Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

October 20 Grant Deadline for Central Berkshire Fund, Early Childhood Education A Priority

September 14, 2011

SHEFFIELD, MA—Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation announced today that the Central Berkshire Fund is accepting grant applications through October 20. Grants are available to nonprofit organizations, community groups or public agencies that serve the residents of Becket, Cummington, Dalton, Hinsdale, Peru, Washington or Windsor.

The fund will award up to $50,000 this year, with 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 and guidelines are available online. For more information contact Berkshire Taconic at 413.227.0370 or programs@berkshiretaconic.org.

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 to carry out the project. The Central Berkshire Fund was established in 2001 as a fund of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and works to improve the quality of life for the residents of the seven towns it serves.

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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