations, library programming, senior services, and local churches.
Through these annual grants, Dick’s love for Littlestown continues to make a lasting impact. It is a fitting tribute to a man who was well known throughout the community and who famously concluded his local radio newscasts with the words, “And that’s the way the day begins…”
2026 Fund for Littlestown Grant Recipients
Organization: Adams County Library, Littlestown Branch; Amount: $1,500; Purpose: Programming for Littlestown residents.
Organization: Alpha Fire Company #1; Amount: $6,684; Purpose: Operational support.
Organization: Alloway Creek Elementary PTO; Amount: $2,350; Purpose: Playground maintenance, repairs, and equipment replacement.
Organization: Littlestown Historical Society – Good Ole Days Committee; Amount: $1,500; Purpose: Support for the 2026 Good Ole Days celebration.
Organization: Littlestown Baseball for Youth; Amount: $2,000; Purpose: Equipment and materials for an outdoor batting cage.
Organization: Littlestown Borough; Amount: $5,000; Purpose: Pedestrian safety improvements in the town square.
Organization: Littlestown Elementary Football Association; Amount: $1,500; Purpose: Youth football program operations.
Organization: Littlestown Police Department; Amount: $3,200; Purpose: Two Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for police cruisers.
Organization: Littlestown Senior Center; Amount: $5,000; Purpose: Entrance renovation and safety improvements.
Organization: New Hope Ministries; Amount: $5,000; Purpose: Operations of the Littlestown food bank.
Organization: Ruth’s Harvest Littlestown; Amount: $5,000; Purpose: Weekend food packages and clothing essentials for income-eligible students.
Organization: St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church; Amount: $13,368; Purpose: Operational support.
Organization: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church; Amount: $6,684; Purpose: Operational support.
Organization: Thunderbolt Foundation; Amount: $8,000; Purpose: Naming of the Littlestown High School lobby in honor of the Selby family.
About the Adams County Community Foundation
The Adams County Community Foundation promotes and facilitates charitable giving to build a permanent civic endowment for Adams County. The Community Foundation manages a wide variety of charitable funds, including scholarship funds, donor-advised funds, designated funds, agency endowments, and funds that address emerging community needs. Through these charitable partnerships, the Foundation helps donors create lasting impact in Adams County and beyond.
For more information, visit www.adamscountycf.org.