The Central Berkshire Fund, administered by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, is an endowed fund dedicated to improving the quality of life for all residents in the towns of Becket, Cummington, Dalton, Hinsdale, Peru, Washington, and Windsor. Its mission aligns with the foundation's goal of fostering community well-being by providing ongoing resources that transcend town borders, combining resources for maximum benefit, and addressing unmet needs within the region. This initiative reflects the foundation's strategic commitment to localized impact and community-driven development in the Central Berkshire area.
The primary target beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofit organizations, public agencies, or community organizations that provide services to the residents of these seven towns, with a particular emphasis on low-income and/or underserved adults and children. The fund aims to support projects that engage the community, address critical unmet needs, and enhance the overall quality of life for these populations. Expected outcomes include stronger community connections, improved services, and enriched experiences, particularly for marginalized groups.
The Central Berkshire Fund prioritizes projects across various areas: arts and culture, education, the environment, and health and social services. It considers requests for projects, programs, capital improvements, and general operating support. Special consideration is given to projects that enhance educational experiences for children in the hilltowns, provided they are not eligible for the Seven Towns’ Education Partnership (STEP) Fund, and public agency projects that enrich communities or offer public improvements. The fund emphasizes projects that develop and maintain community connections and incorporate diverse cultures, philosophies, and experiences.
The review criteria for grant applications are based on quality, extent of impact, feasibility, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). "Quality" assesses the project's worthiness, timing, qualified personnel, conception, fit with other activities, and cost-effectiveness. "Extent of Impact" evaluates the potential reach and engagement within the community, addressing unmet needs, and the criticality of the program. "Feasibility" examines the applicant's capacity to execute the project, demonstrated experience, and the capability of staff or volunteers. Critically, "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion" is a core strategic priority, giving preference to projects serving marginalized, underserved, and under-resourced populations, including communities of color, low-income individuals, geographically isolated groups, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, refugees, and immigrants. This reflects the foundation's theory of change, which posits that by investing in high-quality, impactful, and inclusive initiatives, particularly those serving vulnerable populations, it can achieve lasting positive change and improve overall community well-being in the Central Berkshire region.
