The Building Industries Exchange of Reading and Berks County Fund supports the construction or renovation of facilities owned by or for charitable organizations in Berks County. To be considered for funding, organizations must fill out a Letter of Intent (LOI) form. LOIs will typically be reviewed within 14 days of submission. If the project meets the fund’s mission, the Community Foundation will invite the organization to submit an official application.
LOIs and applications are accepted on a rolling basis when funding is available. There is currently $65,000 in funding available, with grants typically ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. Before starting an LOI, organizations should review the Community Foundation’s grantee standards on the website.
Since this fund was established in 2013, nearly $300,000 has been awarded to 48 organizations and individuals in Berks County.
The construction and building industries are essential to economic development and community well-being. With advancements in sustainable building practices, energy efficiency, and modern construction techniques, the industry is evolving rapidly.
To learn more about the Building Industries Exchange of Reading and Berks County Fund visit: https://bccf.org/funds/building-industries-exchange-of-reading-and-berks-county-fund-2/.
The Building Industries Exchange of Reading and Berks County Fund is one of the many funds managed by Emily Smedley, our Environment and Energy Program Officer. Emily leads initiatives supporting environmental health, sustainable energy, and community vitality in Berks County. To learn more about Emily’s role, click the video below.
Each year, our scholarship application opens on January 1st and must be submitted by 11:59 PM on March 1st. Please note that applications may not be edited or submitted after the deadline. To ensure a fair process, we are unable to make exceptions to the deadline.
These scholarships are open to students from all high schools across Berks County and of all ages. Want some inspiration? Read our blog, “Embracing a New Chapter: A Retiree’s Journey Back to School”. Loretta Boyd received the Community General Hospital Foundation June A. Roedel Healthcare Scholarship, just one of the many scholarships for which you can apply.
To view a list of all of the scholarships we have to offer, click here.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of community members who established and contributed to scholarship funds since our founding, we awarded approximately $747,000 in scholarships in 2024!
If you have questions while completing your application, visit our FAQ section for helpful tips. You can also email us at scholarships@bccf.org or call 610.685.2223.
Our scholarships are managed by Kim Sheffer, Lifelong Learning Program Officer. Kim oversees 130 scholarship opportunities and education-related grants. With a decade of experience at the Reading Public Library in roles ranging from Children’s Library Assistant to Senior Outreach Coordinator, Kim has a deep understanding of our community needs. To learn more about Kim’s role, take a look at the video below!
January is “National Thank You Month”— a time to embrace the power of gratitude. Originally established to encourage appreciation after the holiday season, it reminds us to reflect on the kindness and support we receive throughout the year. At Berks County Community Foundation, we don’t really need reminders to be grateful for the support we receive from members of the community – we see examples of this support every day, year-round.
In calendar year 2024, we received over 1,500 donations from 760 donors. In addition, seven new funds were established in 2024, each with specific charitable goals defined by the fund’s founders. Those donations and funds will contribute to the Foundation’s ability to distribute grants and scholarships for many years to come.
To give an idea of the impact made by the donations we receive and the funds we manage, Berks County Community Foundation awarded $6,465,590 in grants to 563 organizations and individuals in calendar year 2024.
Grants awarded are made possible by generous donors who give back to the community they love. Community members are invited to join the Foundation in sparking change. Here are two ways to get involved:
For more information on how to give or create a fund, please visit www.bccf.org, email Molly McCullough Robbins at mollyr@bccf.org, or call (610) 685-2223
Every summer, Immanuel Preschool at Immanuel United Church of Christ (UCC) in Shillington welcomes eager youngsters for three weeks of fun and robust educational activities. This past summer, thanks to a grant from the First United Church of Christ Mission Fund of Berks County Community Foundation, kids could attend the summer camp for free.
As many families struggle to meet basic needs, let alone afford enrichment activities for their children, the free preschool at Immanuel UCC lessens the financial burden while minimizing “summer slide.”
“The benefits of summer programming are invaluable to preschool aged and other young children. It not only helps to prevent the “summer slide” but provides a structured environment that may not otherwise be accessible for some families,” says Madison Kaley, preschool director at Immanuel Preschool.
Immanuel Preschool is filling a big need in the community by providing a summer camp that keeps kids learning over the summer, so they do not lose skills they developed during the school year. At summer camp, children will grow in confidence in social situations, early education, coordination, and skills.
Immanuel Preschool’s summer camp has been running for several years, and the program continues to grow. With this year’s grant, the camp was able to buy more classroom materials, crafts, and safety supplies, including free books for every student. The grant will also help cover the cost of hiring additional teachers and assistants to make sure all children get the support they need.
Learn more about the First United Church of Christ Mission Fund of Berks County Community Foundation, here.
READING (January 14, 2025) — Berks County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the conclusion of its 4th quarter grant cycle for calendar year 2024, which has successfully distributed vital funding to local nonprofits and initiatives dedicated to improving our community.
In this quarter, the Foundation awarded grants to a diverse range of projects focusing in areas of environment and energy, education, health and human services, arts and culture, and neighborhoods and economic development; supporting the impactful work of local organizations that improve the lives of Berks County residents.
These numbers are a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to its mission to promote philanthropy and improve the quality of life for the residents of Berks County.
“Grants awarded are made possible by generous donors who give back to the community they love,” stated Molly McCullough Robbins, Vice President for Philanthropic Services.
Moving forward, community members are invited to join the Community Foundation in sparking change. Here are two ways to get involved:
For more information on how to give or create a fund, please visit www.bccf.org, email Molly McCullough Robbins at mollyr@bccf.org, or call (610) 685-2223.
As part of the Community Foundation’s commitment to increase civic engagement and improve access to local news, we are proud to announce the appointment of Dave Myers as our newest Senior Fellow. Myers will be leading a series of community forums designed to engage Berks County residents on pressing issues affecting their lives.
Dave Myers, a seasoned leader with deep roots in Berks County, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the Foundation’s mission. With a career dedicated to serving his community, Myers has long been recognized for his ability to unite people, facilitate constructive conversations, and turn ideas into tangible action.
Dave’s extensive background and unwavering commitment to the community make him an ideal person to lead this important initiative. We are confident that his work will spark conversations that will drive positive change.
As part of his role, Dave Myers will host a series of community forums that aim to provide an open, accessible space for residents to engage with one another and discuss issues that matter most to them. The topics to be discussed will cover a broad range of local issues. Most forums will be held over Zoom, but some will be hosted in-person.
“These forums are an opportunity to bring people from all walks of life together,” Myers shared. “Whether we’re talking about issues that impact our schools, our economy, or our healthcare system, it’s crucial that we create an environment where everyone feels comfortable participating.”
Please check out our News and Events for updates on the forums to be part of the conversations.
As 2024 headed to a close, Berks County lost two of its giants.
Like any other community, Berks County has benefited from leaders who stood up, did the hard work of bringing a community together around its challenges and opportunities, and guided efforts to improve the quality of life. Without David Thun and Al Weber, that work will be harder.
David Thun died in a swimming accident on October 31. You would never have known he was 87 years old, given the vitality and energy that he displayed every day. The Thun family has a long and storied history in Berks County, but no one contributed more to that than David. While he was successful in business, I will most remember his contributions to the growth of our community. David was one of the founding members of the board of Berks County Community Foundation. Wading through a list of his community involvements is a dangerous task, as it feels infinite. I remember well his involvement with Berks Nature, the Schuylkill River Greenway, Reading Hospital, Penn State Berks, the Reading Symphony Orchestra, the Reading Public Museum and so many other organizations.
David and his wife Barbara were likely the first people my wife, Kim and I met when we moved to Berks County. They welcomed us and, more than anyone, David helped me learn the lay of the land here. We will miss the way David embodied the essence of a Berks Countian.
While David was the quintessential Berks Countian, Al Weber was not.
Born and raised in Boston, Al, who passed away in late November at the age of 72, never learned that there was an “R” in the word “park.” That Boston accent only added to his credibility as he led almost every nonprofit in Berks County, either as a board member or as a consultant guiding strategic planning.
Al served as Chair of the Community Foundation board from 2020-2023. There was no one’s counsel I valued more. Again, the list of community involvements would go on forever, and our debt to him can never be repaid.
Al’s biggest contribution to the Community Foundation, and perhaps our community, occurred during a staff retreat that he led as a consultant. About half-way through that meeting, Al said, “We need to toss this agenda. Your problem is that you’re trying to lead the community, but you’re charging fees like you’re a bank.”
We tossed the agenda, spent the afternoon figuring out how to create a sustainable business model, and as a result, built what is probably America’s best community foundation. Al’s ability to cut to the chase was unparalleled.
It’s the nature of communities that leaders emerge and, ultimately, leave the scene. Berks County will soldier on. Still, we benefitted greatly from the commitment that David and Al made to this community, and it will be hard to replace them. Our challenge moving forward is to build a community worthy of their trust.
The Early Years
John Scholl was born on August 24, 1947, at St. Joe’s Hospital on 13th Street in Reading, the youngest of two boys. His brother, William, who passed away in December of 2023, was four years his senior. John’s father, William, graduated from Temple University and worked as a pharmacist for his entire career. John’s mother, Emily, was a homemaker and part-time bookkeeper for Bertolette Candies, owned by Walter Lechleitner. They moved around a bit – to Pottstown for a few years before settling in Shillington – and John graduated from Governor Mifflin in 1965.
High School – A Talented Athlete Emerges
Sports have been a huge part of John’s life since elementary school, and he excelled on youth teams. He played baseball until a teacher cut him from the team for being the class clown. John switched gears and tried out for the track team. “I did the broad jump, pole vault and high jump. By the time I was a senior in high school, I was number 2 in high jump, so I had a nice track career.
College years
As a freshman at Albright College, John started playing basketball and became a star player. “Basketball was my main sport – I was on the track team the first two years and played baseball the last two years, but I played basketball all four years.” Basketball was a part of John’s life until he was in his 60s, playing in pick-up games and adult leagues throughout his adult life.
A Budding Businessman
“Ever since I was in high school, I always wanted to be in business for myself. I didn’t care if it was a gas station or a candy store – I just wanted to work for myself:’ That ambition drove the decisions that led to a successful career in the home-building industry. “For two summers during college, I worked for John A. Beard in his office – they knew me from playing basketball. My mother did that company’s books. There were a lot of Albright grads working there at the time. After I got my accounting degree from Albright in 1969, John offered me a full-time job.”
While working full-time for John A Beard, one of the partners, Dick Weidman, took a liking to John and taught him a lot about the business. John was honest from the start about his desire to move out on his own soon, and Dick gave him some great advice. “Dick said, ‘I just want to tell you one thing. There are no bad businesses, only bad businessmen.’ That stuck with me. He said you could have a clothing store that goes out of business, and the next guy buys it and makes it the best clothing store in the area. My success was up to me.”
While working 60 or 70 hours per week at the accounting firm and doing bookkeeping on the side for various clients, John took a job as an accountant and salesperson for Berks Construction Company which had a home-building business called Ridge Homes. John quickly learned the ins and outs of the business, and when the owners decided to sell, John decided to buy the business and work closely with a co-worker, Stanley Ball. The two eventually went into custom home building, a career that spanned decades.
Building Business
Property by property, bit by bit, John built his business while establishing his track record in the community. Early investments were made thanks to help from chance encounters with people who knew John from his time playing basketball at Albright. One night over drinks at Clover Park AA Men’s Club, John ran into an Albright alumnus who knew of John because of his success on the court and offered to help John with the financing to close his first big real estate deal – buying some lots in a new development. “We got to talking. I had this deal half-closed, but I needed money. He financed me and got me started. It was successful for both of us – we both made money:’ That success meant that John could now secure bank loans, and his business grew.
Working long hours, and playing sports at night and on the weekends, John started to get burned out. John got out of the custom home-building business when he was about 40 years old. “I had a lot of properties and enough money for me.”
John Scholl started to think about philanthropy. He established The Scholl Foundation with the help of Tom Williams, a local CPA. John eventually found the government regulations and fees for a private foundation expensive and complicated. Soon after Berks County Community Foundation was established, John worked with Franki Aitken, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to set up a donor advised fund at the Community Foundation.
“I came in and talked to Franki and said that I’d like to set something up.” He appreciates how easy the process has been for him. “You take care of everything, and all I to do is give the money and say where I want it to go. Every year I always give the maximum that I can give according to the federal government. Then, I call Frankl and say, ‘Send this amount of money to Albright or Reading Hospital’ or to whatever I am interested in doing, and it is so easy.”
The Next Generation
Steven Scholl, John’s nephew, has fond memories of his uncle from his childhood. “I remember at a young age always being drawn to him and looking forward to seeing him. He’d ask me trivia questions about sports or the rules of baseball or football or basketball. He’s always been a teacher to me.” Later, Steven would learn from John by watching him at the homebuilders’ show that used to be held at the Berkshire Mall. “I would watch how he interacted with people. I remember always being amazed at how many people he knew. When I was 16, 17, and 18 years old, I lived with him so I could attend Governor Mifflin High School to play sports, since my parents lived in the Schuylkill Valley School District. I didn’t realize until later what a huge sacrifice that was for him. Here was a guy in his 40s, free to come and go and do whatever he pleased, but he decided to take me in and have a big role in raising me:’ Little did Steven know that this time would help him in business, later in his life.
In 2013, John had open heart surgery and needed help with his business. Steven offered to help and has been involved ever since, taking over the daily property management operations and growing the business. uHe’s very talented – he can build a house from the ground up. He’s good at financing and paperwork and all that kind of stuff, which is difficult. I still do the bookkeeping, but one day he’ll have to take care of that. He’s the perfect match for me.
Looking back, those early experiences are priceless for Steven. “I have had so many times when I called on some of these people I was introduced to by John, and they went out of their way to help me. It was then I realized how much respect they gave him. While he was tough, he treated people fairly. This may be the number one lesson he taught me. ‘Take care of people and they’ll take care of you; he said. This stuck with me, and I’ve tried to live my life that way… always try to do the right thing.”
John later experienced two cardiac arrests – one in 2018 and another in 2023. He is still involved in the business, although his time in real estate is winding down. He relies on Steve to handle most of the business. Steve is grateful for John’s trust and the opportunities he has given him. “I tell everybody, without him, I would be nowhere. Not just the financial part, but the mentoring part, too. If there is one big takeaway from this, it is that he has been my mentor probably a Jot more than he’ll ever know. There is no possible way I could repay him for everything he has done for me. I’d have to live 100 lifetimes. I never want to disappoint him, and I go to great lengths to ensure that doesn’t happen. I often tell people that my father raised me to be tough, to have grit, and to never give up, and John taught me how to use that toughness and grit in the world. Losing him one day will create an enormous void in my life, and I dread when that happens. In the meantime, all I can do is to continue living my life by the example he set and taught me.
John is proud of his funds at the Community Foundation and wishes he could do more. “My funds are eventually going to help a Jot of people – that’s why I like to give back.” Steven will step in as the advisor to the donor advised fund upon John’s passing, per John’s wishes. When asked how he feels about that, Steven reflected, “We share the same values, the same ideas on how things should be. To me, it’s just a matter of continuing his legacy. I’m just steering the wheel, that’s it.”
For more information about establishing funds at the Community Foundation, please contact Molly McCullough Robbins, mollyr@bccf.org, Vice President for Philanthropic Services.
To download our full 2024 Annual Report, please click here.
Retirement often signifies a time of reflection and a well-deserved break from decades of hard work. But for some, like Loretta Boyd, retirement is merely the beginning of a new chapter. At 78, Loretta decided to trade in her retirement for a new academic adventure. Loretta’s decision to return to school wasn’t a spur of the moment decision. It was carefully considered, influenced by her daughter, Kristin, and her grandson, TJ.
Loretta had retired from a career that included roles as a Nurse Manager and a Director of Obstetrics, but she wasn’t ready to fully retire yet. One day, when Loretta planned to run errands with Kristin and TJ, they took a detour to Reading Area Community College (RACC). Loretta decided to enroll as a student majoring in healthcare in Medical Coding and Billing. “Having retired after 50 years as a Registered Nurse, I decided to transition into another healthcare field. I feel I still have much to give to the medical field in another capacity such as coding and billing”, Loretta explained. Returning to school was not as simple as filling out an application and enrolling in classes. Loretta faced some challenges that included financial concerns, applying for scholarships and returning to the classroom as a non-traditional student.
“Loretta’s decision to go back to school is a reminder that learning knows no age limit. The decision to pursue education after retirement exemplifies the community of life-long learners that the Community Foundation proudly supports; said Kim Sheffer, Lifelong Learning Program Officer at the foundation.
The Community General Hospital Foundation June A. Roedel Healthcare Scholarship Fund provides financial support to residents of Berks County who undertake or further their career in healthcare by providing scholarship funds for their educational expenses. In 2024, this fund granted over $93,000 in scholarships including Loretta’s. Residents of Berks County are eligible to apply if they will be attending an accredited educational institution pursuing a career in healthcare, with a career goal of fulfilling a local community need involving patient care.
Going back to school for Loretta brought new challenges that she was not expecting. At times, she would lose focus and would feel discouraged. She found support in her bible study group and in the book titled Oh, the Places You’ll Go! (Dr. Seuss. 1990), given to her by her family. On each page of the book, a family member wrote a note to remind her of her goals. Loretta’s career goal is to find employment in either a hospital or physician’s office.
She says, “By being a medical coding specialist, I will be able to ensure that the patient medical records are complete and accurate when being sent for payment. Having accuracy in the records will assist the revenue cycle in the hospital or physician’s office. lt will also decrease the need for repeat submissions to insurance companies.” Loretta achieved Dean’s List while taking four courses each semester with an anticipated graduation date of May 2025.
To download our full 2024 Annual Report, please click here.
In Boyertown, Pennsylvania, a story of resilience, love, and community support unfolds through the lives of Stephanie and her 13-year-old son, Micah.
Micah has Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, obstructive sleep apnea, and other medical complexities. He is nonverbal, requires constant care, and depends on his mother for every aspect of daily life. Despite the challenges, Stephanie knows him to be a precious, beautiful blessing. The past year has been especially hard for Stephanie. In addition to her responsibilities as Micah’s sole caregiver, she has been navigating life without her husband, who passed away last year from pancreatic cancer. “He was Micah’s best friend,” she said. “Losing him was devastating for both of us. I have had to take on everything alone since then.”
As Micah’s needs require 24/7 attention, his mother is unable to work full-time. She works while he is at school, but with a limited income, it can be difficult to keep up with expenses. When Stephanie’s vehicle broke down and the repair bill was over $5,500, this created a difficult situation since Stephanie relies on her vehicle to get to work, to take Micah to his doctor appointments, and to take him to his upcoming surgery in January. Her vehicle is not just a mode of transportation, it is a lifeline.
This is when Jess’s Sunshine Fund of Berks County Community Foundation stepped in to cover the expense. Jess’s Sunshine Fund was established on February 20, 2001, to honor Jess Schaeffer, who was the manager of the Boyertown boys’ basketball team. Jess used a wheelchair because of a rare type of cancer called Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
The fund helps families in Berks County who have children or dependent adults with special needs caused by long-term serious illnesses or injuries. It focuses on helping families in the Boyertown Area School District, though all Berks County residents are eligible. Since it started, the fund has provided over $73,000 in grants to families who need financial support during tough times.
“I don’t know what I would have done without this grant,” Stephanie says. “Micah has so many medical appointments and procedures that require transportation. Missing them is not an option, but I did not have the resources to fix the car.”
The money from the grant also allowed her to buy a video baby monitor. Micah has obstructive sleep apnea and must wear a CPAP mask at night, requiring his mother to check on him often. With the monitor, she can ensure he is safe without getting up multiple times during the night, giving her some much-needed rest.
Through tears of gratitude, Stephanie shares how much the grant meant to her family, “This has been such a huge blessing for us. I cannot thank everyone involved enough. Micah and I have been through so much, but knowing there are people who care and want to help gives me hope.
To learn more about Jess’s Sunshine Fund or apply for assistance, click here.