United Way of Berks County utilizes Venture Grants to provide one-time funding opportunities in support of innovative projects or programs that address a specific community issue(s) that is identified based on community need.
Please note: For 2020 and 2021, United Way of Berks County directed additional grant dollars to support the Berks COVID-19 Response Fund.
2019 Venture Grant Recipients
In 2019, these grants totaled $58,209 and were awarded to programs focused on transportation solutions. The recipients were:
- Opportunity House – Improving Transportation Opportunities for the Homeless
- Western Berks Ambulance Association – Wheelchair Expanded Services
- Boyertown Area Multi-Service – Expanded Transportation Services
2018 Venture Grant Recipients
In 2018 these grants totaled $100,000 and were awarded to programs serving unaccompanied homeless youth and/or disconnected young adults. The recipients were:
- Reading School District – Red Knight Bridge to Success Program
- Family Promise of Berks County – U-Turn
- Mary’s Shelter – Youth Empowerment Supportive Services
2017 Venture Grant Recipients
In 2017 these grants totaled $69,724 and were awarded to organizations funding programs designed to address food insecurity and nutrition education. The recipients were:
- Berks Encore
- Community Prevention Partnership of Berks County/BerksTalkline
- The Salvation Army Reading Corps up
2016 Venture Grant Recipients
In 2016 these grants totaled $75,000 and were awarded to organizations funding programs designed to develop girls’ leadership skills. The recipients were:
- Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania
- Reading Recreation Commission
- VOiCE up
2015 Venture Grant Recipients
In 2015 United Way awarded four Venture Grants, which provide one-time funding in support of new or expanded programs responding to needs of underserved populations or geographic areas. These grants totaled $70,000 and were awarded to organizations assisting special needs youth and their families achieve a successful transition from high school into higher education or the workplace. The recipients were:
- Abilities in Motion
- Easterseals Eastern PA
- Goodwill Keystone Area
- Threshold Rehabilitation Services, Inc.
2014 Venture GrantRecipients
In 2014 Venture Grants were awarded to help individuals and families work towards financial stability. These grants totaled $36,105 and were awarded to:
- Berks Connections Pretrial Services
- Friend, Inc.Community Services