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 25 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 Teen Center's Youth Action Board is a group of local teen leaders who serve as goodwill ambassadors for change in the region. After seeing an opportunity to serve their community on a larger scale, they came together to establish an endowed fund to ensure their mission and legacy impacts the community forever.

"Watching the journey of dedication and resiliency undertaken by the Youth action Board members, both past and present, fills me with pride. Their tireless efforts, spanning years, have now blossomed into this amazing achievement. Witnessing their generosity and passion for enriching our community transform into the establishment of this endowment is truly inspirational." (Danielle Pearson, Director of Youth Engagement)

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. During their 2024 competitive grant round, the group awarded $583,893 in grants through the Berwick Health & Wellness Fund and other individual and family funds.

The Berwick Health & Wellness Fund is the largest charitable fund of the Foundation. Overseen by the Community Giving Foundation: Berwick's board, 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

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

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.