Stay informed about how Pottstown Regional Community Foundation (PRCF) works to advance education, health, and economic opportunity throughout western Montgomery County, northern Chester County, and eastern Berks County.
A community foundation is a public nonprofit organization that pools charitable resources to support local needs through grantmaking, donor services, and community leadership. Funds are invested for long-term growth, ensuring that gifts from individuals, families, businesses, and organizations create lasting local impact.
Founded in 2003 as Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation, PRCF transitioned in 2023 into a public community foundation. Today, PRCF supports a wide range of regional priorities, including education innovation, economic opportunity, health equity, housing, and community development while maintaining its legacy of promoting health and wellness.
A private foundation is typically funded by a single source, such as an individual, family, or corporation, and governed by a small group of trustees or directors. Private foundations often have a more limited donor base and stricter IRS regulations than community foundations. They generally operate with specific charitable goals and may make grants to fewer organizations.
A health conversion foundation is created when a nonprofit hospital or health system is sold to a for-profit company. The proceeds from the sale are used to establish a foundation that continues to serve the health needs of the community, typically through grants, partnerships, and programs. PRCF began as a health conversion foundation following the sale of Pottstown Memorial Medical Center in 2003.
Unlike private foundations, which are typically funded by a single source and have limited public support, PRCF is a community foundation supported by many donors. This allows greater flexibility, broader community engagement, and more inclusive grantmaking that reflects the region’s evolving needs.
PRCF is primarily supported through endowment investments and ongoing charitable contributions. Donor gifts grow through professional investment management, creating sustainable funding for grantmaking and community programs.
An endowment is a permanent fund where the initial gift (the principal) is invested. Only a portion of the earnings is used each year, which ensures the fund can provide long-term support. Endowments allow PRCF to be a permanent source of community investment.
We make grants based on two strategic pillars: Developing Youth Potential and Promoting Equitable Health & Wellness. Funding decisions are guided by data, community needs, and alignment with our Results Framework.
We are overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors made up of local leaders who represent the diversity of our region. Our Board works in collaboration with dedicated staff and advisory committees to guide funding and strategy.
Our service area includes communities within a 10-mile radius of Pottstown, reaching across western Montgomery County, northern Chester County, and eastern Berks County.
PRCF publishes biannual Community Benefit Reports, annual financial Annual Reports, and multiple research studies that inform our grantmaking and regional strategies. These reports provide transparency into where funds are invested and the measurable impact across the community. Visit our News & Publications page to explore reports and updates.
If you are a grantee with a story of impact to share, we encourage you to submit your story, photos, and program outcomes. Stories may be featured in our Success Stories, reports, or social media. Learn more on our Success Stories page.
Grantmaking focuses on two strategic pillars:
Applicants must submit proposals that align with our Results Grantmaking Framework. Applications are reviewed by staff, advisory committees, and the Board of Directors. The full process and timeline are outlined on our Application Process page.
Yes. Multi-year and general operating support may be awarded when aligned with our strategic priorities. These are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Yes. Capacity-building grants help nonprofits strengthen internal systems such as governance, fundraising, and strategic planning. Learn more on our Capacity Building page.
Absolutely. We offer pre-application consultations and informational webinars to support first-time applicants.
Yes. New applicants are encouraged to submit a Grant Concept Form prior to full application submission. This allows PRCF staff to assess alignment with our funding priorities and offer guidance on strengthening your proposal.
The Grant Concept Form is a pre-application tool recommended for organizations applying for the first time or proposing a new initiative. Completing this form allows PRCF staff to assess early alignment and provide coaching before a full application is submitted.
Through our Capacity Building Resources, grantees can access free tools like Catchafire, Hello Insight for youth program evaluation, and iCAT for organizational assessment. These services help nonprofits build internal strength, strategic planning, and data-driven impact.
While most grants follow our regular cycles, PRCF may consider urgent requests for time-sensitive community needs. Contact our grants team for more information.
PRCF connects people and resources to address systemic challenges in education, health, and economic opportunity. We fund nonprofits, lead collaborative initiatives, and serve as a convener for regional partners. Learn more on our What We Do page.
Education Innovation focuses on equitable learning from early childhood through youth preparedness, including programs like the Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds Institute, PEAK, and K–12 school wellness initiatives. Learn more on our Education Innovation page.
Health Intervention invests in physical and mental healthcare access, wellness programs, nutrition, recreation, and public spaces that create healthier environments for all residents. Learn more on our Health Intervention page.
Economic Opportunity addresses job access, workforce development, neighborhood revitalization, transportation, and financial empowerment to help all residents achieve stability and prosperity. Learn more on our Economic Opportunity page.
While most programs are led by grantees, PRCF leads or co-leads key initiatives like Play Streets, Regional Home Garden Contest, Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds Institute, and community collaboratives.
We track outcomes through our Results Framework, grantee reports, community data, and shared evaluation tools to ensure accountability and inform ongoing strategies.
Our team includes professionals in grantmaking, donor services, evaluation, education, and community collaboration. Our volunteer Board of Directors provides leadership, representing the diversity of our region. Meet our full team on the Our Team page.
You can:
Learn more on our Fund Types page.
No. Many donors start small and grow their funds over time. PRCF offers flexible giving options to meet a variety of goals and capacities.
Yes. PRCF accepts a variety of asset types including real estate, personal property, stocks, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies. These gifts may offer significant tax advantages while supporting community programs.
Yes. PRCF is a 501(c)(3) public charity, and gifts may be eligible for maximum tax deductions allowed by law. We also accept gifts of stock, IRA distributions, and other non-cash assets.
Planned giving allows you to make a charitable gift through your estate plan, retirement account, trust, or other financial vehicles. PRCF works closely with donors and advisors to structure gifts that reflect your values and provide long-term support for the community. Learn more on our Leave a Legacy page.
Yes. Your gifts can support several causes through donor-advised funds or unrestricted giving that fuels PRCF’s regional impact.
Absolutely. Businesses can sponsor programs, start corporate funds, or partner on community initiatives. Learn more on our Sponsorships page.
Yes. PRCF offers sponsorship opportunities for businesses to support programs like Pottstown Play Streets, Regional Home Garden Contest, and the Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds Institute, providing both community impact and brand visibility.
Pottstown Regional Community Foundation connects philanthropic intentions with our community’s most impactful economic, social, and educational needs to improve the quality of life for all residents today and tomorrow.
152 East High Street, Suite 500
Pottstown, PA 19464
(610) 323-2006
Please have patience with our website, it is still under construction from our transition to our new name. If you have any questions, please reach out to Samuel Mirarchi, Marketing & Communications Specialist at smirarchi@pottstownfoundation.org. Thank you
