Juniper Fund

The Juniper Fund of Berks County Community Foundation was established in 2010 by The Murray Clan Society of North America to support the education, promotion and preservation of the history, heritage and traditions of Scotland.

The fund provides financial support for the following purposes:

• To improve an individual’s basic skills in Scottish music/dance/cuisine/etc. (including your own skills).
• To promote enrichment experiences in Scottish culture, traditions and history.
• To enhance activities that benefit the Scottish community and the Murray Clan.
• To support other activities that educate people about, promote, or preserve the history, heritage, and traditions of Scotland.
• Preference for awarding grants may be given to those with the last name of Murray or to one of their allied families, which include Balneaves, Dinsmore, Dunsmore, Fleming, Moray, Murrie, Murry, Neaves, Piper, Pyper, Smail, Smale, Small, Smeal, and Spalding. The maximum award will be $500. Funds will be paid directly to the organization that applies or to where the individual is engaging in an educational activity. As an example of a grant that was awarded, the Juniper Fund in 2020 gave $500 to preservation efforts at Castle Cluggy in Scotland. “Despite its ruined state, this hidden gem hides a thousand years of history,” according to the people who are striving to maintain the castle. At their blog, the Castle Cluggy crew gave thanks to those who established the Juniper Fund: “We are delighted to have the support of our transatlantic cousins…”