Best Berks County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

Berks County Community Foundation

Berks County Community Foundation was founded in 1994 to help individuals, families, organizations and businesses achieve their charitable objectives. Since that time, the foundation has grown to manage hundreds of charitable funds. Each year, the funds distribute millions of dollars in scholarships and grants to support local students and nonprofit organizations and causes.

Met-Ed Sustainable Energy Fund

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 utility area. 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.

The Boyertown Area Charitable Grant Program, managed by the Berks County Community Foundation, offers funding to enhance the quality of life for residents within the Boyertown Area School District. This program distributes grants from the Boyertown Area Community Fund and the Boyer Foundation Fund, which supports various health, social, recreational, and safety initiatives. Established by local leaders, these funds aim to empower community-focused projects and foster positive change in the region.

The Russell L. Hiller Charitable Trust Grant, managed by the Berks County Community Foundation, provides five scholarships of $5,000 each to graduating seniors of Governor Mifflin High School. Established in 2003 in memory of Judge Russell L. Hiller, this fund not only supports educational advancement for deserving students but also offers grants for local community programs. Applications are accepted from January 1 to March 1 for scholarships, with additional grant opportunities available throughout the year.

Berks County Community Foundation

Berks County Community Foundation was founded in 1994 to help individuals, families, organizations and businesses achieve their charitable objectives. Since that time, the foundation has grown to manage hundreds of charitable funds. Each year, the funds distribute millions of dollars in scholarships and grants to support local students and nonprofit organizations and causes.

 Northern Berks Connects - Building Relationships and Access to Support Our Communities' Needs

In 2024, United Way’s Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) report revealed that many working families in Berks County earn above the Federal Poverty Level yet still struggle to meet basic living costs. These challenges are particularly pronounced in rural areas, including Northern Berks County, where access to social services is limited. Notably, nearly half of the households in the Hamburg Area School District meet the ALICE threshold, underscoring a critical need for coordinated, localized support.

In response, Berks County Community Foundation launched a community-driven engagement initiative and partnered with the Institute for Conservation Leadership to convene more than 40 community leaders across Northern Berks County over the course of the past year. These discussions identified community assets and needs, a lack of coordination of services, as well as first-step strategies. This collaborative effort resulted in the formation of Northern Berks Connects, a community-led initiative focused on building relationships among community leaders and increasing knowledge and access to needed services.  

Berks County Community Foundation, in partnership with Northern Berks Connects, invites proposals from schools and nonprofit entities to support a one-year pilot program. The selected organization will provide and oversee staff responsible for developing and maintaining a localized resource guide for the Hamburg area and its surrounding municipalities, coordinating community networking events, and supporting collaboration among community leaders. This initiative seeks to improve access to essential resources for meeting basic human needs.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate the capacity to carry out the following activities:

• Coordinate, plan, and host two to three (2–3) Northern Berks Connects networking events annually.
• Collaborate with the Northern Berks Connects Steering Committee to respond to identified community needs.
• Create and maintain a Northern Berks Connects website and localized digital and printed resource guide.
• Regularly update and maintain the web-based and printable resource guide.
• Distribute resource information to participants in Northern Berks Connects.
• Explore and develop strategies to support the sustainability of the initiative over the next two to three years.

The Wyomissing Foundation, established in 1926, is dedicated to creating community impact through grants to nonprofit organizations. It prioritizes funding for health and human services, education, arts, environment, and community development in Berks County. The foundation seeks to catalyze change by leveraging its resources and supporting projects that demonstrate critical need and measurable impact. Grants are typically for one year, with the possibility of multi-year support for impactful initiatives.

The PPL Foundation offers Energizing Education Grants to support equitable, high-quality educational opportunities for all students. Grants of up to $50,000 are available for programs focused on STEM, literacy, and college readiness, particularly emphasizing careers in the energy sector. Nonprofits in regions served by PPL Electric Utilities are encouraged to apply, fostering community development and educational advancement across Pennsylvania.

The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation offers a Capacity Building Award aimed at strengthening nonprofits in its service area. This grant supports enhancing organizational infrastructure, governance, and sustainability through investments in training, technology upgrades, and strategic planning. By fostering robust nonprofit capabilities, the foundation ensures lasting community impact and addresses critical issues like health and education equity. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and public/private K-12 schools within the designated region.

The Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation's System Reform Award promotes community impact through collaborative efforts addressing systemic inequities. This grant supports initiatives that drive policy change and foster sustainable outcomes in education, health, and economic opportunities across Western Montgomery County and surrounding areas. Nonprofits and public entities are eligible, focusing on innovative solutions to eliminate barriers and enhance community advocacy. Applications vary based on funding needs, ensuring tailored support for impactful projects.

The Louis J. Appell, Jr., Preservation Fund for Central Pennsylvania supports local preservation efforts by funding maintenance and restoration of historic places in specific Pennsylvania counties. Eligible applicants include public agencies and non-profit organizations, with a matching requirement for grant amounts. Grants aim to enhance public awareness of the region's heritage while addressing preservation challenges through technical assistance and financial support for essential restoration activities.

Berks County Community Foundation

Berks County Community Foundation was founded in 1994 to help individuals, families, organizations and businesses achieve their charitable objectives. Since that time, the foundation has grown to manage hundreds of charitable funds. Each year, the funds distribute millions of dollars in scholarships and grants to support local students and nonprofit organizations and causes.

Diversity Alliance Endowment Fund

Grants support and strengthen projects or programs that address issues affecting the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community in Berks County.

The Albert Boscov Memorial Scholarship Fund, established by the Berks County Community Foundation, offers scholarships to graduating seniors from Berks County high schools pursuing education in performing arts, entertainment, or sports management. Founded in 1994, the foundation aims to help individuals and organizations achieve their charitable goals, managing numerous funds that distribute millions in scholarships and grants annually to support local students and nonprofit causes.

The Arrow International Scholarship Fund, established by the Berks County Community Foundation, offers four annual $10,000 scholarships to high-achieving high school seniors from Berks County. This fund prioritizes students demonstrating leadership skills who plan to attend four-year colleges. Funded by $1.7 million from the Arrow International Scholarship Trust since 2009, it supports local educational advancement, especially for children of former Arrow employees.

The Berks County Association of School Retirees Scholarship and Mini-Grant Fund, managed by the Berks County Community Foundation, supports educational initiatives in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Established in 1994, it offers teacher mini-grants for innovative classroom projects and provides an annual scholarship to a public high school senior pursuing an education major. This fund exemplifies the foundation's mission to enhance community welfare through philanthropy and support for local students and educators.

The Haupt Family Fund provides two scholarships for Berks County residents: one for those pursuing a master’s degree in social work and the other for individuals furthering their education in mechanical technology, automotive technology, or engineering. Eligible applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA. One scholarship honors Wilbur Haupt and supports high school seniors and adults continuing their education at a vocational school or pursuing a four-year engineering degree. Previous recipients can apply again but without preferential treatment.

The Power of the Purse in Berks County Fund provides essential grants aimed at empowering women and girls by removing barriers to workforce entry and education. This initiative addresses critical issues such as childcare affordability, transportation, and skill gaps, which hinder many from achieving self-sufficiency. Organizations dedicated to supporting these women and girls are encouraged to apply for funding to make a tangible difference in their lives.

The Battle of the Badges Scholarship Fund, established in 2007 by the Berks County Community Foundation, provides scholarships for high school seniors who are children of active or retired police officers and firefighters in Reading. Eligible applicants must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher and plan to pursue education at vocational schools or colleges. This fund aims to support the educational aspirations of deserving students while honoring the service of local first responders.

The Berks County Scholastic Athletic Trainer’s Association Scholarship Fund, established in 2005 by the Berks County Community Foundation, awards scholarships to graduating seniors from Berks County high schools. Eligible students must have two years of experience as student trainers and plan to pursue a degree in Sports Medicine. This initiative not only supports the students' educational aspirations but also recognizes their dedication to athletic training, fostering future professionals in the field.

The Byron F. “Corky” Knoll Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Corky Knoll, a dedicated golf course superintendent with a passion for turf management. Established by his family and friends, this fund provides annual scholarships to Berks County high school seniors planning to pursue degrees in Professional Turfgrass Management or Golf Management. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrating commitment to their academics and the field.

The Community General Hospital Foundation/ June A. Roedel Healthcare Scholarship Fund provides financial support to Berks County residents pursuing careers in healthcare. Established in memory of June Roedel, a dedicated community leader, this fund aims to assist those attending accredited educational institutions with their healthcare-related educational expenses, ensuring local community needs in patient care are met.

The Dj Wetzel Fund, established in 2017 at the Berks County Community Foundation, offers scholarships to members of Berks County UCC churches pursuing higher education. This initiative supports students enrolled in various educational programs, including colleges, vocational schools, and life enrichment courses. Previous scholarship recipients can reapply in subsequent years, ensuring opportunities for continued educational advancement without preferential treatment. This fund contributes to the foundation's goal of benefiting local students and community causes.

The Elizabeth Horvath Swimming Scholarship Fund, established by Stephanie Hunsberger, honors her grandmother's influence on her life and goals. This fund provides scholarships to seniors from Berks County high schools who have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, participated in swimming, and plan to continue in college. Preference is given to those who have overcome challenges in their academic or athletic pursuits, reflecting the values of resilience and determination.

The GRIP Dreamer Scholarship Fund, established by the Berks County Community Foundation in 2013, supports college scholarships for immigrants ineligible for federal or Pennsylvania financial aid. This fund aims to empower aspiring students in Berks County by providing crucial financial assistance. Eligible applicants include high school seniors and recent graduates under 30, with specific GPA requirements to ensure academic merit. Previous recipients must reapply annually to be considered for continued support.

The Conservation Equity Fund, established by the Berks County Community Foundation, aims to protect and conserve open spaces, environmentally sensitive lands, and historic properties across Berks County, including farmland. This fund plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable land use and preserving the natural heritage of the region, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and benefit from these valuable resources. Supporting local initiatives, it strengthens community ties while enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Berks County Community Foundation

Berks County Community Foundation was founded in 1994 to help individuals, families, organizations and businesses achieve their charitable objectives. Since that time, the foundation has grown to manage hundreds of charitable funds. Each year, the funds distribute millions of dollars in scholarships and grants to support local students and nonprofit organizations and causes.

The Innovation Fund

The Innovation Fund provides grants to projects focused on improving environmental health and climate resiliency in Berks County. Projects that include collaboration across sectors and/or opportunities for partnership building will be prioritized. 

Projects can include but are not limited to:

• New approaches to strengthen environmental health and climate resiliency, including research into new approaches.
• Small-scale implementation/construction of environmental best management practices (e.g. planting trees and native shrubs, community gardens, etc.)
• Support to obtain state or federal funding
• Education and outreach
• Project planning and development

Berks County Community Foundation

Berks County Community Foundation was founded in 1994 to help individuals, families, organizations and businesses achieve their charitable objectives. Since that time, the foundation has grown to manage hundreds of charitable funds. Each year, the funds distribute millions of dollars in scholarships and grants to support local students and nonprofit organizations and causes.

Darrell and Gloria Rank K9 Corps Fund

This fund supports the acquisition, training, and ongoing maintenance of K9 corps for governmental entities in Berks County.

The Region Grants Open Grant Round: Hunger Relief, sponsored by the Land O'Lakes Foundation, aims to combat food insecurity in rural communities. Grants between $1,000 and $20,000 are available for organizations supporting food banks, meal programs, and community gardens. With a total investment of $500,000 annually, this initiative prioritizes nonprofits with 501c3 status serving specific regions in the East and West. The program seeks to enhance the vibrancy of member-owner communities while fostering educational and community vitality.

The Berks County Transition Coordinating Council Marty Kester Award, established by the Berks County Community Foundation, supports high school seniors with disabilities in Berks County. This award recognizes students for their resilience and determination as they transition from school to employment. It aims to empower these individuals in pursuing career paths that align with their skills and aspirations, helping them achieve their goals in a supportive community.