Lucy M. Born Fund
When Lucy’s husband, James P. Born passed away, his estate was split between the fund that he established in his name and another fund, The Lucy M. Born Fund, that was created in honor of his wife. Both funds continue to make regular charitable donations, just as Jim and Lucy had wanted.
Grants support Berks Catholic High School, the Catholic Diocese of Allentown, Lifeline of Berks County Inc., and St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (Memphis).
James P. Born, Sr. Fund
Before he passed, Jim worked with Berks County Community Foundation to establish The James. P. Born, Sr. Fund so he could easily make charitable donations, such as providing Christmas presents to children at Mary’s Shelter. When he passed away, his estate went to the fund in his name and to another fund, The Lucy M. Born Fund, in honor of his wife.
Jim was an active volunteer until not long before he passed away at age 91.
“If you’ve heard the maxim ‘The proper attitude is gratitude,’ you should know that this guy is the embodiment of that,” said Terry Dugan, business manager at St. Ignatius Loyola Church in Whitfield.
Grants support organizations and ministries whose teachings are consistent with the Catholic faith and whose programs benefit children and/or promote education.
Berks County Arts Fund
The Berks County Arts Fund supports arts and culture organizations that will implement community-focused programs/projects through visual arts. We seek to support innovative, inclusive, and accessible programs that will foster community pride and encourage creative expression within our community.
Nonprofit organizations must be based in Berks County and the program/project must be held in Berks County.
Because of the range in size and scope of visual arts programming in our community, there is no minimum or maximum request amount. There is $50,000 total to distribute.
Applications are due by April 22nd. Grant awards will be announced no later than June 6th.
Bill Brumbach Sportsmanship Award
This fund supports graduation awards for seniors graduating from Wilson High School who are known for team spirit, fair play, enthusiasm and a willingness to hustle. This award commemorates Wilson’s former athletic director who was instrumental in building the interscholastic sports program.
No application is needed. This scholarship is awarded by a committee at Wilson High School, with consideration given to all Wilson seniors.
Earl and Helen Poole Memorial Fund
Grants support Berks Nature, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, the Reading Public Museum, and the Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University.
Patricia Bear Endowment Fund for Bethany Methodist Church
Grants support Bethany Methodist Church in Hamburg.
Berks County Tennis Fund
The Berks County Tennis Fund was created to develop the game of tennis in Berks County through programs that may include:
- Creating community tennis programs in areas of the county not previously exposed to the sport; providing equipment and lessons to disadvantaged youth.
- Fostering self-esteem in people with disabilities.
- Running after-school or summer programs that promote fitness, health, citizenship, and leadership.
- Mentoring programs that provide the means and opportunity for minority youth to participate in tournaments and higher levels of play.
The intent of the fund is to enhance the quality of life for children and adults of Berks County through the sport of tennis. Programs should promote and teach tennis as a lifelong leisure activity, a competitive sport, and a vehicle to develop skills in patience, self-discipline, and critical thinking.
After the application deadline, an advisory committee made up of local community members will review the applications and recommend the programs that will receive the grants.
Richard J. Yashek Memorial Fund for Congregation Leadership
Grants support programs that promote and enhance leadership in the congregation at Reform Congregation Oheb Sholom.
Miriam A. Wentzel Memorial Youth Activities Fund
Grants support church-related camperships for young people from St. Michael’s Church in Hamburg and the church’s youth activities.
Seaman Family Fund
Grants support St. Michael’s Church in Hamburg.
