POTTSTOWN, PA (August 31, 2026) – Schuylkill River Greenways has received commitments totaling $650,000 from the Switchpoint Foundation and The Wyomissing Foundation, bringing its Stewardship Fund Campaign to $3.5 million of a $5 million goal.

 The Switchpoint Foundation pledged $500,000 and The Wyomissing Foundation awarded a $150,000 Centennial Grant. Both contributions will help build a permanent source of funding for major repairs and improvements to the Schuylkill River Trail.

“These incredibly generous commitments from the Switchpoint Foundation and The Wyomissing Foundation help create an enduring source of funding to care for the Schuylkill River Trail,” said Elaine Paul Schaefer, Executive Director of Schuylkill River Greenways. “But this campaign isn’t only about major gifts. Anyone who loves the trail can be part of its future with a contribution of any size. For the next eight weeks, supporters can also join our Stewardship Trail Challenge. Every mile and every dollar raised helps us protect this tremendous community resource.”

Learn about the Stewardship Fund: https://support.schuylkillriver.org/stewardship-fund.

SRG owns and maintains nearly 40 miles of the Schuylkill River Trail in Berks and Schuylkill counties. As the trail grows, so do the costs of caring for it. Bridge repairs, sinkholes, drainage problems, fallen trees, and worn trail surfaces can require major, often unexpected investments. The Stewardship Fund will provide a reliable source of funding for those needs while allowing SRG to continue working to complete the trail.

“I ride on the Schuylkill River Trail with several friends and Pottstown leaders every week,” said Scott Bentley, CEO of the Switchpoint Foundation. “We are thrilled to have such a well-maintained and level trail, with beautiful scenery, on which to ride. Not only is it an important part of the quality of life here, but it’s also vital to tourism and economic development in the Pottstown region and beyond.”

“The trail provides an extraordinary, free resource for recreation, transportation, health, and community connection,” said Patricia Giles, President of The Wyomissing Foundation. “We are pleased to support a fund designed to ensure that this important community asset remains safe and enjoyable for generations to come, as well as serve as a catalyst for investment and tourism.”

The Stewardship Fund Campaign began in July 2022 and will conclude in July 2027. With these latest commitments, SRG has raised $3.5 million toward its $5 million goal. Once fully funded, the $5 million principal will remain invested, with earnings helping pay for major trail maintenance needs year after year.

More than 80 miles of the Schuylkill River Trail are complete across the five counties of the Schuylkill River watershed. When complete, the trail will stretch more than 120 miles from Frackville to Philadelphia. Schuylkill River Greenways is responsible for completing the trail in Berks County and extending it to its northern terminus in Schuylkill County.

About Schuylkill River Greenways

Schuylkill River Greenways NHA is a nonprofit organization that connects residents, visitors and communities to the Schuylkill River and Schuylkill River Trail while fostering stewardship of the watershed and its heritage. To learn more, visit www.schuylkillriver.org.

About the Switchpoint Foundation

The Switchpoint Foundation seeks to create transformational and lasting positive change in the greater Pottstown region. The Foundation plans to contribute $2.5 million to $3 million annually to nonprofit partners working to create transformational, positive change in Pottstown. The Foundation will sunset in 2054.

About The Wyomissing Foundation

Established in 1926 by industrialist Ferdinand Thun, The Wyomissing Foundation supports efforts to strengthen the Berks County community through funding and leadership in education, the arts, the environment, health and human services, and economic and community development.