Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

Grant Guidelines: The Madeleine Beattie Wildes Fund

The mission of the Madeleine Beattie Wildes Fund is to provide assistance to “persons residing in Salisbury, who, through sickness, misfortune, or lack of opportunity, and despite their own best efforts to support themselves and maintain their independence are in need of financial assistance for any purpose which is thought suitable.”

Miss Wildes established the fund from her estate, instructing that grants be awarded to the needy of Lakeville and Salisbury. The fund has provided scholarship support and grants to organizations serving the disadvantaged of Lakeville/Salisbury. The fund also contributes to the Foundation’s Emergency relief Fund, providing assistance to those in need, as identified by a social service provider.

As an endowed fund, the Madeleine B. Wildes Fund will continue to provide grants in perpetuity in the name of Miss Wildes. An invitation is extended to the community to support Miss Wildes’ love of her adopted home by contributing to the endowment.

Madeleine Wildes, who lived in Lakeville from 1917 until her death in 1962, was known and loved for her generosity (mostly anonymous), kindness and hospitality. A native of Little Falls, NJ, she moved to Lakeville after spending some time in a local inn recovering from an illness. She lived simply, was a vivid individualist, giving generously and almost invariably anonymously to local causes and charities. Her warm response to need in any form, and in any creature, was remembered with gratitude by literally scores of people who, in time of trouble, were helped and encouraged by her. Possessing a natural dignity and pride herself, she understood that a careless giver can injure more than he/she rehabilitates. She established many close friendships with neighboring Hotchkiss students who would return in later years with their families and she closely followed the development of their lives and careers over the years. When she died, the Lakeville Journal reported, “Warm, generous and kind, Miss Wildes had a rich talent for friendship, a genuine interest in people, and a staunch, unswerving loyalty to those she loved.”

Eligibility

Nonprofit organizations may apply for projects that address the mission and goal.

Projects may include, but are not limited to any aspect of affordable housing, home repair, fuel and utility assistance, chore assistance, in-home medical care, temporary shelter, transportation, financial counseling or advocacy. Collaborative efforts are particularly encouraged. For the purpose of this application, “home” is not restricted to a house, but is defined as any type of housing that individuals live in full-time and year-round.

Other projects that are eligible for funding may include support of an organization’s scholarship fund or outreach to homebound individuals to encourage participation in community programs.

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation does not support organizations that, in their constitution, by-laws or practice, discriminate against a person or group on the basis of age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or religious belief.

Individuals are not eligible to apply.

Awards

Grants usually range from $1,000 to $3,000 but may be higher. An assessment of the project’s outcomes will be required once the program or service funded is completed.

Review Criteria

Applications will be reviewed by the advisory committee of The Madeleine Beattie Wildes Fund; the committee is made up of residents of Salisbury/Lakeville. The Committee’s recommendations will be reviewed by Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s board of directors.

• Excellence: How worthy is the project or service? Is it the right time for the project? Does it involve qualified individuals/groups?
• Impact: What is the potential impact of the project or service on the community? Who will it serve and how? Are there methods in place to assess the effectiveness of the project? What are the measurable outcomes for youth and their communities?
• Ability: Can the applicant complete the project? Is the applicant capable of meeting the matching requirement? Does the organization exhibit a demonstrated capacity to initiate and successfully execute this project? Are appropriate staff members or volunteers involved?

If you have any questions about The Madeleine Beattie Wildes Fund, email us at programs@berkshiretaconic.org.