After receiving more than 300 submissions, The Wawa Foundation Inc., the non-profit founded to support Wawa’s charitable giving and philanthropic activities, recently announced the 2025 finalists for “The Wawa Foundation Hero Award,” according to a press release.

The Wawa Foundation Hero Award is a recognition given to a nonprofit organization serving the greater Philadelphia area that “assists others and builds stronger communities through preserving our independence, protecting our safety and mentoring and inspiring our youth,” the Wawa Foundation said.

The four finalists are:

• Families Behind the Badge Children's Foundation
• Heights Philadelphia
• Joyful Readers
• Veterans Multi-Service Center

The winner is chosen by voting, which is open until June 27. The organization with the most votes will be presented to The Wawa Foundation Hero Award Panel for final approval. The Wawa Foundation Hero Award will be presented as part of the Independence Day morning ceremony on July 4 in front of Independence Hall in Philadelphia. The recipient of The Wawa Foundation Hero Award will receive a $50,000 grant, and the three runners up will each receive $10,000 grants.

“We are thrilled with the four finalists for The Wawa Foundation Hero Award and delighted to shine a light on the important work they’re doing in the community,” said Liz Simeone, President, The Wawa Foundation. “We look forward to celebrating their stories during the Fourth of July Celebration of Freedom ceremony when we reveal the winner with a $50,000 grant to help these organizations continue helping others in the community.”

Last month, the Wawa Foundation said it awarded 33 Fly Beyond Key Issue Grants, totaling $1.5 million, aimed at providing youth with increased access to more nutritious meal and snack options through school or community-based programs.