GRANT GUIDELINES

The vision and purpose of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Early Literacy and Learning Initiative in Columbia County is that every young child in Columbia County has the opportunity to thrive. The intent of this work is to increase community knowledge of early literacy and strengthen, expand and connect quality early education opportunities in the continuum of care for young children and families. 

INITIATIVE GOALS 

The three primary areas of impact that the initiative hopes to address are: 

• Parents/caregivers have increased knowledge and engagement around the development and education of their young children and the services available to them 
• Service organizations have the capacity and skills to meet the demands of young children and families across the entire county 
• There is a shared understanding of the problems in Columbia County and an urgency to find shared solutions 

GRANT OPPORTUNITY 

Organizations that participate in the ELLN of Columbia County are invited to apply for small grants to support their work. Proposals are accepted for early literacy projects and programs at participating ELLN organizations and for professional development opportunities focused on enhancing staff’s early literacy knowledge and the capacity of the organization.   

GRANT AMOUNT

Up to $3,000 per organization. A total of $20,000 is available for distribution.  

REVIEW CRITERIA

-Commitment to participating in ELLN activities 

-Feasibility, alignment with goals and strategies of the ELLN 

-Potential impact of the proposed project 

HOW TO APPLY

Applications due: October 15, 2024 

Organizations will hear back from Berkshire Taconic within 6 weeks of application submission. 

Technical/Portal Questions: Caitlin Healy chealy@berkshiretaconic.org 

Program/Project Questions or to Discuss Ideas: Emily Bronson ebronson@berkshiretaconic.org