The Community Foundation expanded its team in recent years to include expert program officers who manage grantmaking in each of our community initiatives. Cindy Milian is the Health and Human Services Program Officer. Cindy oversees grants for individuals, public health initiatives, and human services initiatives. Cindy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and over 25 years of experience in roles related to family support and intervention. Before joining the Community Foundation, she worked at Berks County Children and Youth Services for two decades. As a first-generation American-born Latina with a diverse life experience and a strong background in community involvement, Cindy is well-equipped for her work in health and human services.
Some of Cindy’s initiative work includes support for rural communities in Berks County. The United Way’s ALICE Report (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) shows that 41% of Berks County households are one paycheck away from a financial crisis. In analyzing the data further, Cindy found that 49% of households in the Hamburg Area School District met the ALICE report’s criteria for living in poverty. This information led her to reach out to community leaders in the Hamburg School District Area to discuss the needs in the community. Many leaders noted the lack of social services in rural communities like Hamburg. These conversations, along with supporting data from the United Way’s ALICE Report, led to Cindy’s new initiative work. This work will focus on helping community leaders work together to develop a strategic plan with action steps to meet the community’s needs.
To help us build a collective strategy of and by the community, the Foundation will work with Dianne Russell from the Institute for Conservation Leadership (ICL). During ICL’s 30-year history, they have assisted organizations with community building and community engagement, specializing in building coalitions, alliances, partnerships, and strengthening communities. Community leaders who would like to participate but have not yet connected with Cindy are encouraged to contact her.
To learn more about Cindy, view the video below.
For more information about Cindy’s grantmaking and initiative work, please reach out to her directly: cindym@bccf.org.
Who is Berks County Community Foundation?
Berks County Community Foundation was founded in 1994 to help individuals, families, organizations, and businesses achieve their charitable objectives. Our mission is to promote philanthropy and improve the quality of life for the residents of Berks County. The Community Foundation is a nonprofit corporation that serves as a civic leader for our region by developing, managing, and distributing funds to meet existing and emerging community needs. The foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors and is run by professional staff with expertise in identifying the community’s needs. Today, more than 900 community foundations serve towns, cities, and geographic regions across the United States.
Berks County Community Foundation currently manages nearly $142 million in charitable assets, which provided more than $6 million in grants and scholarships in our last fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Our program officers specialize in their areas of focus and oversee our grantmaking, ensuring that the grants we award meet the needs of the community while honoring the intentions of the donors who established funds with the Community Foundation.
What do we do?
We help Berks Countians structure their charitable giving. The Community Foundation helps individuals, families, and their professional advisors determine the best way to meet their charitable goals. This often includes honoring the memory of a loved one or supporting a cause about which the individual or family cares deeply. In either case, a member of the Community Foundation’s staff works with the people involved to determine the best way to meet their charitable objectives.
We professionally manage charitable dollars.
The Community Foundation manages the money in the charitable funds. Funds are created after a simple fund agreement is completed and an initial donation is received. The money is then pooled with the foundation’s other funds and professionally invested to ensure grants or scholarships – and the individual’s or family’s legacy – continue in perpetuity.
We distribute grants and scholarships and measure their results.
Our program officers are experts in their fields. The program team conducts site visits and researches pressing issues not only at the county level, but also regionally, nationally, and internationally to ensure grants and scholarships are improving the quality of life in Berks County.
Though donor-driven, much of our grantmaking falls within the following areas of expertise:
Arts, Culture, and Humanities
Our funds and programs celebrate the humanities and connect residents to the many artistic and
cultural activities that take place in our community.
Environment and Energy
Our funds support projects and programs that recognize the value of climate resiliency, which include
promoting energy efficiency, caring for farmland and open space, and reducing our impact on the planet.
Health and Human Services
We work to ensure our community members have access to the health information and quality of life services they need to function at their best.
Lifelong Learning
We are here to help build a community of life-long learners through a variety of professional development programs and scholarships.
Neighborhoods and Economic Development
We manage funds to enhance the places people care about in Berks County.
Types of Charitable Funds
Berks County Community Foundation helps people determine the type of fund that best suits their charitable goals. Nearly all our funds are customized in some way to help our donors achieve their philanthropic vision.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we distribute millions of dollars in grants and scholarships each year to nonprofits and individuals in our community. If you are interested in learning more about starting a fund with the Community Foundation, please reach out to give@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.
Each year, our scholarship application opens on January 1st and must be submitted by 11:59 PM on March 1st. Please note that applications may not be edited or submitted after the deadline. To ensure a fair process, we are unable to make exceptions to the deadline.
These scholarships are open to students from all high schools across Berks County and of all ages. Want some inspiration? Read our blog, “Embracing a New Chapter: A Retiree’s Journey Back to School”. Loretta Boyd received the Community General Hospital Foundation June A. Roedel Healthcare Scholarship, just one of the many scholarships for which you can apply.
To view a list of all of the scholarships we have to offer, click here.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of community members who established and contributed to scholarship funds since our founding, we awarded approximately $747,000 in scholarships in 2024!
If you have questions while completing your application, visit our FAQ section for helpful tips. You can also email us at scholarships@bccf.org or call 610.685.2223.
Our scholarships are managed by Kim Sheffer, Lifelong Learning Program Officer. Kim oversees 130 scholarship opportunities and education-related grants. With a decade of experience at the Reading Public Library in roles ranging from Children’s Library Assistant to Senior Outreach Coordinator, Kim has a deep understanding of our community needs. To learn more about Kim’s role, take a look at the video below!
January is “National Thank You Month”— a time to embrace the power of gratitude. Originally established to encourage appreciation after the holiday season, it reminds us to reflect on the kindness and support we receive throughout the year. At Berks County Community Foundation, we don’t really need reminders to be grateful for the support we receive from members of the community – we see examples of this support every day, year-round.
In calendar year 2024, we received over 1,500 donations from 760 donors. In addition, seven new funds were established in 2024, each with specific charitable goals defined by the fund’s founders. Those donations and funds will contribute to the Foundation’s ability to distribute grants and scholarships for many years to come.
To give an idea of the impact made by the donations we receive and the funds we manage, Berks County Community Foundation awarded $6,465,590 in grants to 563 organizations and individuals in calendar year 2024.
Grants awarded are made possible by generous donors who give back to the community they love. Community members are invited to join the 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
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.
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:
- 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.
As part of the Community Foundation’s commitment to increase civic engagement and improve access to local news, we are proud to announce the appointment of Dave Myers as our newest Senior Fellow. Myers will be leading a series of community forums designed to engage Berks County residents on pressing issues affecting their lives.
Dave Myers, a seasoned leader with deep roots in Berks County, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the Foundation’s mission. With a career dedicated to serving his community, Myers has long been recognized for his ability to unite people, facilitate constructive conversations, and turn ideas into tangible action.
Dave’s extensive background and unwavering commitment to the community make him an ideal person to lead this important initiative. We are confident that his work will spark conversations that will drive positive change.
As part of his role, Dave Myers will host a series of community forums that aim to provide an open, accessible space for residents to engage with one another and discuss issues that matter most to them. The topics to be discussed will cover a broad range of local issues. Most forums will be held over Zoom, but some will be hosted in-person.
“These forums are an opportunity to bring people from all walks of life together,” Myers shared. “Whether we’re talking about issues that impact our schools, our economy, or our healthcare system, it’s crucial that we create an environment where everyone feels comfortable participating.”
Please check out our News and Events for updates on the forums to be part of the conversations.
As 2024 headed to a close, Berks County lost two of its giants.
Like any other community, Berks County has benefited from leaders who stood up, did the hard work of bringing a community together around its challenges and opportunities, and guided efforts to improve the quality of life. Without David Thun and Al Weber, that work will be harder.
David Thun died in a swimming accident on October 31. You would never have known he was 87 years old, given the vitality and energy that he displayed every day. The Thun family has a long and storied history in Berks County, but no one contributed more to that than David. While he was successful in business, I will most remember his contributions to the growth of our community. David was one of the founding members of the board of Berks County Community Foundation. Wading through a list of his community involvements is a dangerous task, as it feels infinite. I remember well his involvement with Berks Nature, the Schuylkill River Greenway, Reading Hospital, Penn State Berks, the Reading Symphony Orchestra, the Reading Public Museum and so many other organizations.
David and his wife Barbara were likely the first people my wife, Kim and I met when we moved to Berks County. They welcomed us and, more than anyone, David helped me learn the lay of the land here. We will miss the way David embodied the essence of a Berks Countian.
While David was the quintessential Berks Countian, Al Weber was not.
Born and raised in Boston, Al, who passed away in late November at the age of 72, never learned that there was an “R” in the word “park.” That Boston accent only added to his credibility as he led almost every nonprofit in Berks County, either as a board member or as a consultant guiding strategic planning.
Al served as Chair of the Community Foundation board from 2020-2023. There was no one’s counsel I valued more. Again, the list of community involvements would go on forever, and our debt to him can never be repaid.
Al’s biggest contribution to the Community Foundation, and perhaps our community, occurred during a staff retreat that he led as a consultant. About half-way through that meeting, Al said, “We need to toss this agenda. Your problem is that you’re trying to lead the community, but you’re charging fees like you’re a bank.”
We tossed the agenda, spent the afternoon figuring out how to create a sustainable business model, and as a result, built what is probably America’s best community foundation. Al’s ability to cut to the chase was unparalleled.
It’s the nature of communities that leaders emerge and, ultimately, leave the scene. Berks County will soldier on. Still, we benefitted greatly from the commitment that David and Al made to this community, and it will be hard to replace them. Our challenge moving forward is to build a community worthy of their trust.
In Boyertown, Pennsylvania, a story of resilience, love, and community support unfolds through the lives of Stephanie and her 13-year-old son, Micah.
Micah has Down syndrome, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, obstructive sleep apnea, and other medical complexities. He is nonverbal, requires constant care, and depends on his mother for every aspect of daily life. Despite the challenges, Stephanie knows him to be a precious, beautiful blessing. The past year has been especially hard for Stephanie. In addition to her responsibilities as Micah’s sole caregiver, she has been navigating life without her husband, who passed away last year from pancreatic cancer. “He was Micah’s best friend,” she said. “Losing him was devastating for both of us. I have had to take on everything alone since then.”
As Micah’s needs require 24/7 attention, his mother is unable to work full-time. She works while he is at school, but with a limited income, it can be difficult to keep up with expenses. When Stephanie’s vehicle broke down and the repair bill was over $5,500, this created a difficult situation since Stephanie relies on her vehicle to get to work, to take Micah to his doctor appointments, and to take him to his upcoming surgery in January. Her vehicle is not just a mode of transportation, it is a lifeline.
This is when Jess’s Sunshine Fund of Berks County Community Foundation stepped in to cover the expense. Jess’s Sunshine Fund was established on February 20, 2001, to honor Jess Schaeffer, who was the manager of the Boyertown boys’ basketball team. Jess used a wheelchair because of a rare type of cancer called Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
The fund helps families in Berks County who have children or dependent adults with special needs caused by long-term serious illnesses or injuries. It focuses on helping families in the Boyertown Area School District, though all Berks County residents are eligible. Since it started, the fund has provided over $73,000 in grants to families who need financial support during tough times.
“I don’t know what I would have done without this grant,” Stephanie says. “Micah has so many medical appointments and procedures that require transportation. Missing them is not an option, but I did not have the resources to fix the car.”
The money from the grant also allowed her to buy a video baby monitor. Micah has obstructive sleep apnea and must wear a CPAP mask at night, requiring his mother to check on him often. With the monitor, she can ensure he is safe without getting up multiple times during the night, giving her some much-needed rest.
Through tears of gratitude, Stephanie shares how much the grant meant to her family, “This has been such a huge blessing for us. I cannot thank everyone involved enough. Micah and I have been through so much, but knowing there are people who care and want to help gives me hope.
To learn more about Jess’s Sunshine Fund or apply for assistance, click 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.
