On February 28th, Berks County Community Foundation held a Winter Get Together. Over 30 professional advisors attended the event, which included a roll-out of our updated Giving Guide.
The Giving Guide is a comprehensive resource designed to explain what a community foundation is and the advantages of using Berks County Community Foundation. The guide includes explanations on the various types of funds one can establish, how to create a charitable fund, and more.
Introductions to the program officers and their areas of focus were part of the evening’s festivities, in addition to introducing a new face, Molly McCullough Robbins.
Robbins comes to the foundation as the Vice President for Philanthropic Services handling resource development and promotional efforts of the foundation. Robbins will work with the program officers to identify individuals in the community who may be interested in supporting the foundation’s work.
- Cindy Milian, Health and Human Services Program Officer, oversees grants for individuals, public health initiatives, human services initiatives, and animal welfare.
- Emily Smedley, Environment and Energy Program Officer, manages programs and grants related to the environment, sustainable energy, land use, and neighborhood vitality.
- Kim Sheffer, Lifelong Learning Program Officer, manages the scholarship and educational grant funds.
The event was also a chance for us to thank the professional advisors who, by introducing the Community Foundation to their clients, allowed us to carry on our mission of promoting philanthropy and improving the quality of life for Berks County residents.
Since the Community Foundation was founded 30 years ago this year, 50% of the charitable funds we manage have been the direct result of a referral by a professional advisor. If we look at the dollar amount of those funds referred to by a professional advisor, it is 76% of our current investment pool.
Details on how you can be a referral and spark change are available in the Community Foundation’s Giving Guide.
If you have questions, please email give@bccf.org.
