Berwick

The Community Giving Foundation got its start in the Berwick community in 1998 from the sale of the Berwick Hospital to for-profit ownership. For over 20 years, the Foundation has remained committed to charitable causes that benefit residents in the greater Berwick area. Through funds from individuals, families, and organizations, the Foundation continues to invest in the well-being of its community. Learn more about the history of the Community Giving Foundation.

The Berwick Rotary Club's mission is to work together - as an organizaiton and group of community citizens - to serve the community at home and around the world. Moved to honor the legacy of community giving seen i past Rotarians like Dr. Thomas Kowalchick and Dr. Harold Johnson, the current club membership established the Berwick Rotary Service Above Self Fund at the Foundation to broaden their community impact and encourage others to make tribute donations that carry on the spirit of giving in Berwick for a long time to come.

"Our hope is that this fund will be recognized as a giving opportunity to support local nonprofits that further Rotary ideas and allow Rotary's mission of community support to always continue in the Berwick area."

Your support of Community Giving Foundation: Berwick makes an impact on the lives of people in your community. This story is just one example of the power of giving happening right here because of the generosity of our donors.

The geographic boundaries of the Berwick Health & Wellness Fund encompass 8 boroughs and 15 townships in eastern Columbia County and lower/western Luzerne County.

The Berwick Health & Wellness Fund is the largest charitable fund of the Foundation. Its mission is to select, identify, and invest in programs and projects that improve the health and welfare of Berwick and the surrounding area—impacting the community's overall well-being, growth, and success. Following the service footprint of the original Berwick Hospital, the 23 locales eligible to receive Berwick Health & Wellness Fund grants are:

• Columbia County Boroughs: Berwick Borough*, Benton Borough, Briar Creek Borough, Stillwater Borough
• Columbia County Townships: Benton Township, Briar Creek Township, Fishing Creek Township, Mifflin Township, North Centre Township, South Centre Township
• Luzerne County Boroughs: Berwick Borough*, Conyngham Borough, Nescopeck Borough, New Columbus Borough, Shickshinny Borough
• Luzerne County Townships: Butler Township, Conyngham Township, Hollenback Township, Hunlock Township, Huntington Township, Nescopeck Township, Salem Township, Sugarloaf Township, Union Township

Community Giving Foundation: Berwick facilitates traditional, strategic, and competitive grantmaking programs to support a number of community needs and initiatives. These include annual large and small grant rounds, agency endowment matches, board/staff matches, annual fire company grants, and more. Each year, Berwick awards over $1.3 million to benefit the greater Berwick area.

There is a place for you here! Through the collective work of neighbors, families, businesses, and nonprofits, the Community Giving Foundation: Berwick will continue to leave a greater impact in your community for years to come.

Donors can help meet local charitable needs by supporting current Berwick funds or by creating a fund in their own name to establish a personal charitable legacy. Walk through our Giving Workbook or contact a member of Berwick's board or Foundation staff to discuss how you can partner with your local community foundation to make a difference in the greater Berwick area.

Greg Martz (Chair)
Jeff Cerminaro (Vice Chair)
Justine Bridge (Financial Liaison)
Kari Dyer
Matthew Getty
Michael Goresh
Cynthia Lombard
Marc Nespoli
Brooke Nickles
Michelle Pace
Thomas Popko
Damien Scoblink
Ken Strish
Amanda Stutzman

Board Members are charged with evaluating grant applications, monitoring community strengths and needs, and making site visits as needed to verify progress.