M&T Charitable Foundation Renews Support for Hawk Mountain Education

Grant helps connect people with nature through free weekend programs

Posted on November 03, 2025 in Giving

M&T Bank 2025 Visit Group Photo
Pictured from M&T Bank are, from left, Bryan Geiger, Gail D’Angelo, John Jablowski, Jody Henninger, Alexis King, and Sarah Burnett, with Hawk Mountain Educator Dan Jenkins with an American kestrel and President Sean Grace at far right.

The M&T Charitable Foundation has once again awarded Hawk Mountain Sanctuary a $5,000 grant to support the Sanctuary’s acclaimed weekend education programs, including the popular Raptors Up Close series. These family-friendly programs are offered every Saturday and Sunday throughout the spring and fall migration seasons, providing engaging outdoor learning opportunities for visitors of all ages.

“The Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is a national treasure that M&T Bank has been proud to support for more than 20 years,” says Carmen Magistro, M&T Bank’s Regional President for Northern Pennsylvania. “The Sanctuary, known as the ‘Crossroads of Naturalists,’ offers best-in-class educational programming and hands on learning experiences that are invaluable for inspiring the community to connect with the natural world.” 

Hawk Mountain’s weekend programs include live raptor presentations, bird identification tips, and hands-on demonstrations that highlight the Sanctuary’s global leadership in raptor conservation. Each fall, thousands of visitors travel to Hawk Mountain to witness the migration of hawks, eagles, and falcons soaring along the Kittatinny Ridge.

“Thanks to the generosity of the M&T Charitable Foundation, we can continue offering these meaningful, free programs that inspire curiosity, encourage outdoor exploration, and connect people to the natural world,” says Mary Linkevich, Director of Development at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.

“M&T’s continued investment helps us welcome new visitors and strengthens our role as both an educational and economic asset for our region.”

The M&T Charitable Foundation works to strengthen communities by supporting a diverse range of civic, cultural, and educational organizations through grants, volunteerism, and community partnerships.