Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

April 16 is Grant Deadline for Summer Youth Cultural Enrichment Grants

March 22, 2011

SHEFFIELD, MA—Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation has announced an April 16 deadline for applications to the Simple Gifts Fund. The fund awards grants to young people ages 8-21 for participation in cultural or creative summer programs, such as theater internships, music or art camps, or language immersion programs. Residents of Berkshire, Columbia, northeast Dutchess and northwestern Litchfield counties may apply.

The application form and guidelines are available online or by emailing programs@berkshiretaconic.org.

The Simple Gifts Fund was established in honor of Bill Crofut by his family. Bill was a beloved local folk singer who died in 1999. He had a deep understanding and empathy for the dreams and aspirations of young people. He wanted to do something that could help them achieve their goals and knew that even small amounts of money could help to purchase an instrument, study dance or participate in a summer program. He loved to foster those small steps to further great passions.

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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