St. John’s UCC Reading Fund

The St. John’s UCC Reading Fund was established in 2020 to support organizations and causes that were important to the mission of the church. Grants support programs and initiatives that reduce hunger, offer shelter or improve housing, meet a pressing need for youth, or create or maintain open space.

Distributions are made in the following order of preference:
• Religious organizations or causes within a one-mile radius of 149 S. 9th Street, Reading, PA.
• Organizations or causes within a one-mile radius of 149 S. 9th Street, Reading, PA.
• Religious organizations or causes in the City of Reading.
• Organizations or causes in the City of Reading.
• Religious organizations or causes in Berks County.
• Organizations or causes in Berks County.

This opportunity will award multiple grants with total awards totaling up to approximately $27,000.

St. John’s was located at 149 S. Ninth St. in Reading. It was formed in 1871 as St. John’s Reformed Church of Reading.

In 2017, a majority of its remaining members voted to dissolve St. John’s United Church of Christ as a legal entity.

In 2019, the church filed with Berks County Court to transfer much of its assets to the Community Foundation and to give its building and some assets to Open Door Mennonite Church, Lancaster County, to establish the South 9th Street Mennonite Church in the building.

In 2020, the St. John’s UCC Reading Fund of Berks County Community Foundation was created to continue the church’s mission.