In May 2023, nine Pottstown-area nonprofits received funding for specific projects from The Hill School's Student Philanthropy Council: Berks Connections Pretrial Services (Mothers’ and Fathers’ Voices Program), The Foundation for Pottstown Education (Student Grant Program), Montgomery Child Advocacy Project, Mother Goose Read to Me, Pottstown FARM, Pottstown Historical Society, Project Purpose, Schuylkill River Greenways, and Steel River Playhouse.

The SPC is a student-led organization that was created to encourage students to learn about the value and processes of philanthropy; develop life-long habits of volunteerism and “giving back;” and provide funds to nonprofits working to enhance the lives of Pottstown area residents.

The Council was created in 2008 through a generous gift to The Hill by the late Charles Frank III, Class of ’59, a former Chairman of Hill’s Board of Trustees, and his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Frank, of Florida, who was present for the presentation ceremony at the School on Wednesday, May 10.  

The 12 SPC members are selected through an application process that looks for students’ genuine interest in altruistic endeavors and in serving the community where Hill makes its home.

The annual Student Philanthropy Council application and award process begins when a Request for Proposal is shared with area nonprofits. The Council meets several times to discuss submitted proposals and determine follow-up questions before visiting the nonprofits’ organizations or conducting interviews via Zoom with the administrators. Finally, the Council members meet with their two faculty advisors for what has become known as “The Great Debate,” where they discuss how best to distribute the years’ allocation of funds.

This year the group had a record number of applications – 19 – and was able to distribute a total of $25,000, with the gifts designated for a variety of causes ranging from food insecurity and literacy advocacy to historic preservation, education, and mental and physical wellness. Learn more about these organizations and programs.