Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

Barrett Fund for Adams, Cheshire and Savoy Announces November 1 Application Deadline, Early Childhood Education A Priority

September 26, 2011

SHEFFIELD, MA—November 1 is the deadline for submitting grant applications to the William J. and Margery S. Barrett Fund for Adams, Cheshire and Savoy. Nonprofit organizations, community organizations or public agencies that serve the residents of Adams, Cheshire or Savoy are eligible to submit grant applications. Previous projects funded have included hot, home delivered meals for seniors, digital photography workshops and parenting education programs.

Last year the fund, an endowment of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, distributed $102,860 to 15 nonprofits. Last year’s grants supported a Violence Prevention program provided by the Elizabeth Freeman Center at the Hoosac Valley High School, the Adams Police Athletic League for youth basketball, the Youth Center, Inc.’s programs and the Family Life Support Center.

This year the there will be a priority for programs and projects that enhance early childhood development for children between the ages of 0-6 years. The fund’s intentions are to promote the well-being and overall development of young children in all areas including cognitive, language, pre-literacy, social-emotional and physical so that children are “ready to learn” when they enter kindergarten.

Applications will be reviewed by a committee of community residents using the combined criteria of excellence of the project or service, impact on the organization or community and ability of the organization to carry out the project.

Applications and guidelines are available online. For more information contact Berkshire Taconic at 413.227.0370 or programs@berkshiretaconic.org. If an applicant does not have access to a computer, please contact the Adams Free Library at 413.743.8345 for assistance.

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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