Our History

Rooted in Health. Growing Through Equity.

Pottstown Regional Community Foundation (PRCF) has spent more than two decades investing in the wellbeing of the greater Pottstown region. Founded in 2003 as the Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation (PAHWF), we began with a health-focused mission and quickly expanded our impact through strategic grantmaking, nonprofit partnerships, and community-led initiatives. In 2023, we formally transitioned into a public community foundation—broadening our mission to address equity across education, economic opportunity, and health.

Today, we serve western Montgomery, northern Chester, and eastern Berks Counties as a regional convener, donor partner, and steward for local change. Every year of progress builds on our founding purpose: to improve lives through thoughtful, lasting investment.

Over the last 22 years we've...

2003
Foundation Established

Formed as Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation following the sale of Pottstown Memorial Medical Center to Community Health Systems.

2004
Laying the Groundwork

Released our first Community Health Needs Assessment.

Approved inaugural grant of $50,000 to United Way of Western Montgomery County.

First round of grants: Distributed 22 grants approved, totaling $842,645.

2005
Roots in Place

Moved into our permanent headquarters at 152 E High Street in Pottstown.

2006
Trailblazing Health

Funded the construction of a 1.8-mile section of the Schuylkill River Trail, improving access to outdoor activity.

2007
Expanding Nutrition and Early Learning

Premiered “Mission: Good Nutrition,” a local TV series promoting healthy lifestyles.

Developed a school collaborative group through bi-annual meetings.

Partnered with other funders to launch the Pottstown Early Action for Kindergarten Readiness (PEAK) initiative.

Teamed with La Salle University’s Nonprofit Center to strengthen nonprofit leadership.

2008
Expanding Health Access

Completed a Community Health Needs Assessment.

Funded Creative Health Services (CHS), co-located with Community Health and Dental Care (CHDC).

Celebrated the opening of Community Health and Dental Care (CHDC), later designated a Federally Qualified Health Center.

2009
Five Years of Impact

Marked our 5th anniversary with more than $1 million in cumulative grants awarded.

Hosted a Physical Education Conference at Boyertown Senior High School, which later evolved into the Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds Institute.

2010
Promoting Active Living

Completed the Pottstown Area Parks and Recreation Study in partnership with Penn State’s Hamer Center.

Launched “Mission: Healthy Living,” encouraging fitness and wellness across the region.

Community Health and Dental Care (CHDC) received its Federally Qualified Health Center approval letter.

2011
Recognition and Growth

Received the Economic Development Impact Award from the TriCounty Chamber of Commerce for our regional contributions.

2012
Inclusive Public Spaces

Funded ADA accessibility upgrades at Manderach Memorial Playground in Limerick Township.

2013
Launching HBHM Institute

Completed a Community Health Needs Assessment.

Held the first Healthy Bodies Healthy Minds Institute to support school wellness.

Expanded school-based wellness programs regionwide.

Partnered with DCNR to launch a mini-grant program for capital improvements in local parks.

2014
Driving Recreation and Mobility

Introduced the “On Your Park, Get Set, Go!” challenge to activate public parks.

Supported a $1 million DCNR grant for regional recreation planning.

Pottstown Borough was awarded $1 million for the Walk and Bike Pottstown project.

Secured $1 million for Pottstown’s Walk and Bike infrastructure project.

2015
Behavioral Health Evaluation

Funded Creative Health Services’ regional behavioral health evaluation.

Launched the School Wellness Checklist Challenge in collaboration with MUSC.

2016
Trauma-Informed Education

Co-founded the Pottstown Trauma Informed Community Connection (PTICC) with PEAK and Pottstown School District.

2017
Community Fundraising

Awarded a challenge grant to TriCounty Community Network for The Amazing Raise campaign, beginning an annual fall fundraising program for area nonprofits.

2018
15 Years, $38.5 Million Granted

Completed a Community Health Needs Assessment.

Celebrated our 15th anniversary with $38.5 million in grantmaking across 200+ organizations.

2019
Planning for Economic Revitalization

Hosted the Urban Land Institute Advisory Panel to develop inclusive economic growth strategies for Pottstown.

2020
Emergency Response and Resilience

Funded a study on transportation alternatives and trackless tram concepts.

Launched the COVID Relief and Recovery Fund to support nonprofits, families, and micro businesses.

Provided laptops to Pottstown School District through a grant to the Foundation for Pottstown Education.

Convened community vaccine Town Halls to promote equitable access.

2021
Advancing Public Health

Tri-County Health Council hosted the Vaccine Town Hall, engaging residents and leaders in COVID safety and equity.

Advocated for public school funding, contributing to increased line items in the governor’s budget, with Pottstown School District funds increasing by $4.5 million, followed by additional increases in 2022 and 2023.

Implemented revised grant criteria and program areas.

2022
Activating Community Streets

Convened a public-private coalition of 20 members to implement Pottstown Play Streets, providing play equipment and creating safe, fun, and healthy spaces for children and families to connect and play.

Launched Pottstown Play Streets to create seasonal outdoor play zones in local neighborhoods.

Earned the Excellence in Recreation and Parks Award from the Pennsylvania Recreation and Parks Society.

2023
Becoming a Community Foundation

Work with Mpact (Rail-Volution) laid the groundwork for the successful application of a federal Thriving Communities grant.

Secured a USDOT Thriving Communities grant for equitable transit planning.

Completed our fifth Community Health Needs Assessment.

Transitioned from a private foundation to a public community foundation as of July 1, 2023.

Marked 20 years of grantmaking.

2024
20 Years of Impact

Celebrated two decades of service with more than $55 million awarded to nonprofits and public partners across the region.

2025
New Name, Expanded Vision

Rebranded as the Pottstown Regional Community Foundation (PRCF) on July 4, 2025, unveiling the new name and brand at Pottstown’s GoFourth Parade and Community Day.

Launched a new website, fund options, and engagement tools to support regional equity and collaboration.

Why We Evolved

As our region’s needs became more complex, we expanded to meet them. Transitioning from a private health foundation to a public community foundation allowed us to:

Invite broader donor participation.

Support systemic solutions across health, education, and economic development.

Convene cross-sector partnerships with lasting reach.

Our mission evolved, but our commitment remains: to improve lives, strengthen communities, and invest in equity across the greater Pottstown area.

Your Gift Gets Matched, Up to $50,000

This year, every gift can go twice as far thanks to a $50,000 matching opportunity. Your support fuels early action, resident-led solutions, and lasting community resources.

Emerging Needs & Rapid Response Fund:
Help us respond early to new and growing challenges by piloting and expanding solutions before a problem becomes a crisis.

Pottstown Community Voices Grant Fund:
Power resident-led grantmaking that funds local projects shaped by lived experience and community priorities.

Diana Smith Memorial Endowment:
Support student loan debt relief for nurses and behavioral health professionals serving the Boyertown and Tri-County area.

Boyertown Pool Construction Fund:
Help restore and rebuild the Boyertown Pool by supporting essential repairs and improvements for long-term community use.