The Hill School’s Student Philanthropy Council (SPC) recently awarded a total of $30,000 to 11 Pottstown-area nonprofits.

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 – 36 – requested a total of $131,168, so the students indeed had a challenging task as they worked through their decisions.

SPC Co-Chair Harry Whaley '25 noted, "Every one of this year’s applicants serves our community in a meaningful way, and this made our decisions extra difficult this year.

"Ultimately, we made our selections with several factors in mind," he continued. "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 transportation needs and literacy advocacy to historic preservation, education, and mental and physical wellness. And we aimed to leave an impact on a variety of demographics – from very young children to senior citizens."

The following organizations received grants from the SPC: ArtFusion 19464; Centro Cultural Latinos Unidos; Connections Work; The Fight on Makenna Foundation; Foundation for Pottstown Education; Good Samaritan Services; Helping Hands, Inc.; Making A Difference Economically, Inc.; Pottstown Regional Public Library; Veterans' Island Project @ Memorial Park; Victim Services Center of Montgomery County, Inc. 

Read more about these organizations.