READING, PA (June 8, 2023) – The Gilmore | Henne Fund of Berks County Community Foundation has awarded $9,500 in grants to five parks. The Gilmore | Henne Community Fund was created by Wilson High School Graduates and NFL players John Gilmore and Chad Henne to support the costs of park programs and recreational improvements.
Grants were awarded to the following applicants:
- $2,000 to Muhlenberg Township for the purchase of three Automated External Defibrillator (AED) units for the Muhlenberg Park System. These AED units will help keep staff and visitors safe in the time it takes for first responders to arrive.
- $2,000 to Bernville Borough for the cost of sealing the basketball court at Umbenhauer Park. These renovations will restore one of few existing basketball courts in the Bernville area.
- $2,000 to Berks County Parks & Recreation Department for the purchase of snowshoe equipment to benefit both pre-existing and future snowshoeing programs in Berks County.
- $1,500 to VOiCEup Berks towards its Stand Together Against Racism (STAR) Summer Playground Program, which will work to educate children about accepting differences and being an ally for others.
- $2,000 to the Borough of Mohnton for the costs of renovations to Mohnton Memorial Park off Wyomissing Avenue. Renovations will include but are not limited to mulching, trash cleanup, painting, and general repairs.
“I am elated to support projects that will make our parks safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for visitors,” said Emily Smedley, environment and energy program officer. “These improvements will revive some of our local green spaces and create a healthy environment where residents can share special moments with one another.”
The Gilmore | Henne Community Fund was created in 2010 with the goal of improving the community and the quality of life for Berks County children through park improvements. To learn more about the Gilmore | Henne Community Fund, visit https://bccf.org/funds/gilmore-henne-community-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, Phone: 610-685-2231, Email address: ericac@bccf.org
READING (December 2022) — Berks County Community Foundation recently approved $41,600 in grants to five Boyertown area organizations through its Boyertown Area Charitable Program.
These grants are distributed from the Boyertown Area Community Fund, which supports charitable causes within the geographic area served by the Boyertown Area School District, and the Boyer Foundation Fund, which also supports Boyertown area health, social, recreational, and safety organizations.
Since 1997, the program has granted more than $1,000,000 to over 60 Boyertown area organizations, providing much-needed support for a variety of charitable causes.
It awarded the following grants in 2022:
Boyertown Area Historical Society received $3,910 for a project dedicated to cataloging and digitizing approximately 10,000 three-dimensional and archival items. This will make the collection of items more accessible to the public and prepare for new exhibits on racial justice, indigenous populations, and the PA250 celebration.
Boyertown Midget Baseball League received $15,000 for construction to update the facility to today’s standards, including the addition of ADA-compliant restrooms, and safe spectator seating. The facility has served the community since 1963.
General Carl Spaatz Regional Army Air Corps Museum received $10,000 to upgrade the HVAC system. This will help keep the exhibit preserved with climate control. The Museum offers a fully interactive educational opportunity to learn about the history of the Boyertown community during WWII and beyond.
Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities received $6,000 for the purchase of personal care and cleaning products to distribute to low-income households seeking help through its food pantry and housing programs.
Studio B Art Gallery received $6,690 for a variety of projects, including a fine art exhibit with a virtual tour; publication of the studio’s 10th book of poetry, prose, and art; podcast conversations with Boyertown community members; and opportunities to share memories and goals.
To support future grants provided by the Boyertown Area Charitable Program, donations are always accepted. To learn more, contact the Community Foundation at 610.685.2223 or click here for more details.
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. Media Contact: Erica Caceres, Communication Manager, Phone: 610-685-2231,Email address: ericac@bccf.org
READING, PA – The Met-Ed / Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund seeks nominees for its Advisory Board.
Through grants and program-related investments, the funds promote the development and use of renewable energy and clean energy technologies, energy conservation and efficiency, sustainable energy businesses, and projects that improve the environment in the companies’ service territories.
The Advisory Board consists of not fewer than seven nor more than nine positions. The term of a board member is two years and members may serve a total of six terms.
The funds are seeking nominations for the following positions:
- A representative from an electricity supplier
Interested parties are eligible for nomination and consideration by the Advisory Board. Candidates for nomination to the Advisory Board will be evaluated in terms of the following criteria:
- Experience and skills related to specifically slotted positions
- An understanding of and empathy for mission-related decision-making in keeping with prudent financial considerations
- Ability to work collaboratively and with people with divergent interests
- Able to meet by conference call or in-person (when appropriate) at various Pennsylvania locations up to six times per year
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. There is no financial compensation for Board service. This notice may be forwarded to interested parties. Nominations will be accepted through November 30, 2022.
Interested parties should contact Berks County Community Foundation at 610.685.2223 or the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies at 814.536.7741.
BRADFORD, PA (January 14, 2022) – The Met-Ed / Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund has awarded a $230,000 grant toward a green building project at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. The $22 million project includes a new academic building to house new engineering technology programs on campus, including energy engineering technology.
Berks County Community Foundation and Community Foundation for the Alleghenies (CFA) administer the Met-Ed / Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund, which provides financial support to promote renewable and clean energy, energy conservation and efficiency, and sustainable energy businesses within the former service territories of Met-Ed and Penelec.
The $230,000 grant will fund a rooftop solar array projected to produce approximately 113,000 kWh/year and a building energy dashboard that will aid in community education and engagement. The building, which is currently being constructed, will be built to a gold level of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Construction is expected to be complete by fall 2022.
In addition to introducing green building to the local community, the new building will provide unique spaces to spark students’ creativity, and the programs housed there will prepare students for engineering and information technology careers in the region and beyond.
“We’re very grateful to the Met-Ed / Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund for this support,” said Rick Esch, Pitt-Bradford’s interim president. “This new building, the rooftop solar array, and the building dashboard will provide unique educational opportunities for our students that will help them lead future sustainability efforts in our communities.”
The Met-Ed / Penelec SEF advisory committee appreciated that the project aligns closely with the fund’s mission, CFA Associate Director Angie Berzonski said. When complete, the Pitt-Bradford engineering building will be the third LEED-certified building in McKean County, according to public LEED certification records.
“This is a high-profile project for a rural community in the northern tier of the Penelec SEF’s service territory,” she said. “The advisory committee is impressed by Pitt-Bradford’s commitment to clean energy technology and pleased to be able to support a solar installation that will serve as a conversation-starter for some and a model for others.”
The impact also extends to the local labor force.
“This is more than just a building project,” said Kevin Lugo, Berks County Community Foundation’s Program Officer for Energy and the Environment. “Pitt-Bradford’s new engineering programs, including energy technology engineering, will support a growing local and regional need for highly-skilled labor by educating students locally and creating a pathway to career employment in Bradford and beyond.”
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The Metropolitan Edison Company Sustainable Energy Fund of Berks County Community Foundation and the Pennsylvania Electric Company Sustainable Energy Fund of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies distribute money in the form of grants and investments for a variety of projects within the territories originally served by the two electric companies. The two funds share an advisory committee and are known in the singular as the Met-Ed / Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund.
More information, as well as maps and zip codes of areas serviced by Met-Ed and Penelec, is available at metedpenelecsef.org or bccf.org/sustainable-energy-fund/. Or you can go to www.cfalleghenies.org, scroll to the bottom and click on “Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund.”
NEWS RELEASE
Contact:
Angie Berzonski, Associate Director, Community Foundation for the Alleghenies, aberzonski@cfalleghenies.org, 814.315.2982
Jason Brudereck, Director of Communication, Berks County Community Foundation, jasonb@bccf.org, 610.685.2223
READING, PA (December 14, 2021) – Albright College will build 16 electric vehicle charging stations on campus.
The project is being done in collaboration with Evolution Energy Partners (EEP). The project will utilize two Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Alternative Fuel Incentive grants, as well as a grant from Berks County Community Foundation’s Met-Ed / Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund.
This is happening as Albright begins moving its vehicle fleet from gas to electric, beginning with five public safety and admission vehicles.
Each charging station will be able to accommodate two vehicles at a time. They will be the first publicly-available charging stations in the city of Reading.
Ten public charging stations will be available in the college’s visitor parking lot and Shirk Stadium parking lot, both located along North 13th Street. North 13th is a principal road in Reading’s northeast quadrant. It is easily accessed from several major highways: Route 12, Route 422, and Interstate 176. Another six stations will be spread throughout campus.
A total of $95,000 – which includes $85,000 from DEP and $10,000 from Berks County Community Foundation‘s Sustainable Energy Fund – will offset an overall cost of $170,000 for the new charging stations.
Another $27,305 from DEP will offset the incremental costs of replacing the first five college-leased, gasoline-powered vehicles with electric vehicles. EEP was also able to obtain more than $45,000 in incentives to support the EV charging project.
Albright will explore moving all of its 29-vehicle fleet to electric vehicles as existing lease agreements expire.
With a goal of increasing sustainability by promoting the use of electric vehicles and renewable energy, Albright’s charging stations will be available to the college community as well as the general public.
“The inclusion of energy-efficient equipment and practices is consistent with Albright College’s overall commitment to environmental awareness and responsibility,” said Kera Wierzbicki, Albright’s environmental health and safety officer and chair of the college’s Committee for Sustainability and Stewardship.
An initiative of Albright President Jacquelyn S. Fetrow, Ph.D. ’82, the Sustainability Committee initiates and supports environmental policies, actions, and programs at Albright, ensuring that environmental concerns, including energy conservation, are considered in all aspects of the college’s decision-making.
The college’s electric fleet and charging station project is the second phase of a strategic partnership with EEP, beginning as the first phase’s campus-wide lighting upgrade wraps up.
While reducing energy costs, the conversion to LED lighting is improving lighting levels across campus and reducing the college’s carbon footprint by more than 3.4 million pounds of CO2 annually.
“Albright is a true leader in sustainability,” said Chuck Hurchalla, president of EEP. “We are proud to partner with Albright and continue to define new and innovative ways to reduce their carbon footprint.”
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The Metropolitan Edison Company Sustainable Energy Fund of Berks County Community Foundation and the Pennsylvania Electric Company Sustainable Energy Fund of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies distribute money in the form of grants and investments for a variety of projects within the territories originally served by the two electric companies. The two funds share an advisory committee and are known in the singular as the Met-Ed / Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund.
NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release
Jason Brudereck, Director of Communication, Berks County Community Foundation
610.685.2223, jasonb@bccf.org
BOYERTOWN, PA (July 9, 2021) – Berks County Community Foundation has several funding opportunities available for nonprofits and families in the Boyertown area.
Two programs for nonprofits serving residents of the Boyertown area have an application deadline of August 16, 2021:
- The Boyertown Area Charitable Program provides grants to organizations, programs, or initiatives that improve the quality of life for the residents of the Boyertown Area School District.
- The Boyertown Community Center, Inc. Fund provides grants to nonprofit organizations, including governmental entities, that manage a building or buildings that serve as community centers within the geographic boundary of the Borough of Boyertown and make their space available to other community organizations.
To apply for either of these opportunities (and organizations may apply to both), use the Community Foundation’s new online application system at http://bccf.link/grants. You must create an account to access the system.
For inquiries regarding these opportunities for nonprofits, contact Heidi Williamson, Senior Vice President for Programs and Initiatives, at heidiw@bccf.org or 610-685-2223.
Two programs for families caring for loved ones with medical needs also have funding available:
- Jess’s Sunshine Fund provides grants to support families who are residents of the Boyertown Area School District with dependent adult or minor children who have special needs arising from a long-term catastrophic illness or injury.
- The Margaret B. Moeller Memorial Fund for Alzheimer’s Home Care Companions provides grants for families living in the Boyertown Area School District with individuals who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia to obtain the services of in-home care companions, aides, or other providers of respite care. Applications from Berks County families outside of the Boyertown Area School District will be considered if no families within the district apply for assistance.
To apply for either of these opportunities, use the Community Foundation’s new online application system at http://bccf.link/grants. You must create an account to access the system.
For inquiries regarding these opportunities for families, contact Monica Reyes, Health and Human Services Program Officer, at monicar@bccf.org or 610-685-2223.
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Berks County Community Foundation is a nonprofit corporation that serves as a civic leader for our region by developing, managing and distributing charitable funds aimed at improving the quality of life in Berks County. More information is available at www.bccf.org.
NEWS RELEASE
READING, PA (July 8, 2021) – Berks County Community Foundation has awarded $3,600 from the Albany Township Tomorrow Fund to three organizations for programs that will benefit the entire Albany Township community.
The Albany Township Tomorrow Fund supports community organizations and initiatives that benefit the residents of Albany Township, Berks County. This fund was created in honor of Pauline Levan Hamm and Gloria Longenberger Hamm and their lifelong efforts to support and improve the Albany Township community. Since the fund was established in 2019, it has awarded $11,800 to local organizations.
This year’s grant recipients, award amounts, and programs supported:
- Kempton Community Center: $1,500 for the Youth Livestock Education Program, which cultivates agricultural skills in the youth of Albany Township by providing opportunities to learn and demonstrate livestock skills.
- Eastern Berks Kutztown Tennis Association: $1,100 for tennis clinics, open tennis nights, and tournaments.
- New Bethel Church: $1,000 for the annual community-wide Easter Egg Hunt.
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Berks County Community Foundation is a nonprofit corporation that serves as a civic leader for our region by developing, managing and distributing charitable funds aimed at improving the quality of life in Berks County. More information is available at www.bccf.org.
NEWS RELEASE
READING, PA (June 15, 2021) – The mission of the former First United Church of Christ in Reading continues. A charitable fund that the church established before closing has awarded nine grants totaling $40,245.
The First United Church of Christ Mission Fund of Berks County Community Foundation recently released its fourth annual round of grants. The beneficiaries were organizations that feed and clothe those in need and provide activities for children and seniors.
In 2017, after 264 years of serving the community, First United Church of Christ closed. The church transferred its endowment to the Community Foundation to continue the church’s mission.
Since the fund was established, it has awarded more than $150,000 in grants to local organizations.
This year’s grant recipients, award amounts, and programs supported:
- The Salvation Army of Reading: $8,000 for its summer day camp to maintain and increase educational skills among children.
- Olivet Boys & Girls Club of Reading and Berks County: $5,000 for Olivet Hubs of Hope, which provides hygiene packs, clothing, shoes, backpacks, bed sets, grocery gift cards, and mental health counseling to youth who have lost a parent or guardian.
- GoggleWorks Center for the Arts: $5,000 for its After School Arts Program (ASAP) where professional artists and teachers offer hands-on, collaborative, equitable art projects to youth at no cost to their families, many of which face significant disadvantages.
- New Journey Community Outreach Inc.: $5,000 to provide food, clothing, and support to those in need.
- Berks Youth Chorus: $4,500 to cultivate joy for choral singing, leadership, confidence, friendship, and creativity in young singers through various programs.
- New Bethel Church: $4,000 for its “Projecting Our Faith!” program that will use a screen and projector so text and videos are visible to all members, including those worshipping from home via online services.
- Immanuel United Church of Christ: $3,220 to provide need-based scholarships to children ages 3 to 5 for the preschool Summer of Fun Enrichment Camp.
- Bethany Children’s Home: $3,000 to encourage youth to achieve specific behavior goals while planning summer incentive trips and campus programs.
- Reading Public Library: $2,525 to provide literacy care packages to residents of subsidized senior housing in Reading.
In addition, the fund supports St. Peter’s United Church of Christ of Wilshire and the First Senior Center of St. Peter’s through multiyear commitments. The grant to St. Peter’s UCC Wilshire supports its Opportunity House Service Group, which serves hot, nutritious meals to the homeless residents of Opportunity House in Reading. The First Senior Center of St. Peter’s offers meals and opportunities for socialization, education, and exercise to seniors.
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Berks County Community Foundation is a nonprofit corporation that serves as a civic leader for our region by developing, managing and distributing charitable funds aimed at improving the quality of life in Berks County. More information is available at www.bccf.org.
READING, PA (June 4, 2021) – An anonymous donor has significantly increased the strength and capacity of Berks Nature by establishing the Berks Nature Endowment Fund of Berks County Community Foundation to benefit the operating needs of this regional conservation organization. This gift – together with continued support from Berks Nature’s annual donors and volunteers – enhances Berks Nature’s ability to provide leadership on environmental and conservation initiatives and issues.
The team at Berks County Community Foundation feels honored whenever we can help a donor create a charitable fund that will be truly transformational for an organization. Learn how to start a charitable fund and other ways to give here.
An anonymous gift of $25 million to Berks County Community Foundation established the Berks Nature Endowment Fund. This fund will annually disburse money to Berks Nature to support the organization’s new strategies and vision to enhance its environmental and conservation education programs; increase and diversify its team; and expand its land protection, watershed restoration, and recreation activities.
An additional gift of $3.5 million from this anonymous donor will fund a significant addition to The Nature Place, which serves as Berks Nature’s headquarters, education center, and preschool in Reading’s Angelica Creek Park.
The addition will include a new second-floor rooftop deck and classroom that will together accommodate groups of around 300 visitors or students on field trips for programs and events.
Click here to read the complete remarks of Kim Murphy, president of Berks Nature, upon the establishment of the Berks Nature Endowment Fund of Berks County Community Foundation.
You can read an article about the announcement of these gifts by clicking the image below.
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Berks County Community Foundation is a nonprofit corporation that serves as a civic leader for our region by developing, managing and distributing charitable funds aimed at improving the quality of life in Berks County. More information is available at www.bccf.org.
NEWS RELEASE
READING, PA (February 2, 2021) – The Met-Ed / Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund will distribute $238,000 in grants throughout the Pennsylvania service territories of the Met-Ed and Penelec energy companies in 2021 for projects and programs that support the development and use of clean energy technologies and energy efficiency.
Grants will range from $2,000 to $50,000 depending on the scope of the projects. Applications in both the Met-Ed and Penelec territories are now open and will be accepted through March 15, with decisions to be made in May 2021. Please note that there will be no fall grant round for the Met-Ed / Penelec SEF this year.
Previously, grant applications for the Met-Ed / Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund were accepted year-long on a rolling basis. Note that these are no longer rolling grant opportunities. Applications must be completed online by the deadline to be considered.
While the fund primarily provides grants for nonprofits, it may also consider making program-related investments from time to time, providing capital that must be paid back (loans). In particular, program-related investments are often considered over grants for for-profit businesses. The benefit of a program-related investment is the ability to receive a larger amount of capital for a project than what is available through the grant program. Program-related investments range from $25,000 to $500,000.
Eligible applicants must be located and/or serve residents within the territories of the Met-Ed and Penelec electric companies in Pennsylvania. Grant funding is prioritized for nonprofit entities, however commercial or industrial organizations may apply. Individuals/residents are not eligible to apply.
More information, as well as maps and zip codes of areas serviced by Met-Ed and Penelec, is available at www.bccf.org/sustainable-energy-fund/.
To apply in the Met-Ed territory, click here.
To apply in the Penelec territory, click here.
For previously-funded projects, see this map.
The mission of the fund is to support:
- the development and use of renewable energy and clean energy technologies.
- energy conservation and efficiency.
- sustainable energy businesses.
- projects that improve the environment in the companies’ service territories, as defined by their relationship to the companies’ transmission and distribution facilities.
The Met-Ed / Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund is administered by Berks County Community Foundation and the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies.
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The Metropolitan Edison Company Sustainable Energy Fund of Berks County Community Foundation and the Pennsylvania Electric Company Sustainable Energy Fund of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies distribute money in the form of grants and investments for a variety of projects within the territories originally served by the two electric companies. The two funds share an advisory committee and are known in the singular as the Met-Ed / Penelec Sustainable Energy Fund.
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Jason Brudereck, Director of Communication, jasonb@bccf.org, 610.685.2223
