Overview

As Berkshire Taconic's primary source of discretionary resources, the Community Fund plays a unique role in advancing our community leadership and response to pressing issues. Through these annual investments, we seize opportunities to lead on issues, respond to urgent needs and launch new projects with the potential for powerful results around our region.
 

By leveraging partnerships with our area funds, gifts from generous donors and other resources, we made investments totaling over $300,000 in 2022. The projects funded innovative ideas in education, entrepreneurship and community engagement, while also meeting basic needs such as housing and food. 

Gifts to the Community Fund provide flexible resources for BTCF to quickly and effectively respond to pressing issues.

Donate to the Community Fund

COMMUNITY FUND IMPACT

Community Engagement

Engagement in the arts, nonprofits, and community initiatives creates far-reaching benefits, building trust and reciprocity.


Impact

  • Over 14,000 people gained new arts and culture experiences through Arts Builds Community initiatives in the Berkshires.
  • Over 50 nonprofit leaders and board members a year participate in the Institute for Trustees program to strengthen nonprofit performance.
  • Over 1,000 people participated in Bridging Divides, Healing Communities projects that fostered understanding across differences.

 

Economic Opportunity

Economic growth and prosperity of residents are bolstered by support for entrepreneurship, existing businesses, and housing affordability.

Impact

  • 50 businesses developed in three years with support from our partner EforAll* in Berkshire and Columbia Counties.
  • Over 200 entrepreneurs took part in pitch contests (65% of participants with below median incomes).
  • 100% of the EforAll participants graduated with business training, mentorship, and access to extended professional networks.
  • 200 attendees participated in community forum in Salisbury, CT, to explore cross-sector solutions for housing affordability. 

*Entrepreneurship for All

Educational Attainment

Investing in education leads to greater economic opportunity and financial security to close the opportunity gap for lower-income students.
 

Impact

  • 280 children participated in early childhood literacy activities in Northwest Litchfield and Northeast Dutchess counties in 2022.
  • 76 parents/guardians and their children participated in literacy activities in Columbia County in 2022.
  • 390 high school students completed internships across our region.
  • 41 middle school students prepared for high school success during an experiential learning summer program.

“Once people were able to tell their stories and feel some sort of empathy, you started to see those shields melt down, and people listen more and be willing to be heard.”

- Hudson Mayor Kamal Johnson, Bridging Divides, Healing Communities grantee