NEWS & UPDATES | FEBRUARY 2024

Photo by Sarah Kenyon.

Local entrepreneurs took the stage at The White Hart on January 30 to present their business ideas to a gathering of over 70 business mentors. Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation co-sponsored the Northwest Community Startup Night produced by the Entrepreneurial Center of Northwest Connecticut, which provided a unique platform for early-stage entrepreneurs to engage with experienced business founders. Read more about the event.

Highlights

Grants Increased by $4 million in 2023

We are proud to report that in 2023 the foundation disbursed over $24 million in grants and scholarships, making it one of our highest grantmaking years ever! This total includes our record-breaking scholarship award total of $868,000. The areas that received the most support from the foundation were Education (25%), Human Services (14%) and Arts and Culture (13%). We are grateful for everyone in our community who made this possible!

Litchfield County Organizations Receive Grants to Create Housing Opportunities

Jocelyn Ayers, Director of the Center for Housing Opportunity in Litchfield County. Photo by John Dolan.

Litchfield Hills Greenprint Collaborative and Kent Affordable Housing received the first round of grants from the Create Housing Opportunity grant program, with technical assistance provided to grantees by Litchfield County Center for Housing Opportunity. The grant program was designed to foster cross-sector collaborations that address housing affordability at the intersections of economic growth and conservation of the region's natural beauty. Read more about their new approaches to housing solutions.

BTCF Awards $1.09 Million in CARES Act Funding for Food Security in Berkshire County

Photo by John Dolan.

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation was one of 13 community foundations across the state entrusted to re-grant federal CARES Act Funds to local organizations. This funding, known as Community Development Block Grants for Food Security, was allocated to 10 Berkshire nonprofits operating food provision programs in the wake of continued pandemic effects. Read more about the nonprofit grantees building food security.

The 2024 Institute for Trustees (IFT) is a six-week online event bringing together over 1,000 board members and executive directors. Workshops will cover fundraising, diversity, strategic planning, finance, board governance, technology, and more! Last year's IFT participants said the virtual conference was "Inspiring and thought-provoking" and "Exceptional . . . important information,

and real solutions."

Ancram Center for the Arts: Connecting Community Through Storytelling & Theater

Photo courtesy of Ancram Center for the Arts.

Ancram Center for the Arts brings innovative contemporary performances and vital community programs to the region. Formerly known as the historic Ancram Opera House founded in 1972, this intimate performance hall has been newly renamed and is expanding its footprint under the leadership of Jeffrey Mousseau and Paul Ricciardi, proprietors of the center since 2016. Their student storytelling program for Taconic Hills students is supported by BTCF's Fund for Columbia County. Learn how Ancram Center is building community through the arts.

"North East Dutchess Immigration Service: A new nonprofit, a long-standing service"

On February 21, The Millerton News featured BTCF grantee North East Dutchess Immigration Service (NEDIS). Since 2008, working under a different nonprofit, Executive Director Evelyn Garzetta connected immigrant communities with resources such as healthcare, legal assistance, and education. NEDIS is now an independent nonprofit organization, continuing a mission to empower immigrants to become independent community members.

Read full article.

Support for NEDIS comes from Berkshire Taconic’s NEDCorps initiative and the Northeast Dutchess Fund.

Staff News

Alÿcia Bacon and Aileen Meehan (L-R), BTCF Community Engagement Officers, were accepted into a national CF Leads and Welcoming America program to create and share new approaches to inclusion and create communities where everyone can thrive. Alÿcia and Aileen will participate in the Community of Practice from March to June, attending virtual sessions and an in-person conference in Dallas, TX.

Joe Baker, Vice President, Finance & Administration, was recently appointed to the Supervisory Committee at Greylock Federal Credit Union, which functions as the representative auditor for the membership and oversees compliance, policies, rules, regulations, and the performance of officials and employees.

Kelly Sweet was promoted to Senior Philanthropy Officer. In her new role, Kelly will expand the foundation’s relationships with its network of professional advisors, support the planned giving goals of funds and nonprofits, and increase her focus on donor engagement and establishing new relationships.

Congrats to Alÿcia, Aileen, Joe, and Kelly!

We're Hiring — Join the BTCF Team!

At Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, our vision is that all residents have the opportunity for economic mobility and a high quality of life. We work as a team to make a difference. Please share these opportunities in your networks!

Community Engagement Officer, Scholarships & Education

This position will advance the community foundation’s scholarship program, as well as education-related and donor stewardship activities.

View Job Listing

Community Engagement Officer

This position will work primarily in Columbia and Berkshire Counties with volunteer committees of geographically-focused Area Funds and other community-based funds. This position will also support a portfolio of donors and other core development activities.

View Job Listing

STAY CONNECTED / berkshiretaconic.org