Reading Pride Celebration 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, roughly $6,000, 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 programs,” 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.”
Nonprofit organizations and schools, including student programs and clubs, are eligible to apply. Grants of up to $1,000 will be awarded.
To apply for a grant, go to http://bccf.link/grants and login or create an account. The application period runs from September 1st through December 1, 2022, with decisions announced in January 2023.
The Reading Pride Celebration Gives Back Fund is accepting donations. To give online, visit www.bccf.org and click “give now.” Donations can also be mailed to Berks County Community Foundation at 237 Court St., Reading, PA 19601. Make checks payable to Berks County Community Foundation and write “Reading Pride Celebration Gives Back Fund” in the memo line.
