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facebookBerkshire Taconic Grants Over $7 Million in 2010 to Nonprofits and Individuals
March 14, 2011
SHEFFIELD, MA— Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation announced today that despite the still sluggish economy, it distributed grants totaling over $7 million in 2010. The Foundation, the largest and most comprehensive funder of nonprofit organizations in the Berkshire Taconic region, works in partnership with donors and nonprofit organizations to meet the needs of the community. Grants included $228,000 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.
Last year, $300,000 was distributed to the Neighbor-to-Neighbor program alone. 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. The program awards small grants, usually no more than $500, to help with overdue utilities, medical bills, short-term housing costs and transportation problems. The Foundation is currently raising funds to replenish Neighbor-to-Neighbor for 2011.
In announcing the grant figures, Berkshire Taconic President Jennifer Dowley stated, “So many of our residents are still struggling to get by and nonprofits are working in shrinking circumstances to address the area’s most pressing issues. The Foundation works in close partnership with our donors and nonprofit organizations to maximize the impact of our grant dollars so that they can do the most good.” Dowley also praised the Foundation’s donors, noting that they contributed $11 million to the Foundation in 2010. “Last year, our donors once again demonstrated their compassion and strong sense of community through their giving. We appreciate their continued confidence in the Foundation."
Berkshire Taconic’s investments performed remarkably well. Comparative reports put Berkshire Taconic’s returns in the top 25% of community foundations, private foundations, university endowments and trusts nationwide over the past five years. As of December 31, 2010, the foundation’s investments were up 13.5%. “We are very proud of the expertise of our investment committee,” said Jill Gellert, VP of Finance & Administration. “Their leadership has led to the Foundation’s excellent performance over the long term.”
2010 Highlights
“Our goals for 2011 are to continue our focus on building permanent charitable resources for our region and remaining responsive to those people and nonprofits in immediate need,” said Berkshire Taconic Board Chair Virginia Stanton Smith. “Berkshire Taconic is here for the long term and we invite those who want to make a difference to join us in making our communities stronger and more vibrant places to live.”
Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation builds stronger communities and improves the quality of life for all residents of northwest Litchfield County, CT; Berkshire County, MA; and Columbia County and northeast Dutchess County, NY, acting as an agent for positive change in the region. Since 1987, Berkshire Taconic has managed a growing collection of charitable funds created by individuals, families and businesses. Each year, the foundation distributes over $7 million through grants and scholarships for programs in the arts and education, health and human services and environmental protection, helping thousands of donors achieve their philanthropic goals and hundreds of nonprofits carry on their good work. Berkshire Taconic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity.
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