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175 West Valley Forge Road, King of Prussia, PA 19406-1802

Board of Community Assistance

Home Government Authorities, Boards & Commissions Board of Community Assistance

Non-profit organizations and Upper Merion students are encouraged to apply for one of many possible grants that are awarded through the BCA each year.

The 2018 Awards application process will be open from November 15, 2017 through March 15, 2018.

Download the 501(c) Organization and Agency application

Download the Student Scholarship Application

Once the application(s) is filled, please email it to Angela Caramenico, Assistant to Township Manager or mail to:

Board of Community Assistance
c/o Office of the Township Manager
Upper Merion Township
175 West Valley Forge Road
King of Prussia, PA  19406

Overview

The BCA was established in 2013 through a partnership between Upper Merion Township and the Valley Forge Casino Resort. The purpose of the BCA is to provide financial assistance to organizations via grants that benefit Upper Merion residents and scholarships for graduating high school seniors who reside in Upper Merion Township.

“The BCA grants are an incredible benefit to our residents and community organizations,” said Greg Waks, Supervisor Vice Chair and Liaison to the BCA. “I strongly encourage organizations that provide services to Upper Merion residents and graduating high school seniors from Upper Merion looking to continue their education to apply.”

Did You Know?
In 2016, more than $152,000 was awarded to 65 recipients – 40 organizations and 25 scholarships, including the General von Steuben $10,000 scholarship, and the Ronald G. Wagenmann $5,000 scholarship.

Since its 2013 inception, the BCA has provided more than $580,000 in grants to local organizations and college scholarships for Upper Merion graduates.

Members

Lydia Dan Sardinas, Chairperson
Scott Milner, Vice Chairperson
Eric Pearson, VFCR
David Karen, Member
Greg Waks, Supervisor Liaison

Purpose of the BCA

To advise the Board of Supervisors for the disbursement of all monies received by the Township from the Valley Forge Casino Resort (VFCR) for the purpose of assisting non-profit and/or 501 (c) organizations and college scholarship recipients. All monies received for disbursement from other sources will be considered in the same manner as set forth in the policy.
To make an annual report to the Board of Supervisors including all monies received and the disbursement of these monies to non-profit and 501 (c) organizations proven to meet the need as established by the Board of Supervisors.

To offer all non-profit and/or 501 (c) organizations in the Township the ability to appeal to the BCA for consideration in a time of need.
To enhance the partnership between VFCR and Upper Merion Township to offer charitable assistance and support to the needy non-profits and 501 (c) organizations in the Township.

Membership and Term of the BCA

Membership will consist of five (5) members; two (2) chosen by the VFCR and three (3) Township citizens appointed by the Board of Supervisors. There will be no set terms for the VFCR appointees and will serve on the BCA at the pleasure of the VFCR. Terms of the Township appointees will be as follows: one (1) will serve a one-year term; one (1) will serve a two-year term; and one (1) will serve a three-year term. A chairperson will be selected from the membership of the BCA during January of each year at its re-organization meeting. The staff liaison to the BCA is the Township Manager or his designee.

Meeting Schedule

The BCA will meet a minimum of every other month and will meet more frequently as necessary to evaluate cases of need.

Membership Eligibility

Township citizens desiring to apply to serve on the BCA shall possess:

  • Knowledge of the 501 (c) organizations as per the United States Internal Revenue Code.
  • Some knowledge and understanding of the history, mission services, operations and activities of non-profit and/or 501 (c) organizations in areas of Cultural, Arts and Humanities Organizations; Education and College Scholarship criteria; Health and Wellness organizations; Historic Preservation; Workforce Development/Economic Opportunity, Environmental Sustainability.
  • Be familiar or have a working knowledge of the proposed beneficiaries of the program.
  • Be familiar with the Rules of Law and Ethics.
  • Knowledge of Finance and Experience with disbursement of monies.

Agendas & Minutes

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