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Understanding Community Foundations 

Community foundations pool resources from individuals, families, and businesses to support nonprofits within their communities. It all starts with a donor or donors working with us to establish a fund to support their charitable goals. We currently manage nearly 400 different funds totaling approximately $140 million. Most of those funds are restricted to support specific organizations or areas of interest. 

Our Grantmaking Process 

1. Identifying Community Needs: Our team of program officers, each of whom is an expert in her area of focus, starts by identifying the most pressing needs within the community and managing their related portfolio of funds. This involves engaging with local stakeholders and analyzing data to understand where support is most needed.  

2. Establishing Grant Programs: Based on identified needs, our team established five areas of focus: Arts & Culture, Education, Environment & Energy, Health & Human Services, and Neighborhood Vitality. 

3. Endowments: To support our grantmaking activities, the Community Foundation relies on donations from the public. Most of the funds that we manage are endowed funds, which are invested to generate income for long-term grantmaking. This ensures a sustainable source of funding for future grants. 

4. Grant Application and Review: Nonprofit organizations seeking funding submit grant applications detailing their projects and how they align with the foundation’s priorities. Applications are reviewed by a committee and/or foundation staff to assess their potential impact and feasibility. Committee members are selected because they have a connection to the fund or expertise in the area it supports. 

5. Awarding Grants: Once the review process is complete, the foundation awards grants to selected nonprofits. These grants can be unrestricted, allowing organizations to use the funds as needed, or restricted to specific projects or programs. 

6. Monitoring and Evaluation: After grants are awarded, our program officers monitor the progress of funded projects. This involves regular reporting from grantees and site visits to ensure that the funds are being used effectively and that the projects are achieving their intended outcomes. 
7. Community Engagement and Feedback: Continuous engagement with the community is crucial. Foundation staff often holds meetings, site visits, and forums to gather feedback and ensure that our grantmaking strategies remain aligned with community needs and our mission.

Our grantmaking is made possible by the funds that have been established over our 31-year history. Each fund was established based on the interests and passions of the donor(s), and it is our honor and obligation to abide by the parameters set forth by our fund holders. 

There are different types of funds that donors can establish with the Community Foundation:

1. Undesignated: Want to meet the most pressing needs in Berks County? Grants from undesignated funds are determined by our board of directors to address ever-changing community needs. This type of fund supports initiative work such as our support of Spotlight PA, student retention work, rural initiatives, and new arts funding. We strategize to use unrestricted funding to create systemic change and address big issues. 

2. Designated: Support a specific organization year after year, even after you are gone. Organizations benefit from consistent support, and you can be confident the money in your fund is professionally managed. 

3. Field of Interest: Whatever your cause, our team of program experts will do the legwork to ensure grants from your fund make a difference for your cause now and for years to come. 

4. Donor Advised: Make decisions about where grants from your fund go each year while you are alive, with the option to name a successor advisor after you are gone. 

5. Scholarships: Help students pay for their education through a scholarship fund. Or use a designated fund or more flexible field-of-interest fund to support a specific school or area of education. 

6. Giving Circle: The Power of the Purse (POP) committee is a women’s giving circle. The dedicated group of women meets several times a year to learn about barriers women and girls face in Berks County. They visit local organizations, listen to expert speakers, and make thoughtful decisions about how best to help, using their pooled resources. 

The vision for the Program Team is to:  

• Move the needle in priority areas where donors and/or the community have asked us to shine a light.  

• Develop deep expertise in these priority areas and make strategic investments of time, effort, and money to improve the quality of life in Berks County in those areas.  

• Be impeccable in the stewarding of grants to ensure donor intent is met and data and feedback are collected and put to good use. 

I lead the team of expert program officers, ensuring their grantmaking work and management align with donor intent. Together, we seek local and national partnerships and opportunities to amplify the impact of our programs.    

The mission of Berks County Community Foundation is to promote philanthropy and improve the quality of life for the residents of Berks County. We play a pivotal role by providing financial support to various nonprofit organizations and individuals in need through our grantmaking. If you have questions, please email me at monicar@bccf.org. 

READING, PA (April 9, 2025) – Berks County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the conclusion of its 1st quarter grant cycle for calendar year 2025, 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.   

• Q1 total grants awarded: 190   

• Q1 total dollar amount awarded: $1,152,270 

• Q1 number of organizations impacted: 142 

  

“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:   

  

1. Give to an Existing Fund: Your contributions can help sustain the important work of established funds addressing specific needs within Berks County.   

2. Create Your Own Fund: Whether you want to honor a loved one or support a particular cause or organization, the Foundation can help you to create a fund that reflects your passions and philanthropic goals.   

  

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.   

  

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Berks County Community Foundation is a nonprofit corporation serving as a civic leader for our region by developing, managing, and distributing charitable funds to improve the quality of life in Berks County, PA. More information is available at www.bccf.org. 

On March 29, 2025, approximately 145 guests gathered at the Berkshire Country Club to honor Ramona Turner Turpin with the 2025 Thun Award. The Thun Award was created in 1988 to honor Louis R. Thun and Ferdinand K. Thun, local industrialists and philanthropists, in recognition of their long-standing record of civic and community service. The award is presented to Berks County residents whose commitment of time, leadership, and philanthropy exhibits the enduring sense of community reflected by the high ideals of the Thun family.  

Fulton Bank and Berks County Community Foundation proudly presented the 2025 Thun Award to Ramona Turner Turpin for her extraordinary community contributions, engagement, and philanthropy in Berks County. Ramona is an Instructor at the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks. Early in her career, Ramona was employed by Berks County Intermediate Unit – first as a teacher, then as an early childhood education coordinator. She served as the Dean of Leadership and Director of Funds Development for the I-LEAD Charter School in Reading. Ramona’s banking career began as the Community Reinvestment Act Director for Bank of Pennsylvania before she was named Community Relations manager for Sovereign Bank in 1999, a position she held for almost ten years. In addition, she held the role of Small Business Specialist for three years.  

Ramona has served on numerous boards, including Berks County Community Foundation, Reading Musical Foundation, Olivet Boys and Girls Club, BCTV and United Way of Berks County. She has volunteered her time with Berks Intercultural Alliance. Ramona is a long-time member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church where she has shared her time and talents as a teacher, choir member, and Christian education director; she presently sits on the steward board. Ramona has received numerous awards, including the Athena Award, the Outstanding Woman award from Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, the Amiga Award from the Latina Gathering, and the NAACP Image Award. 

Previous Recipients of the Thun Award:  

Thun Award recipients are community advocates who are leaders in commerce and industry. This year’s award recipient embodies the passion for and investment in this community, qualities that are found in all the recipients of the Thun Award. 

Berks County Community Foundation established the Thun Award Fund from which honorees recommend grants to organizations of their choice. Ramona selected The Sisterhood of Reading to receive this year’s grant. The Sisterhood of Reading strives to foster a kindred and caring spirit among African American women. Their goal is to mentor young women for the betterment of our community. 

Click here to view event photos from the Celebration of Giving and Thun Award presentation. To view the video which highlights Ramona’s contributions to the community, visit our YouTube page here. For more information about the Thun Award, please email me at mollyr@bccf.org.

There are many ways to support nonprofit organizations. You may make a one-time gift to support an event or program. You may give annually to your favorite organization. Perhaps you volunteer your time and talent to offset costs for a charity that is important to you. You could also establish an endowment fund. An endowment is a fund or group of funds that provides long-term support for a cause or organization. It is established with the intention to live on forever. Establishing an endowment fund with Berks County Community Foundation is a long-term way to support the organizations and causes that matter most to you. The endowed fund is invested, and a portion is given out each year for grantmaking to fulfill the charitable intent set forth by the donor(s). As the invested balance grows, more is available for distribution over time.  

How does it work? 

• An individual, group, or organization completes a fund agreement to specify the details of the fund and the charitable intent of the donor(s) and makes a gift to establish a fund with Berks County Community Foundation. 

• Berks County Community Foundation manages and invests the fund to grow the balance.  

• Each year, a portion of the fund (4.5%) is distributed based on the charitable goals set forth in the fund agreement.  

• The remaining funds are kept in the endowment to grow over time.  

Why is it important?  

• Endowments provide an ongoing source of funding for charitable causes. 

• Endowments can help nonprofit organizations that the donor selects expand their support and develop new programs. 

• Endowments can help those organizations weather economic downturns. 

How can I contribute? 

• You can donate cash, stocks, real estate, or other assets to an endowment.  

• You can receive tax benefits for your donation in the year you give.  

• You can create a legacy of support by establishing an endowment.  

• Others may give to existing endowments to increase their grantmaking dollars. 

Berks County Community Foundation assesses management fees on the charitable funds it administers. These fees support costs for grant processing, contribution acknowledgment, audits, tax filings, and personnel. These fees are crucial to allowing us to fulfill our mission to promote philanthropy and improve the quality of life for the residents of Berks County.  

Effective stewardship of philanthropic assets is key to our mission. The endowment funds we manage will live forever, and so will Berks County Community Foundation. We will never leave the area or go out of business, so we will always be here making the community a better place to live.  

In this three-part series, we will explore endowment funds, sparking change, and grantmaking. At Berks County Community Foundation, we do all three. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, philanthropist, or community advocate, this series will provide insight into how strategic funding can shape a better future. 

To learn more about establishing an endowed fund with Berks County Community Foundation, please download our Giving Guide and feel free to email me at mollyr@bccf.org.  

Police K9 units play a vital role in keeping our communities safe. These hardworking dogs help officers track suspects, find missing people and detect illegal substances. But, maintaining a skilled and effective K9 unit requires continuous funding for training, equipment and proper facilities. That is where the Darrell and Gloria Rank K9 Corps Fund of Berks County Community Foundation can help. 

This fund provides grants to help train, purchase and maintain K9 units for governmental entities in Berks County. Right now, applications are open for organizations that need funding to support their K9 teams. 

How was the fund created? Darrell and Gloria Rank dedicated their lives to making Berks County a safer place. Darrell was the first executive of the Berks Earned Income Tax Bureau and took action when his community needed him most. He once rescued a woman from a flooded car in 1972 during Hurricane Agnes and helped bring a dangerous criminal to justice after witnessing an assault.  

When Gloria passed away in 2012, she left most of her estate to Berks County Community Foundation, ensuring that their commitment to public safety would continue. Today, the Darrell and Gloria Rank K9 Corps Fund honors their legacy by providing essential resources for K9 units in the county. 

How is this fund making a difference?  A recent grant was used to update and maintain two K9 facilities where police dogs are housed and trained. These facilities are critical for keeping the unit efficient and ready for duty. The grant covered the cost of materials and labor to complete much-needed improvements, ensuring the facilities are still safe and functional for years to come. 

The project was delayed due to circumstances such as switching contractors. However, the team worked hard to overcome challenges and keep the upgrades on track. Thanks to this funding, K9 handlers and their dogs now have a safer and more effective training environment. 

The Darrell and Gloria Rank K9 Corps Fund of Berks County Community Foundation is currently accepting applications to help provide essential funding for K9 training, equipment, and facility maintenance. To apply, click here.  

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.  

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.  

• Q4 total grants awarded: 225  
• Q4 total dollar amount awarded: $2,120,983 
• Q4 number of organizations impacted: 156  

“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:  

1. Give to an Existing Fund: Your contributions can help sustain the important work of established funds addressing specific needs within Berks County.  
2. Create Your Own Fund: Whether you want to honor a loved one or support a particular cause or organization, the Foundation can help you to create a fund that reflects your passions and philanthropic goals.  

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.  

A new initiative is changing lives one word at a time. In March of 2024, the Literacy Council of Reading­ Berks launched its Overcoming Barriers Project. The goal of this project is to provide resources such as bus passes to enable female program participants the opportunity to participate in Literacy Council classes. Students will learn to read and write proficiently, become productive citizens, prepare for work, and achieve success at their jobs.

The Literacy Council of Reading-Berks is dedicated to eradicating illiteracy by teaching students to develop job skills, become a better parent, and to give back to the community. Their mission is to help adults better communicate, collaborate, and contribute to their families, workplaces, and communities.

The Overcoming Barriers Project addresses a critical need in our community. The classes go beyond reading and writing; they’re stepping ­stones to helping these females break barriers that are preventing them from being successful. The program provides a monthly BARTA bus pass for English as a Second Language (ESL) students, high school equivalency certification classes, GED preparation materials and exam fees, and a gateway to citizenship program. “The answer to being productive in life, work, and the community is the ability to communicate, collaborate with, and contribute to others’, explains Beverly Hirneisen of the Literacy Council. “Those who are illiterate find that impossible to do.”

The Power of the Purse (POP) Fund of Berks County Community Foundation provided support for the Overcoming Barriers Project. “The Power of the Purse Fund’s support is invaluable,’ says Beverly Hirneisen. “It allows us to focus on what we do best -teaching literacy skills – while ensuring our female students have the means to attend classes regularly.”

As women improve their literacy skills, they become more effective advocates for themselves and for children in schools and other public institutions. The program also serves as a gateway to higher education and increased community involvement.

“Women benefit in earnings from increased literacy skills,” Hirneisen notes. “Participation in literacy programs leads to a significant increase in participation in other community organizations.” The Literacy Council’s efforts are already bearing fruit. Students are progressing through ESL class levels, passing GED exams, and even gaining U.S. citizenship. These achievements are measured through post-testing results, exam passing rates, and tracking students’ progression through various educational levels.

One of the partners of the Literacy Council is Reading Area Community College (RACC). The partnership with a community college is crucial. Literacy Council helps RACC with professional development, student transfers, the Keystone Education Yields Success (KEYS) program, and admission assistance.

The Council also provides ESL and high school equivalency classes through Berks Latino Workforce Development Corporation, and Connections Work. The Overcoming Barriers Project is more than just a literacy program; it’s a program that provides hope. The impact of this program is immense. For each woman who learns to read, write, and communicate effectively, the program is not just changing one life-it is transforming families and strengthening our entire community.

The Literacy Council of Reading-Berks, through its Overcoming Barriers Project, is writing a new chapter in the story of Berks County. It’s a tale of empowerment, resilience, and the power of lifelong learning.

POP is a women’s giving circle with a focus on providing grants to programs that break the cycle of poverty by eliminating or addressing barriers for Berks County girls and women who want to enter or re-enter the workforce or seek the education they need to do so.

In 2024, POP awarded a total of $75,000 to the following organizations:

• $10,000 to Connections Work for a program to provide transportation, ID’s, and work-related clothing to remove any barriers to employment for individuals with justice involvement.
• $8,500 to Hannah’s Hope for staff training in Trauma Informed Care.
• $3,000 to John Paul II Center for Special Learning for their Girl Talk 101 program that creates a safe space for female students ages 10-45 with any disability to talk about their bodies, rights, safety, and self-advocacy with staff and community experts.
• $5,000 to Literacy Council of Reading to supply resources such as bus passes to enable female participants the opportunity to participate in Literacy Council classes.
• $3,750 to Mary’s Shelter to provide housing and supportive services to homeless unaccompanied youth.
• $15,000 to Opportunity House to offer financial assistance to empower women and ensure entry into permanent housing.
• $10,000 to Reading Science Center to provide STEM opportunities through hands-on programming for girls in Berks County.

• $15,000 to Safe Berks to help eliminate barriers that survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault face in obtaining and/or maintaining employment by providing direct support and financial assistance for education and employment needs.
• $4,750 to VOiCEup Berks to send Berks County youth to a national youth leadership conference to foster leadership skills.

In Fiscal Year 2024, Berks County Community Foundation distributed $5.4 million in grants and scholarships to support the community. The year was filled with innovative projects, impactful programs and a strong commitment to our mission.  

Berks County Community Foundation helps donors fulfill their charitable desires. The Foundation was established in 1994 as a non-profit, public charity to provide a locally managed resource for establishing endowments. We have program officers on staff who are experts in their focus areas – energy & environment, lifelong learning, health & human services, the arts, and neighborhood & economic development. They steward these charitable funds to ensure that the grants and scholarships awarded from them are making an impact and fulfilling our donors’ wishes.  

“The work we do isn’t only about working with donors to establish funds. Nor is it just about awarding grants and scholarships. The team at the Community Foundation convenes local leaders, research national and local trends, and chooses initiatives on which to focus so community conversations get moving and big ideas are discussed”, Kevin Murphy, president says.  

The Annual Report highlights our mission of promoting philanthropy and improving the quality of life for the residents of Berks County. The team works hard to bring organizations and individuals together for collaboration to spark change in the community. This year’s Annual Report provides detailed stories and data behind these achievements, underscoring the powerful impact of donor support in the community.  

To read the full report, take a look below.  

Over our 30-year history, we have had the opportunity to meet with hundreds of people who wanted to make a difference in their community – to give back in support of a cause about which they cared deeply or in honor or memory of someone they loved or admired. Thousands of grants representing millions of dollars have been distributed in Berks County thanks to the foresight of those donors who trusted Berks County Community Foundation with their charitable gifts. 

Every year or two, we update the Funds for Grants and Scholarships brochure, which lists the funds currently available for grantmaking and scholarship awards. Feel free to browse the brochure to learn more about how donors have supported individuals and organizations in our community – everything including animals, arts & culture, education, environment & energy, health & human services, neighborhoods & economic development, public safety, scholarships, and youth sports.  You may find an opportunity for funding or inspiration for establishing your own fund.   

Change starts with a spark.  Your spark.  We’re here to help – please reach out with any questions or ideas.