Venture Grants

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.

2022 Venture Grant Recipients

In 2022, Venture Grants totaled $171,903 and were awarded to programs focused on health inequities and workforce development. Read the press release for full details. The recipients were:

  • Catholic Charities – to expand a food pantry and support the purchase of a commercial refrigeration/freezer unit
  • The Literacy Council of Reading-Berks – a new workforce development program in collaboration with Berks Connections/Pretrial Services
  • The Food Trust – to expand access to healthy and affordable food in underserved areas
  • Western Berks Free Medical Clinic – expansion of services for uninsured individuals in collaboration with Mary’s Shelter
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