The Met-Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund will make grants to fund a variety of energy efficiency projects to nonprofits, government entities, and small-businesses within the Met-Ed and Penelec utility areas. Funding is only available to existing buildings (not new construction) and to organizations that own their buildings (not lease). A preliminary energy assessment must be completed to be considered for funding. If you have not had an energy assessment completed, contact fund staff to be connected with technical assistance.
There is $500,000 available per utility area ($1,000,000 total). Grants will typically range from $25,000 to $100,000.
Eligible projects include:
Replacement of existing lighting with more energy-efficient lighting (more information here)
Installation of high-efficiency HVAC projects (more information here)
Installation of commercial kitchen and refrigeration improvements (more information here)
Process timeline:
- LOIs open April 15; Due May 15
- Announcement of invitation to submit an application by May 30
- Application opens on June 1; Due July 15
- Funding decisions announced by September 30
Letter of Intent
An advisory board will review the applications and decide which projects will receive grant funding.
The LOI and application is available in Berks County Community Foundation’s and Community Foundation for the Alleghenies’ grant portals. Projects in Penelec territory should fill out the form in the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies’ portal; Projects in Met-Ed territory should fill out the form in Berks County Community Foundation’s portal.
Contact information
In the Met-Ed rate district, please contact Emily Smedley:
Environment and Energy Program Officer, Berks County Community Foundation
Fund Manager, Met-Ed Sustainable Energy Fund
Emilys@bccf.org
In the Penelec rate district, please contact Mark Keim:
Program Officer, Community Foundation for the Alleghenies
Fund Manager, Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund
mkeim@cfalleghenies.org
The Met-Ed/Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund (SEF) seeks two nominees for its volunteer Advisory Board.
The Met-Ed/Penelec SEF distributes funds to promote the development and use of renewable energy and clean energy technologies, energy conservation and efficiency, and projects that improve the environment in the Met-Ed and Penelec service territories. The Met-Ed/Penelec SEF is co-managed by Berks County Community Foundation and the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, respectively.
The funds are seeking nominations for the following positions:
- At-Large
- Environment
- Commercial Customer
The Advisory Board will fill either the At-Large or Environmental position and Commercial Customer position.
The Met-Ed/Penelec Advisory Board consists of no fewer than seven and no more than nine positions. Board members can serve six two-year terms. The Advisory Board meets four times per year on a quarterly basis. Meetings are typically held via Zoom, with the possibility of in-person meetings within the Met-Ed and Penelec service territories.
For consideration, candidates should meet the following criteria:
- Be a resident of Pennsylvania that is affiliated with the Met-Ed or Penelec rate district
- Have interpersonal skills that foster a creative and positive work environment for Board meetings
- Have the ability to work with fellow board members and fund staff to evaluate incoming projects and programs for their mission-fit, participate in technical and financial due diligence discussions, and determine project impact.
- Have demonstrated experience in working with Pennsylvania’s sustainable energy sector
Interested candidates should submit a brief letter of interest and a resume to Emily Smedley (Berks County Community Foundation/Met-Ed) or Mark Keim (Community Foundation for the Alleghenies/Penelec.) Their contact information is below. The letter should provide details on how the candidate fulfills the nomination criteria and the skills they bring to the advisory board. The resume should provide contact information and the candidate’s educational and work experience.
Nominations should be submitted by April 17, 2026.
All candidates will be notified via email upon receipt of their letter of interest and resume. The advisory board will submit the successful nominee(s) to the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission for final approval.
Contact Information
In the Met-Ed rate district, please contact Emily Smedley:
Environment and Energy Program Officer, Berks County Community Foundation
Fund Manager, Met-Ed Sustainable Energy Fund
Emilys@bccf.org
In the Penelec rate district, please contact Mark Keim:
Program Officer, Community Foundation for the Alleghenies
Fund Manager, Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund
mkeim@cfalleghenies.org
This announcement is made in keeping with the best practices of the Pennsylvania Sustainable Energy Board (PASEB) and is being distributed on the websites of the Public Utility Commission and the Met-Ed/ Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund, as well as relevant newsletters and other sources. This notice may be forwarded to interested parties.
Receiving a grant from Berks County Community Foundation marks an exciting milestone in your organization’s journey. It’s more than just funding – it’s a boost of confidence in your vision and the impact you make in our community. Let’s walk through what happens next and how to make the most of this opportunity.
First Things First: The Grant Agreement
Before the fund is distributed, there’s one crucial step that must be taken: completing your grant agreement form. This document outlines the responsibilities between your organization and the Community Foundation, ensuring clarity and setting expectations. You’ll need to submit this through our third-party online portal within 30 days of receiving your email offer.
Sharing Your Success
Once your grant agreement is squared away, consider sharing your achievement with the community. Here’s how to do it effectively:
- Celebrate Your Team
Take a moment to acknowledge the dedication and hard work that brought you here. Your team’s commitment deserves recognition, and this grant validates their efforts.
- Tell Your Story
Consider sharing your journey and plans across your communication channels. Whether that is through your website, social media, or newsletter, let your supporters know about this exciting program. It’s about inspiring others and showing the positive changes happening in our community.
- Give Credit Where Credit is Due
When sharing news about your grant, please include proper acknowledgment of the funding source. Use the following format:
“Support for this project was provided by the [XYZ Fund] of Berks County Community Foundation.”
Click here to download a comprehensive resource to help you navigate this journey. Click here to find detailed guidelines for using our organization’s name and logo, templates for various communications and more!
- Looking Ahead
This grant is just the beginning. We’re excited to see how your project develops and the positive change it brings to our community. Remember, our team is here to support your success every step of the way.
Have specific questions about promoting your funding? Email me at ericac@bccf.org.
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.
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.
On November 6, Berks County Community Foundation held its Annual Meeting at the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Reading. More than 100 civic leaders and community members attended the event, which focused on the evolving landscape of local journalism. The event started off with Kevin Murphy, president, and Monica Reyes, vice president for programs and initiatives, addressing the audience before introducing the keynote.
Reyes said, “I’m proud to say that one of the Community Foundation’s largest philanthropic initiatives to date is our work on increasing local journalism.” Reyes’ remarks included details on how Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom based in Harrisburg that is dedicated to investigative and public service journalism for Pennsylvania, will launch a Berks news bureau in 2025.
The event’s keynote speaker, Jim Brady, has been vice president of Journalism at John S. and James L. Knight Foundation since 2021 and oversees Knight’s journalism portfolio of more than $200 million. During his tenure, Brady has been instrumental in developing the strategic framework behind Press Forward, a $500 million effort to revitalize local news in the United States.
Brady highlighted several successful examples of innovation in local journalism, including nonprofit news models, audience engagement strategies, and the rise of local reporting initiatives that cater specifically to each community. He stressed that developing trust between journalists and their audiences is essential for rebuilding the public’s faith in the media.
Following Brady’s address, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer discussion and shared insights on how Berks County’s news landscape is evolving.
Overall, the event was a success, sparking meaningful conversations and new ideas for supporting local journalism in Berks County and beyond. To learn more about Spotlight PA, click here.
Reading, PA – October 9, 2024 – Berks County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the conclusion of its 3rd quarter grant cycle, 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.
- Q3 total grants awarded: 549
- Q3 total dollar amount awarded: $1,459,851
- Q3 number of organizations impacted: 275
“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:
- Give to an Existing Fund: Your contributions can help sustain the important work of established funds addressing specific needs within Berks County.
- 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.
About Berks County Community Foundation
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.
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Here at the Community Foundation, we believe that every student deserves to participate in fun activities that also improve their lives. By making a grant to Muhlenberg School District’s Weightlifting Club, also referred to as the “Swole Club”, the foundation was able to provide funding to do just that.
The Weightlifting Club, in collaboration with the Aevidum Club, was started to provide students with access to a new sport, a positive school culture of sportsmanship, and healthy habits. Engaging in weightlifting provides more than just physical benefits. Students learn to set goals, persevere through challenges, and celebrate their progress individually and as a team. The Aevidum club helps students to adopt cultures of care and advocacy, encouraging all members to have their friends’ backs.
“We are very excited and grateful for these funds and look forward to supporting our students in our Aevidum Club and Weightlifting Club,” says Zachariah Milch M Ed., Licensed Behavior Specialist at Muhlenberg School District.
The grant specifically provided funding for lifting equipment, tournament fees, and culture-building trips.
By providing funds for weightlifting equipment, this grant lifts the weight off the shoulders of students who lack access due to financial constraints to weightlifting. The funding was made possible by the First United Church of Christ Mission Fund of Berks County Community Foundation. This fund supports organizations and causes that were important to the mission of the First United Church of Christ in Reading, PA. One of the church’s causes that was important to them was to support programs and initiatives that help children from Berks County participate in activities that their families would not otherwise be able to afford. To learn more about the First United Church of Christ Mission Fund what other causes are important to this fund, click here.
The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford received one of 22 Governor’s Awards for Environmental Excellence for a rooftop solar array on the George B. Duke Engineering and Information Technologies Building.
This project was funded in part by support from the Metropolitan Edison/Pennsylvania Electric Company Sustainable Energy Fund, which is managed by Berks County Community Foundation and the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies respectively. Since its inception in 2000, this fund has awarded more than $33.9 million to sustainable energy projects in the area served by the Met-Ed and Penelec service territories in Pennsylvania.
The Metropolitan Edison/Pennsylvania Electric Company Sustainable Energy Fund granted $230,000 to support the installation of a 100 kilowatt-plus solar array on the rooftop of the George B. Duke Engineering and Information Technologies Building.
“Pitt-Bradford is committed to environmental and economic sustainability as well as providing leadership and service to our local and regional communities,” said Richard Esch, president of Pitt-Bradford. “This project not only generates energy to help supplement the power needs of the Duke Building, it also provides an educational tool for our campus and the community about the importance of sustainability and renewable energy.”
This solar array was installed and working in March 2023 and to date has generated over 60 megawatt hours of green electricity for Pitt-Bradford. In addition, the solar array is the largest rooftop solar array in the University of Pittsburgh system, and it provides over 40% of the Duke Building’s electricity.
More details on the project are available here.
Reading, PA (June 14, 2024) – The Innovation Fund of Berks County Community Foundation supports collaborative projects focused on improving environmental health and climate resiliency in Berks County. Projects that include collaboration across sectors and opportunities for partnership building were prioritized.
The first grants have been awarded from The Innovation Fund, which was established in 2023 with support from the Conservation Equity Fund and the Hawley and Myrtle Quier Fund of Berks County Community Foundation:
- $15,000 to Alvernia University’s Bog Turtle Creek Farm for expanding food access in the City of Reading
- $15,000 to PennEnvironment Research and Policy Center for promoting renewable energy in Berks County
- $8,000 to the Berks Agricultural Resource Network (B.A.R.N.) for the Greater Reading urban agriculture bus tour
- $5,000 to the Berks County Earth Day Committee for the annual Earth Day event
- $2,900 to Brandywine Heights Middle School for the Toad Creek restoration and stream study
- $15,000 to Berks Nature for planting trees in the City of Reading
- $15,000 to Northwest Middle School to create an outdoor educational area
- $12,500 to Berks Nature for the Return on the Environment study
- $5,000 to the S.P.A.R.K.S. Foundation for aquaponics and hydroponics classroom programming
“The grants awarded will provide essential resources to support local projects that address critical environmental challenges, promote sustainable practices, and enhance the overall resilience of our communities to the impacts of climate change,” said Emily Smedley, environment and energy program officer at Berks County Community Foundation. “The Innovation Fund was the result of group meetings and one-on-one interviews with community members, and review of several trusted local reports. Those conversations and research determined where grant funding should be focused to maximize community impact.”
To learn more about The Innovation Fund, please visit https://bccf.org/funds/the-innovation-fund/.
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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.
Media contact: Erica Caceres, Communication Manager, ericac@bccf.org / 610-685-2231
