Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation was founded in 1987 with an anonymous donation of $100,000. Originally named the Tri-county Community Foundation, it was an affiliate of the New York Community Trust. Salisbury resident Robert Blum was active in the management of the New York Community Trust for 34 years, and was one prime mover of the Foundation’s formation. Donald Warner and William Olsen of Salisbury were also part of the leadership team that started the foundation. Dana Creel of Sharon, CT was the first board chair.

The Foundation became independent of the New York Community Trust in 1990 as it incorporated into a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization in Connecticut and registered for charitable operation in Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts.

In 1994, The Foundation’s name was changed to Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and to this day continues its original mission of building stronger, more vibrant communities and improving the quality of life for all residents of Berkshire County, MA; Columbia County and northeast Dutchess County, NY; and northwest Litchfield County, CT.

Charitable assets under management at the Foundation increased from $100,000 in 1987 to $2 million by 1990, to $3 million by 1995 to over $80 million in 2010. Grants to nonprofit organizations increased from $23,000 in 1987 to over $300,000 in 1993 and $500,000 in 1994. Thanks to its generous donors, Berkshire Taconic distributes approximately $7 million annually in scholarships and grants for programs in the arts and education, health and human services, and environmental protection.

Berkshire Taconic is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors responsible for financial and investment oversight, setting policy, reviewing all grantmaking activities and charitable distributions and guiding the foundation’s work. The Board of Directors is comprised of community leaders from throughout the Berkshire Taconic region who are chosen for their strategic thinking, vision, and commitment to the future of our communities.

Berkshire Taconic is one of over 700 community foundations nationwide that focuses on specific geographic areas and through leadership and philanthropic services, brings positive change to the communities it serves