Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

Berkshire Taconic Distributed Nearly $7 Million in 2009

March 3, 2010

GREAT BARRINGTON, MA—Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation announced today that despite the economic downturn, it distributed $7 million in 2009 throughout the Berkshire Taconic region. Grants included $242,760 in scholarships to young people to help them through college, along with millions of dollars in vital support for the arts, public education, health and human services and environmental protection.

In addition, 3,700 donors contributed $7 million to the foundation last year. Over $260,000 was raised for the new Neighbor-to-Neighbor program in a two-month challenge grant period. Hundreds of donors stepped forward with donations ranging from $1 to $100,000 to aid individuals and families in the Berkshire Taconic region who are in economic distress. Neighbor-to-Neighbor awards small grants, usually no more than $500, to help with overdue utilities, medical bills, short-term housing costs and transportation problems. Checks are written to the vendor (landlord, utility company, pharmacy or mechanic) on behalf of the community member in need.

“We have been greatly heartened by the marked generosity of donors in our region during this extremely difficult time,” said Jennifer Dowley, the foundation’s president. “Several donors walked into our offices this past year asking, ‘How can we help?’ and they did.”

On another note of good cheer, Berkshire Taconic’s investments have performed remarkably well even during the worst investment market since the 1930s. Comparative reports put Berkshire Taconic’s returns in the top quartile nationwide of community foundations, private foundations, university endowments and trusts over the past five years. As of December 31, 2009, the foundation’s assets were up 27.3%. “It is a great comfort that we have been able to recover much of was lost in 2008 during the drop of the investment markets,” said Jill Gellert, vice president of finance and administration. “We are very proud of the commitment of our investment committee. Their leadership has led to the foundation’s remarkable performance over the years.”

“Our goals for 2010 are to continue our focus on both the long-term development of charitable resources for our region and remain flexible and responsive to those people and nonprofits in immediate need,” said Dowley. “These difficult times are when we need to remember to support the people and organizations that keep our lives flourishing.”

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation builds stronger communities and improves the quality of life for all residents of Berkshire County, MA; Columbia County and northeast Dutchess County, NY; and northwest Litchfield County, CT. Thanks to its generous donors, in 2009 Berkshire Taconic distributed nearly $7 million in scholarships and grants for programs in the arts and education, health and human services, and environmental protection. Berkshire Taconic is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization.

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