The Hill School’s Student Philanthropy Council (SPC) recently awarded a total of $28,000 to 11 Pottstown-area nonprofits, including several operating in the Hobart’s Run neighborhood. 

The Council was created in 2008 through a gift to The Hill by the late Charles Frank III, Class of ’59, and his wife, Elizabeth “Betty” Frank. The Franks’ goal was 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 that enhance the lives of Pottstown-area residents. The 12 SPC members are elected after an application process that looks for students’ genuine interest in altruistic endeavors and in serving the community where Hill makes its home.

This year a record number of applicants – 30 – requested a total of $147,789, so the students indeed had a challenging task as they worked through their decisions.

SPC Co-President Sophie Walsh'24 said, “Ultimately, we made our selection with several factors in mind.  We hoped to fund some relatively new programs that had never applied to the SPC before.

“We wanted to support a range of causes, from food insecurity and education to historic preservation and mental and physical wellness,” she continued. “Also, we aimed to leave an impact on a variety of demographics, from young children to senior citizens.” 

Added Co-President Atticus Short, a sixth form/senior from Chicago, Ill., “If we could, we would have funded each applicant. Needless to say, this process fulfills the founders’ goal of educating us, as students, about the heart-wrenching but ultimately rewarding experience encountered by philanthropists.”

The following organizations received grants from the SPC: The Arts Bubble, Shady Hollow Assisted Riding, Second Wind Bicycles, the Pottstown Historical Society, Pottstown GoFourth!, Hearts of Humanity Community Development Corporation, Good Samaritan Services, The Ricketts Center of Boyertown Area Multi-Service, Be ReZilient, Animal House Project, and Trellis for Tomorrow.  Read more about these organizations.