Search Through Berks County Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

Our Mission

Quest for the Best® strives for a better tomorrow by providing funds and/or services to those who are committed to strengthening the common good of mankind.

The legal professionals of Quest for the Best® provide business and transactional legal services to organizations recognized as tax exempt under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code serving the disadvantaged and enhancing the quality of life in Pennsylvania.

We do not undertake litigation, criminal or intellectual property matters. Each request is reviewed individually, and Quest for the Best® reserves the right to determine if we will accept a matter after review of all facts provided.

Grantmaking Criteria

We consider requests for funding that meet the overall mission and goals of Quest for the Best.

These include initiatives that:

• Include plans for long-term sustainability
• Have secured co-funding
• Support specific programs, projects and equipment

Focus

We focus on the following areas: police and nurse training, education for underserved communities, funding for wildlife and environmental conservation, and humanitarianism, specifically clean water, homelessness, hunger, and support for those suffering through the opioid epidemic.

About Reading Pride Celebration

Reading Pride Celebration is an all-volunteer organization that has the mission of promoting Diversity, Equity and Inclusion by building a community that embraces and supports differences and seeks to eliminate racial oppression, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism and other oppression. Every dollar raise through our Pride festival or other fundraising initiatives, goes directly back to support our mission and programs.

Reading Pride Celebration Gives Back Fund 

Reading Pride Celebration (RPC) has created the Reading Pride Celebration Gives Back Fund at Berks County Community Foundation to support projects and programs that affirm and enhance the lives of LGBTQ+ youth in Berks County.

The charitable fund, created with a portion of the proceeds from the Reading Pride Celebration Festival, will provide educators and community organizations with grants to develop or expand programming that improves the lives of LGBTQ+ students in Berks.

“Our youth are the future leaders of our community, and programs geared toward LGBTQ+ youth often receive very little, yet much needed funding. These grants will make it easier for educators to expand or establish their Gay Straight Alliances and other LGBTQ+ youth programming,” said Enrique Castro, President of Reading Pride Celebration. “We believe these programs can improve the quality of life and educational experiences for our youth and create more inclusive environments and communities for all.”

Funding

Grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded.

The purpose of the fund is to support Berks County residents who are pursuing post-secondary education to pursue careers in the building trades and/or construction design technology. Such careers include, but are not limited to, architecture, drafting or engineering related to the construction industry, or Trade Prep Certificate Programs, or Apprenticeship Programs related to the construction industry including, but not limited to, HVAC, carpentry, plumbing or electrical.

Students are eligible to receive up to $1,000 a year for expenses such as: tuition, books, application fees, tools, equipment, or clothing required for the program. Students may reapply in a subsequent year.

Power of the Purse in Berks County Fund

 Power of the Purse in Berks County Fund awards grants to programs that break the cycle of poverty by eliminating or addressing barriers for Berks County girls and/or women who want to enter or re-enter the workforce or seek the education they need to do so. For many women, employment is not only a matter of empowerment; it’s a matter of survival. Barriers such as the ability to afford adequate childcare, a lack of transportation, a gap in skills, limited access to dental care or healthcare, or a lack of information about their options keep some women and girls from reaching their full potential.

If your organization makes a difference in the lives of women and girls in Berks County by helping them discover or navigate their way to gainful employment, and ultimately, self-sufficiency, we encourage you to apply for a grant from the Power of the Purse in Berks County Fund.

Grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Louis J. Appell, Jr., Preservation Fund for Central Pennsylvania are designed to encourage preservation at the local level by providing money for the maintenance and preservation of historic places in Central Pennsylvania (see “Eligible Applicants” for specific geographical boundaries). These grants enable local groups to respond proactively to a preservation challenge by providing funding for bricks and mortar preservation and technical assistance, while building public awareness of the value of preserving Central Pennsylvania’s unique heritage.

Pennsylvania Grant Opportunities

The PPL Foundation empowers communities by supporting student success from cradle to career; advancing diversity, equity and inclusion; and promoting the development of vibrant and sustainable communities.

The PPL Foundation’s grant programs provide grants up to $50,000 to support education, workforce development and community revitalization initiatives.

Powering Equity Grants

Advancing diversity, equity and inclusion through programs that move racial and social justice forward such as:

• Diversity Education and advocacy programs
• Programs focused on protecting underrepresented residents (ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability and veterans)

What We do

Founded in 1926, The Wyomissing Foundation is a private foundation that uses its resources to serve as a catalytic agent, creating community impact that goes beyond providing financial support to nonprofit organizations. We provide thought leadership on critical community issues, develop and support place-based coalitions and engage in community-wide collaborations and initiatives. In addition, we provide critically needed financial support through grants made for charitable purposes to address issues in health and human services, arts, education, environment, and community development.

We annually invest charitable grants in nonprofit organizations to fund new programs or projects, expand or enhance effective existing programs or projects, support organizational development and capacity building, support capital campaigns, and provide general operating support to organizations (in limited situations.)

We give priority to grants and projects that use our funds in catalytic ways or to leverage our funds to bring in other resources. All grant inquiries and requests are screened and researched for appropriateness.

Grants are typically awarded to support projects and programs related to health and human services, education, the arts, the environment, community development, and on a selective basis, for general operations and capacity building.

In general, most grants are given for one year. Multi-year grants are given on occasion and might be paid out over 2-5 years. No more than one grant is made to the same organization within a 12-month period.

The grant proposal needs to identify and provide evidence of the criticality of the issue and measurable indicators of how the grant will address the problem. The Wyomissing Foundation should not be the only funding source for an organization or project.

What We Fund

• Health & Human Resources
• Community Development
• Education
• The Arts
• The Environment

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.

Arrow International Scholarship Fund

In 2009, Berks County Community Foundation became administrator of the Arrow International Scholarship Fund, which was reestablished with $1.7 million in proceeds from the Arrow International Scholarship Trust.

This fund provides scholarships to high-achieving students who showed leadership skills and will attend a four-year college or university. The Arrow International Scholarship Fund will provide, at a minimum, four (4) annual $10,000 scholarships, payable over two years at $5,000 per year. The scholarships will support high school seniors who are Berks County residents who achieved high scholastic and personal development, demonstrated leadership skills, and plan to continue their education after high school at a four-year college or university. 

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.

Berks County Scholastic Athletic Trainer’s Association Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established at Berks County Community Foundation in 2005 by the Berks County Scholastic Athletic Trainer’s Association to recognize outstanding student trainers from Berks County high schools.

The fund will provide scholarships to support graduating seniors from high schools in Berks County who contract with or employ Athletic Trainers. The recipients must have participated in student training in at least one sport for a period of two years during high school and intend to pursue a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent in Sports Medicine at an accredited college or university.

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.

Berks County Transition Coordinating Council Mary Mazzoni Scholarship

The Berks County Transition Coordinating Council (BCTCC) Mary Mazzoni Scholarship supports graduating high school seniors with disabilities as they transition from school to postsecondary education and training. Students will be recognized for their determination, resilience, and commitment to pursuing a career path that aligns with their skills and aspirations.

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.

Byron F. “Corky” Knoll Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship is awarded in memory of Byron F. “Corky” Knoll, Jr. Corky had a love for the game of golf and an interest in the grounds the game is played on. After serving four years in the Army, in 1961 Corky enrolled in Penn State University’s golf course maintenance program, graduating in 1962. He started working at Moselem Springs Golf Club in 1963 as assistant course superintendent. From 1965 to 1966, he transferred to DuPont Country Club in Wilmington, Delaware. He returned to Moselem Springs Golf Club in 1966 and spent the next 36 years as golf course superintendent, retiring in 2004. Corky passed away in 2006 at the age of 67.

This scholarship fund was established by Corky’s family and friends to honor his memory. 

This fund will provide an annual scholarship to a male or female senior from one of the Berks County school districts (public or parochial) who are planning to attend college to major in either Professional Turfgrass Management or the Professional Golf Management Program, with preference given to students who intend to further their education in the field of Professional Turfgrass Management. 

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.

Community General Hospital Foundation/ June A. Roedel Healthcare Scholarship Fund

For a woman who spent so much of her life helping others achieve their goals, a scholarship program named in her memory is a fitting tribute. June Roedel (1929-1996) was a positive, sensitive and caring woman who generously volunteered her time and many talents to charitable organizations throughout the Berks County community. For more than ten years, she played an integral role at Community General Hospital, serving as vice chairman of the hospital trustees in 1987, and as chairman from 1989 to 1992. It was her vision and leadership that helped initiate this scholarship program.

This fund provides financial support to residents of Berks County who undertake or further their career in healthcare by providing scholarship funds for their educational expenses.

Community General Hospital Healthcare Fund

Grants support a nonprofit hospital in Reading; educational activities related to rendering care to the sick and injured or to the promotion of health; scientific research related to the care of the sick in conjunction with a hospital operating in the City of Reading; and the general health of the Berks County community.

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.

Dj Wetzel Fund of First United Church of Christ

The DJ Wetzel Fund was established at Berks County Community Foundation in 2017.

Scholarships will be awarded to members of Berks County UCC churches who are continuing their education after high school at a college or university, graduate school, vocational school, or in a life enrichment program. Previous recipients of a scholarship from this opportunity may apply again and be considered in a subsequent year, however, there is no preferential treatment given to previous recipients.

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.

Elizabeth Horvath Swimming Scholarship Fund

This fund was established by Stephanie Hunsberger to commemorate the influence that her grandmother, Elizabeth Horvath, had on Stephanie’s achievements and focus toward her goals. Elizabeth encouraged Stephanie to remember that in difficult times we must fill our hearts with understanding and compassion, always focusing on the improvement of ourselves. Elizabeth inspired Stephanie to remember that when it seems like we are alone in our lane, there is always something greater along for the swim that is able to lift our arms and move our legs to the wall.

This fund will provide scholarships to seniors graduating from Berks County high schools who intend to further their education after high school in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree, who swam on a high school or club swim team in at least their senior year of high school and are intending to swim on the college team or the college club team. 

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.

Greg Prosseda Memorial Scholarship Fund

This fund was established in 2005 in memory of Greg Prosseda. 

The purpose of this fund is to provide an annual scholarship to a male or female senior from one of the Berks County school districts (public or parochial) who intends to further his or her education after high school. 

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.

GRIP Dreamer Scholarship Fund

This fund was established in 2013 to provide college scholarships to immigrants who are not eligible for Federal and/or Pennsylvania financial aid. 

Previous recipients must reapply each year if they want to be considered for another scholarship from this fund.

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.

Haupt Family Fund

This fund awards two scholarships: one for Berks County residents pursuing a master’s degree in social work, and one for Berks County residents furthering their education in a mechanical technology field, automotive technology field, technical field, or trade, or a Wilson High School student majoring in engineering.

Scholarship for Mechanical Technology Field, Automotive Technology, Technical Field, orTrade, or a Wilson High School Student Majoring in Engineering

One scholarship will be awarded in memory of Wilbur Haupt to adults who are Berks County residents who have a high school degree; OR to high school seniors who are graduating from a high school located in Berks County, PA (these applicants must be furthering their education in a mechanical technology field, transportation/automotive technology field, technical field, or construction field on a part-time or full-time basis at a vocational/technical school located in Berks County, PA); OR to applicants who are Wilson High School seniors who intend to pursue a 4-year degree in engineering at any educational institution on a full-time basis. 

Previous recipients of a scholarship from this fund, with the exception of the Wilson 4-year engineering student, may apply again in a subsequent year; however, previous recipients will not receive preferential treatment.

About Berks County Community Foundation

Berks County Community Foundation was founded in 1994 to help individuals, families, organizations and businesses achieve their charitable objectives and improve the quality of life for the residents of Berks County. Since that time, the Community Foundation has grown to manage hundreds of charitable funds. Each year, those funds distribute scholarships and grants to support local students and assist a variety of nonprofit organizations and causes.

The Community Foundation manages more than 300 charitable funds. The funds were created by local individuals, families and businesses to support causes and organizations they cared about.

Russell L. Hiller Charitable Trust

The Russell L. Hiller Charitable Trust Fund of Berks County Community Foundation was established in December 2003. Judge Russell L. Hiller, a 60-year resident of Shillington, PA, passed away in May 2003 at the age of 97. Judge Hiller spent 26 years as a federal bankruptcy judge in Reading. Throughout his years in Shillington, he spent much of his time taking walks through the Shillington Borough park and relaxing on a bench that overlooked the Governor Mifflin schools. The pursuit of education was Hiller’s lifelong love. In his will, he established a scholarship fund to benefit Governor Mifflin High School students.

The fund will award five scholarships, each in the amount of $5,000, to graduating seniors of Governor Mifflin High School who have achieved high scholastic and personal development, and who have plans to continue their education at the college level, and who are in need of financial assistance beyond that which their parents can afford.

Additionally, the fund supports a grant opportunity for programs benefitting the residents of the Governor Mifflin School District.

About Berks County Community Foundation

Berks County Community Foundation was founded in 1994 to help individuals, families, organizations and businesses achieve their charitable objectives and improve the quality of life for the residents of Berks County. Since that time, the Community Foundation has grown to manage hundreds of charitable funds. Each year, those funds distribute scholarships and grants to support local students and assist a variety of nonprofit organizations and causes. 

The Community Foundation manages more than 300 charitable funds. The funds were created by local individuals, families and businesses to support causes and organizations they cared about.

Conservation Equity Fund - Permanent Endowment Pool

The Conservation Equity Fund was created to support the preservation and/or conservation of open space, environmentally sensitive land, and historic properties in Berks County, including, but not limited to farmland.

This fund supports the preservation and conservation of open space, environmentally sensitive areas, farmland, and historic properties in Berks County.

Pottstown Regional Community Foundation (PRCF) directs every grant toward measurable community impact. Guided by our Results Grantmaking Framework, we ensure that investments produce sustainable outcomes across Western Montgomery County, Northern Chester County, and Eastern Berks County.

Our equity-centered framework empowers nonprofits, collaboratives, and public partners to address the systemic factors shaping Education Innovation, Health Intervention, and Economic Opportunity across our region.

Capacity Building Awards

Capacity building grants strengthen an organization’s ability to achieve lasting impact by enhancing its infrastructure, governance, operations, and sustainability. These awards may support investments in staff training, leadership development, fundraising systems, capital improvements, technology upgrades, strategic planning, evaluation methods, or DEI integration. The ultimate goal is to build stronger nonprofits that can serve more people more effectively. 

Investing Beyond Grant Dollars

PRCF recognizes that strategic funding alone is not enough. Healthy communities depend on healthy organizations. By investing in nonprofit capacity building, we ensure that grantees have access to high-quality support in areas like governance, leadership, operations, and evaluation. This commitment equips nonprofits to respond to challenges, pursue growth opportunities, and serve their communities more effectively.

Our Capacity Building Approach

Strengthen Organizational Systems

• Governance, finance, human resources, and technology

Develop Staff & Board Leadership

• Strategic planning, equity-centered leadership, and board development

Enhance Evaluation & Impact Measurement

• Data collection, reporting, and continuous learning

Promote Long-Term Sustainability

• Fund development, donor engagement, and financial planning

Why Capacity Building Matters

Nonprofit organizations are on the front lines of addressing economic equity, education equity, and health equity across our region. By strengthening these organizations from the inside out, PRCF ensures that investments in programs and services are sustainable, scalable, and effective over the long term.

Applicants must select the appropriate form based on request size and project type:

• Full Application: For requests over $10,000 (up to a standard maximum of $150,000). Larger requests above this threshold are considered by invitation only.
• Abbreviated Application: For smaller requests of $10,000 or less.

Pottstown Regional Community Foundation (PRCF) directs every grant toward measurable community impact. Guided by our Results Grantmaking Framework, we ensure that investments produce sustainable outcomes across Western Montgomery County, Northern Chester County, and Eastern Berks County.

Our equity-centered framework empowers nonprofits, collaboratives, and public partners to address the systemic factors shaping Education Innovation, Health Intervention, and Economic Opportunity across our region.

Systems Reform Awards

Systems Reform Awards invest in collaborations, policy work, and field-wide initiatives that address root causes, reduce inequities, and foster long-term structural change. These grants support coordinated multi-sector efforts that influence policy change, align fragmented systems, develop best practices, and engage residents in shaping solutions. Systems Reform grants may include practice development, field capacity building, or community advocacy efforts to eliminate silos and inefficiencies that prevent equitable outcomes.

Applicants must select the appropriate form based on request size and project type:

• Full Application: For requests over $10,000 (up to a standard maximum of $150,000). Larger requests above this threshold are considered by invitation only.
• Abbreviated Application: For smaller requests of $10,000 or less.

The Community Foundation manages more than 300 charitable funds. The funds were created by local individuals, families and businesses to support causes and organizations they cared about.

Berks County Arts Fund 

This fund seeks to support innovative, inclusive, and accessible programs that will foster community pride and encourage creative expression within our community.

The Berks County Arts Fund supports arts and culture organizations that will implement community-focused programs/projects through visual arts. We seek to support innovative, inclusive, and accessible programs that will foster community pride and encourage creative expression within our community.

Because of the range in size and scope of visual arts programming in our community, there is no minimum or maximum request amount. There is $50,000 total to distribute.

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.

Berks County Transition Coordinating Council Marty Kester Award

The Berks County Transition Coordinating Council (BCTCC) Marty Kester Award supports graduating high school seniors with disabilities as they transition from school to employment. Students will be recognized for their determination, resilience, and commitment to pursuing a career path that aligns with their skills and aspirations.

Pennsylvania Grant Opportunities

The PPL Foundation empowers communities by supporting student success from cradle to career; advancing diversity, equity and inclusion; and promoting the development of vibrant and sustainable communities.

The PPL Foundation’s grant programs provide grants up to $50,000 to support education, workforce development and community revitalization initiatives.

Empowering Communities Grants

Enriching the overall vitality of the community through programs that protect the environment and improve people’s lives, these grants support programs focused on:

• Environmental stewardship and education
• Economic development
• Workplace development

About Berks County Community Foundation

Berks County Community Foundation was founded in 1994 to help individuals, families, organizations and businesses achieve their charitable objectives and improve the quality of life for the residents of Berks County. Since that time, the Community Foundation has grown to manage hundreds of charitable funds. Each year, those funds distribute scholarships and grants to support local students and assist a variety of nonprofit organizations and causes. 

The Community Foundation manages more than 300 charitable funds. The funds were created by local individuals, families and businesses to support causes and organizations they cared about.

Boyertown Area Charitable Program

The Boyertown Area Charitable Program provides grants for programs that improve the quality of life for the residents of the Boyertown Area School District. The program distributes grants from the Boyertown Area Community Fund and the Boyer Foundation Fund. The Boyer Foundation Fund was established to support Boyertown area health, social, recreational and safety organizations. The fund was created in memory of Daniel and Blanche Boyer, who were lifelong Boyertown residents and community leaders. The Boyertown Area Community Fund was established to support charitable programs within the geographic area served by the Boyertown Area School District.

Pennsylvania Grant Opportunities

The PPL Foundation empowers communities by supporting student success from cradle to career; advancing diversity, equity and inclusion; and promoting the development of vibrant and sustainable communities.

The PPL Foundation’s grant programs provide grants up to $50,000 to support education, workforce development and community revitalization initiatives.

Energizing Education Grants

Supporting equitable and engaging high-quality educational opportunities for all students, these grants fund programs focused on:

• STEM (with a focus on programs that inspires students to pursue careers in the energy industry)
• Literacy and summer learning
• College and career readiness