Power of the Purse in Berks County

A group of women started the Power of the Purse in Berks County Fund in 2012 to improve the lives of local women and children. The fund functions as a women’s giving circle, where donations are pooled to create a bigger impact than each member would make alone. Each year, group members review grant applications, visit nonprofits and vote to determine which programs will receive grants. Members commit a minimum of $1,000 per year if they are over age 35, and a minimum of $500 per year if they are 35 and under. Since the group began, it has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants to local organizations. Some reasons to join Power of the Purse:

IMPROVE THE LIVES OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IN BERKS COUNTY
Women have a huge impact on our families, community and the next generation of both women and men. Just scroll down to see the list of grants we’ve given to organizations that are doing important work. PARTICIPATE IN RESEARCH-BASED PHILANTHROPY
With Power of the Purse, you can rest easy knowing your dollars are spent in a responsible, effective way. Our funding process starts with a discussion of local issues affecting women and girls and continues with an evaluation of and site visits to programs aimed at improving their lives. MAGNIFY YOUR IMPACT
Through the power of collective giving, your annual gift has the added impact of gifts from dozens of other women. Nowhere else can a relatively modest gift do so much to assist organizations and the women and girls they serve. TAILOR YOUR INVOLVEMENT
Whether you prefer just writing a check or also becoming deeply involved, you’re free to do as much or as little as you like, and you can evaluate your involvement every year. LEARN ABOUT ISSUES AND PHILANTHROPY
Power of the Purse is an opportunity to learn about the needs of our community and how to effectively address them. MEET LIKE-MINDED WOMEN
Whether you’re a newcomer or a Berks County native, Power of the Purse helps you connect with women in our community and beyond. Share your expertise, learn about pressing issues and build lasting relationships with new friends. LEVERAGE OPERATING COSTS AND EXPERTISE
As an initiative of Berks County Community Foundation, Power of the Purse benefits from their years of experience and financial stewardship. For more information, visit https://bccf.org/pop/
To learn how to join, email [email protected]