Power of the Purse (POP) in Berks County Fund of Berks County Community Foundation 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. The fund’s committee is a women’s giving circle. Members conduct site visits to the nonprofits and organizations that have applied for POP funding.
In May 2026, POP in Berks County approved $73,000 to the following eight nonprofits and organizations:
- Literacy Council
- Hannah’s Hope
- Hope Rescue Mission
- John Paul II Center for Special Learning
- Connections Work
- Helping Harvest
- Opportunity House
- Planned Parenthood Keystone
“Women’s giving circles are an easy way to maximize the giving power of individuals,” says Cindy Milian, Health and Human Services Program Officer of Berks County Community Foundation. “POP in Berks County invests in the futures of local girls and women because the committee understands how pivotal those individuals are in inspiring change and shaping the future of our region.”
Power of the Purse (POP) Fund was established at Berks County Community Foundation in 2012. For more information on POP or establishing your own fund with the Community Foundation, visit the foundation’s website or email Molly McCullough Robbins, Vice President for Philanthropic Services, at mollyr@bccf.org.
