Give Now
Give Now

Change starts with a spark. Your spark.

We’ll turn it into a shining light across Berks County.

Change starts with a spark. Your spark.

We’ll turn it into a shining light across Berks County.

Change starts with a spark. Your spark.

We’ll turn it into a shining light across Berks County.

Change starts with a spark. Your spark.

We’ll turn it into a shining light across Berks County.

CELEBRATING 30 YEARS We have compiled some highlights from the past 30 years that reflect our mission of promoting philanthropy and improving the quality of life for the residents of Berks County.

Celebrate with us

In the Spotlight

Recap: Berks County Community Foundation Annual Event on Local Journalism with Jim Brady

Recap: Berks County Community Foundation Annual Event on Local Journalism with Jim Brady

On November 6, Berks County Community Foundation held its Annual Meeting at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Reading. More than 100 civic leaders and community members attended the event, which focused on the evolving landscape of local journalism. The event started off with Kevin…

November 20, 2024

Erica Caceres, Communication Manager
The Literacy Council's Path of Empowering Individuals to Break Barriers

The Literacy Council’s Path of Empowering Individuals to Break Barriers

A new initiative is changing lives one word at a time. In March of 2024, the Literacy Council of Reading­ Berks launched its Overcoming Barriers Project. The goal of this project is to provide resources such as bus passes to enable female program participants the…

November 18, 2024

Berks County Community Foundation
Long-time Customer Inspires Business Owner to Give  

Long-time Customer Inspires Business Owner to Give  

A beer distributor might not be the first business you would expect to make regular contributions to Berks County Community Foundation. Tom Derr’s family has owned West Lawn Beverage since 1951, and Tom is still working at age 93. Many years ago, he started organizing…

November 14, 2024

Molly McCullough Robbins, Vice President for Philanthropic Services

Our mission is to promote philanthropy and improve the quality of life for the residents of Berks County.

We do this by distributing life-changing grants, scholarships, and other forms of support. Our work is made possible by generous people who created the funds to give back to the community.

About Us

Our Areas of Focus

Arts and Culture

Arts and Culture

Learn More
Environment and Energy

Environment and Energy

Learn More
Education

Education

Learn More
Health and Human Services

Health and Human Services

Learn More
Neighborhoods and Economic Development

Neighborhoods and Economic Development

Neighborhoods and Economic Development

Learn More

See how our community can help.

Whether you’re looking to give, or need funding to do great things, the outcome is the same – a better Berks County for us all. 

Plan Your Giving

For Current and Potential Donors and Professional Advisors

Learn More

Find Funding

For Nonprofits, Organizations & Students

Learn More

Shining a light on good work through funds local residents created.

We’re proud to help the local residents of our great community create and manage funds supporting many causes in need of assistance. If you can help any or all of these projects, we’re here to help you make that happen.

Learn About Creating a Fund

The Albany Township Tomorrow Fund

Walter Hamm created this fund in honor of Pauline Levan Hamm and Gloria Longenberger Hamm. Today, the fund provides grant to support community activities in the township they loved.

Give to this charitable fund

Berks County Association of School Retirees Scholarship and Mini-Grant Fund

Retired employees from local schools created this fund to ensure teachers in Berks County’s public schools have funding for special projects and programs that benefit the children in their classrooms.

Give to this charitable fund

Earl and Helen Poole Memorial Fund

The Poole family created this fund to provide ongoing, annual support to Berks Nature, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, the Reading Public Museum, and the Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University.

Give to this charitable fund

First United Church of Christ Mission Fund

Remaining members created this endowment when the church closed to continue their charitable work of helping children and seniors and reducing hunger in Berks County.

Give to this charitable fund