Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation Scores High on National Survey

October 25, 2010

SHEFFIELD, MA—Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation has earned spots on three of three prestigious Community Foundation Top 100 Lists that were announced by CF Insights, which compiles and distributes data on finances, operations and best practices for community foundations nationwide. There are more than 700 community foundations in the United States. Berkshire Taconic, with an endowment of $84 million, is considered mid-sized in terms of its assets, yet it ranked in the top 10% for being one of the most active grantmakers, processing the most gifts per capita and generating a high volume of philanthropic activity. The analysis indicates that Berkshire Taconic is processing more gifts and grants than many larger community foundations across the country.

“Simply put, the statistics mean that ours is a proactive community foundation,” said Jennifer Dowley, president of foundation. “Our funds are out there in the community where they should be—helping people get back on their feet, supporting families, sending our children to college and providing support to our nonprofits both with grants and management training programs. The bottom line is that we’re able to do what we do because of our efficiencies and effectiveness and because of the generosity of our donors. We have long known that we live in a very generous community, a fact these lists support.”

Traditionally, 75% of the donations that Berkshire Taconic receives are under $250.“We are proud that so many people in our region play a vital role in supporting each other through us—whether they give $6 or $6 million,” said Dowley. “It means that donors of all kinds feel comfortable working with us. We are honored that they trust us to put their charitable investments to work so well.”

Berkshire Taconic has been a force for improving lives and promoting philanthropy in northwest Litchfield County, CT, Berkshire County, MA; and Columbia County and northeast Dutchess County, NY since 1987. Over the course of its history, the foundation has processed more than 65,000 donations and distributed grants totaling over $80 million in support of scholarships and grants for programs in the arts and education, health and human services and environmental protection. Grants are generated by more than 500 funds established and advanced by area individuals and families.

“There is much more work to be done and many needs unmet in our community,” said Berkshire Taconic Board Chair Virginia Stanton Smith. “But it’s exciting to see so many people involved with us. I believe as more people learn about how we can help them make a real difference in the lives of people now and in future generations, we’ll keep rising on the lists. Our goal is to help everyone who lives here give here.”

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. To donate or for information about Berkshire Taconic’s grantmaking funds, click here or call 413.229.0370.

###