Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

Grant Deadline for Taconic Hills Education Enrichment Fund

October 12, 2011

SHEFFIELD, MA—The Taconic Hills Educational Enrichment Fund (the E Fund) and the Taconic Hills Arts and Humanities Fund are accepting grant applications through November 1. Both these funds work to enhance and enrich the educational experience of students and teachers in the Taconic Hills Central School District (THCSD). The Education Enrichment Fund has been making grants since 2001 and supports a wide variety of educational projects.

The Arts and Humanities Fund began to provide funding for arts and humanities programs through the generosity of an anonymous donor in 2008. The fund must concentrate on funding projects only in the arts and humanities. Preference will be given to projects that are interdisciplinary and have the prospect of being ongoing programs.

The Funds seek proposals from students, teachers, administrators, staff, parents and community members for projects that enrich the experience of those involved in the Taconic Hills public school system.

Applications are available at the school’s office, online and on the school’s website.

Grants from the funds will not replace public dollars for the school district. The fund seeks primarily to help cover the direct costs of projects (not salaries). Priority will be given to proposals that rely on volunteer efforts and that show additional means of support. Possible projects include, but are not limited to: independent study; new programs; extra-curricular activities; individual creative projects, in or outside the classroom; visiting speakers; artists in residence; professional development for teachers; scientific, athletic, or technical equipment; library resources; field trips. Grants awarded generally range from $100 to $1,000.

A committee of local residents and educators fairly and competitively reviews applications and awards grants based on excellence of the project, impact on the school community and ability of the applicant to carry out the project.

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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