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.
2020 BCA Award Notes:
For the first time in BCA history, there will be a second round of applications accepted for non-profits only:
- Applications open – August 1, 2020
- Applications close – September 15, 2020
- Awards announced – October 15, 2020 (tentative)
- Amount to be Disbursed – $33,426
- Monies will be disbursed between the date of award and the end of the year
“Many organizations are having their resources stretched as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic,” said Greg Waks, Supervisor Liaison to the BCA. “This inaugural second round of BCA funding is a unique opportunity during these difficult times to provide grants to those organizations that serve Upper Merion Township residents.”
Scholarship awards will still be sent directly to the respective college/universities, however, this year the awards will be split into two installments (one for first semester and one for second semester). Students must also provide documentation that their community service project has been completed in order for the second check to be released to the college/university.
Once the application(s) is filled, please email it to Angela Caramenico, Assistant to the Township Manager, fax to 610-265-0482, 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.
Did You Know?
So far in 2020 over $158,000 was awarded to 56 recipients – 29 Organizations, 3 Sports, and 24 Scholarships, including the General von Steuben $10,000 scholarship and five Ronald G. Wagenmann $5,000 scholarships.
Since its 2013 inception, the BCA has provided more than one million dollars in grants to local organizations and college scholarships for Upper Merion graduates.
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.
