New Lebanon Arts and Humanities Fund Announces its First Grants
January 2, 2007
GREAT BARRINGTON, MA—Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation announced that its New Lebanon Arts and Humanities Fund has awarded $9,990 in grants to programs in the New Lebanon Central School District. Established in 2006, the fund’s mission is to enhance and enrich the educational experience of the students and teachers in the school district by supporting programs not covered by tax dollars.
The following projects received grants:
Harry Potter Movement Workshops: $1,680 for an arts education program that explores the world of Harry Potter through movement.
Journalism 2/Publishing Course: $250 for student Meredith Lukas to attend two writing courses at the College of St. Rose’s Summer Academy.
Ellen Sinopoli Dance Program: $1,150 for junior and senior high students to participate in a modern dance workshop that focuses on stories of community.
My World Photography Project: $2,460 for students in grades K-6 to take or be subjects of photographs of meaningful aspects of their world and engage in group discussion and writing about the photographs.
Trip to MOMA: $800 for art students to visit the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. German Exchange Program: $2,500 for students to experience German language, culture and lifestyle during a summer trip.
ROAR: Arts Magazine: $650 for underwriting the costs for the New Lebanon High School’s arts magazine, showcasing the creativity of the students, faculty and staff.
School Newspaper: $500 for the student-driven creation of a school newspaper for grades 4-6 at the Walter B. Howard School.
The New Lebanon Arts and Humanities Fund was established in 2006 through an anonymous gift of $100,000 to The New Lebanon Foundation, the educational enrichment fund for the two public schools of New Lebanon, NY. The $100,000 gift was divided into three components: $10,000 a year for the next five years for grantmaking; a $45,000 5-year matching challenge grant for the foundation's endowment; and $5,000 to pay for a brochure and expenses related to fundraising.
A committee of local residents reviewed applications and made awards based on the excellence of the project or service, its impact on the group or community and the ability of the group to carry out the project.
The deadlines for grant applications in 2008 are January 10 and October 10. Applications are available online at www.berkshiretaconic.org or by calling Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation at 413.528.8039.
Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation builds stronger communities and improves the quality of life for all residents in the region it serves: Columbia County and northeast Dutchess County, NY; Berkshire County, MA; and northwest Litchfield County, CT. To make a donation to the New Lebanon Arts and Humanities Fund or for more information, contact Berkshire Taconic at 271 Main Street, Suite 3, Great Barrington, MA, 413.528.8039, e-mail info@berkshiretaconic.org or visit the website at www.berkshiretaconic.org
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