The Local Share Account (LSA) provides for the distribution of gaming revenues through the CFA to support projects in the public interest within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. GBDF is an eligible applicant. Eligible uses of funds include but are not limited to acquisition, construction and renovation and infrastructure. For-profit entities are not eligible to receive LSA funds.
Applications are typically due in September for the Category 4 round ($100,000 or less) and November for the Statewide round (up to $1,000,000).
Please contact Kayla Hayick, Director of Lending and Business Outreach, for more information.
Examples of Past Projects:
Hollywood Casino
The opening of the Hollywood Casino in Morgantown, Berks County, has opened up the opportunity for Berks County projects to apply for grant funding, either through the LSA Category 4 round or the LSA statewide round. Greater Berks Development Fund is an eligible applicant and has been successful in obtaining critical funding for community and economic development projects.
Hamburg Strand
Greater Berks Development Fund has been awarded $98,287 to assist Our Town Foundation with the replacement of the seats and flooring at the historic Strand Theater in Hamburg. Since purchasing the property in 2013, Our Town Foundation has made significant improvements, including a new roof, new HVAC systems, installation of handicap accessible bathrooms and restoration of the historic neon marquee. The replacement of the theater seats and flooring will enhance the experience for patrons of movies and special events that are held there.
Hamburg State Street Square
Greater Berks Development Fund received $35,382 in LSA funding to assist Our Town Foundation in its State Street Square project. Our Town Foundation purchased the vacant lot in 2015, with the intent to develop the property for recreational use and a gathering place for the community.
As part of the development plans, a 3,000 square foot building was constructed for public bathrooms, a kitchenette and storage area for equipment and furnishings necessary to host events (tables, chairs, canopies, barricades, etc.) The LSA grant funded the equipment needed to complete the bathroom facilities.
Kutztown Strand Theater
Greater Berks Development Fund has been awarded two LSA grants for the Kutztown Strand Theater, owned by the Kutztown Community Partnership (‘KCP’). Located at 20 N. Oak Street, Kutztown, the theater is undergoing major upgrades and renovations to breathe new life into the historic property.
In 2023, GBDF was awarded a $450,000 LSA to fund improvements to the HVAC systems and to replace the roof of the theater. In 2024, a LSA grant of $373,500 was awarded for renovations to the restroom, lobby and stairs, allowing for improved access to the facility.
DESCCO Design & Construction, Fleetwood, is the construction manager for the projects and KCP has launched a capital campaign to raise funds for additional work that is needed for the theater.
Reading Hospital Foundation
Greater Berks Development Fund received $250,000 in LSA funding to assist the Reading Hospital Foundation in its acquisition of a Siemens Bi-Plane X-Ray Platform for its Electrophysiology (EP) Suite within the Miller Heart Center at Reading Hospital. The total cost of the equipment is $1.4 million.
The construction and equipment purchase of the new EP Suite will allow for a higher number of procedures and more than 1 ablation procedure at a time, due to the growing demand for these types of procedures.