The mission of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation is to build stronger communities and improve the quality of life for all residents in the areas it serves. This involves supporting various charitable programs and endeavors, including the promotion of education, the arts, and community development.
The foundation has introduced a Planning and Technical Assistance grant program to assist organizations in the Berkshire Taconic region with capacity building projects. These projects must aim to enhance organizational strength, resiliency, or effectiveness, thereby advancing their missions more effectively. This program, with a rolling deadline and approximately $60,000 in funding available, encourages organizations to apply for grants to invest in initiatives like strategic planning, board development, organizational assessments, and technology upgrades. Eligible projects may include hiring consultants for strategic guidance or training staff in new technologies, among others. Grants can reach up to $10,000 for a single year, with applications evaluated based on criteria such as the impact on residents of the Berkshire Taconic region, potential project impact on organizational effectiveness, demonstrated need for funding, and readiness to implement the proposed project.
Organizations boasting annual operating budgets of less than $1 million will receive prioritized consideration. Furthermore, emphasis will be placed on organizations whose missions and programs align closely with the foundation’s strategic goals, which include enhancing education levels, fostering community participation, and expanding economic possibilities. In their decision-making processes, foundation staff will also aim to maintain funding distribution that is equitable across the foundation’s designated areas of focus.