South Berkshire County Fund: Better Together grants support projects that foster community well-being through social interaction, creative expression and physical activity. The fund awarded a record total of $80,000 to 25 organizations in 2025—an increase in dollars granted and applications received last year.
Ellen Casey Boyd, Co-Chair of the grantmaking committee, shares, “I am deeply proud of the committee's diligent work, and delighted to see such a robust and diverse group of programs receiving support this year.”
2025 projects include newcomer community support groups, music classes, an art and science camp, parental support, and intergenerational dance and fitness. Programs for LGBTQ community support, violence prevention, and creating a culture of belonging have also received funding.
"We are beyond lucky to live in a community that has a large number of organizations dedicated to the wellness of its individuals, particularly during a time of great uncertainty,” Boyd says. “The growth of the Better Together grant program reflects a shared commitment to fostering resilience, wellness, and opportunity throughout South County.”
The following organizations received funding in 2025:
Volunteers in Medicine Berkshires: Newcomer Community Groups
Flying Cloud Institute: S•M•Art Summer Camp: Where Science Meets Art
Community Access to the Arts: CATA Art & Tea Program for Young Children with Disabilities and their Families
Pediatric Development Center Inc.: PDC South Playgroups
Families Like Ours: Together We Thrive: Family Support & Engagement
Berkshire Pulse Inc.: Intergenerational Community Wellness Classes in Dance and Fitness
Arts in Recovery for Youth (AIRY): Arts in Recovery for Youth
Greenagers: Community Work Initiative
Berkshire Botanical Garden: Scholarships for BBG Educational Programming
Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health: Kripalu Day Pass Scholarships for South Berkshire Residents
Elizabeth Freeman Center: Healing Together for South County Survivors
QMOB-Queer Men of the Berkshires: Diversifying & Deepening South Berkshire Queer Community Connections & Support
Le Petit Ranch: Animal-Assisted Activities by Le Petit Ranch for the South Berkshire Community
Literacy Network of South Berkshire: LitNet's Career Readiness and Exposure Program
Berkshire County Kids' Place & Violence Prevention Center: Berkshire County Kids' Place & Violence Prevention Center, Inc.
Berkshire Hills Regional School District: Our Town: Creating a Culture of Belonging at W.E.B. Du Bois Regional Middle School
Stockbridge Council on Aging: Arts Program
Berkshire Nursing Families: Lactation & Parenting Support for South Berkshire County
Music Art Puppet Sound Inc.: Immersive Audio-Visual Installation Made with Children in South County
Berkshire South Regional Community Center: Berkshire Ukulele Band (BUB) and Berkshire Sings! (Sings!)
Lee Youth Association: Behavioral Program - Busy Bee Preschool
Second Nature Arts: Creative Playdate Program: Summer Camp Tuition Assistance
Brien Center for Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services: Patrick Miller Youth Substance Abuse Prevention, Intervention and Education Program
Lee Public School District: P.E.E.R. (Positive Experiences in Educational Relationships)
Nutshell Playhouse: Nutshell Playhouse at New Marlborough Central School
