Our Approach

Our approach to philanthropy is shaped by more than a decade of learning alongside our nonprofit partners. Beyond providing financial support, we strive to be a trusted partner whose investments strengthen institutions, leverage additional resources, and generate lasting benefits for the people and communities of the St. Louis region.

Strategic investments.
Trusted partnerships.
Stronger St. Louis.

We believe lasting prosperity in St. Louis grows when people have meaningful opportunities to thrive, communities have the assets they need to flourish, and leaders work together toward a shared future. No single organization or investment can achieve this alone. That’s why we invest where our philanthropy can make the greatest difference, whether that means meeting immediate needs, strengthening organizational capacity, building civic infrastructure, advancing innovative solutions, or improving the systems that shape long-term opportunity.

We look for pivotal moments when our resources, relationships, and commitment can help organizations and communities accelerate progress. Rather than applying one model of success to every grant, we consider each opportunity in the context of the challenge it addresses and the role our support can play. Beyond funding, we strive to be a trusted partner, helping organizations grow stronger, attract additional resources, and create lasting benefits for the St. Louis region.

While every grantee organization is evaluated within the context of its mission and community impact, we seek out strong, ambitious partners best positioned to create the change lasting change in our region needs. Learn more about the distinctive characteristics and eligibility criteria we look for in organizations here.

Our Funding Priorities

Enhancing Child &
Family Wellbeing

Invest in organizations that support healthy development for children and long-term wellbeing and stability for families
FOCUS AREAS

Early Learning & Literacy

High-quality early childhood programs and foundational literacy needed to succeed in school and beyond

Family Stability & Support

Family access to holistic resources, relationships, and systems needed for children to thrive

Youth Futures

Education, skills, relationships, and supports for resilience, wellbeing, and a healthy start to adulthood

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Youth, individuals, and family access to mental health supports and resources needed to navigate challenges and to flourish

Strengthening
Economic Opportunity

Invest in pathways that expand economic mobility for individuals and strengthen our regional economy
FOCUS AREAS

Career Pathways

Student and adult programs that lead to economic stability and meaningful employment

Housing Access & Stability

Access to safe, stable, and affordable housing that supports economic mobility and opportunity

Inclusive Regional Growth

Infrastructure, talent, partnerships, and investments needed to drive community development and inclusive economic growth in the region

Legal Services

Access to legal support that removes barriers to wellbeing and economic mobility

Cultivating
Regional Vibrancy

Invest in the cultural, civic, and community assets that enrich quality of life and foster connection
FOCUS AREAS

Arts & Culture

Access to high-quality, distinctive cultural experiences and creative opportunities that make St. Louis a vibrant, connected, and welcoming region

Public Spaces

Well-maintained shared green spaces, parks, trails, and community infrastructure that foster belonging and connection

Community Safety

Community access to the people, systems, and trusted partnerships that support safe, connected, and thriving communities across St. Louis

Across our funding areas, we consider requests for various types of support including
general operating, program, capacity building, and capital campaign.

Our New Strategic Framework

In 2026, our Foundation staff and trustees engaged in a comprehensive 9-month process to develop our strategic direction for the future.

We reflected deeply on what we’ve learned through the years, what we see across the St. Louis community, and how we can best use our resources and relationships to make the greatest difference we can.

This process included developing a clear vision, refining our mission and values, and updating our funding priorities and criteria to align with the impact needed in our region.

“After more than a decade of philanthropy, we knew the Berges Family Foundation was ready for its next chapter. We wanted to build on what we had learned, become more strategic and focused in how we invest, and ensure our vision for St. Louis remained ambitious. We now have greater clarity about our direction and how the Foundation can best serve the region.”

– Jim & Elizabeth

A print-friendly overview of our Strategic Framework can be found here.