Arts Fund for Region One in Connecticut

The Arts Fund for Region One, administered by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, supports students and arts-related projects in the Northwest Corner of Connecticut. Since its inception in 1992, the fund has worked to enhance the arts curriculum for Region One schools by offering private funding for both individual student development and community arts initiatives. The fund serves students residing in the towns of Canaan (Falls Village), Cornwall, Kent, North Canaan, Salisbury, and Sharon, and supports activities that cultivate exposure to and participation in the arts. There are two main funding tracks: the Susan Fillman Memorial Scholarships and Project Grants. The Susan Fillman Memorial Scholarship provides individual scholarships ranging from $100 to $500, and occasionally more, for students in kindergarten through grade 12. These scholarships fund summer study in dance, visual, graphic, musical, or dramatic arts. Higher grant amounts are typically awarded to older students with demonstrated, sustained interest in an art form. Applicants must be residents of one of the six eligible towns and must submit complete applications for review. The next deadline for this scholarship is June 15, 2025. Project Grants are intended to support school-based or community projects that benefit groups of students and align with school or district arts curricula. Awards range from $500 to $1,000, with larger awards considered when funds allow. Applications must demonstrate artistic quality, impact on a broad group of students, and involvement of qualified individuals in the execution of the project. The next application deadline for Project Grants is October 15, 2025. All applications will be reviewed by The Arts Fund for Region One's governing board, composed of community members, parents, and/or teachers. Recommendations are forwarded to Berkshire Taconic’s Board of Directors for final approval. Incomplete applications will not be considered. The foundation adheres to strict non-discrimination policies and does not fund organizations that discriminate on the basis of age, race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics. For more information or to apply, applicants can visit the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation website or contact the foundation directly at info@berkshiretaconic.org or 413-229-0370. The foundation’s main office is located at 800 North Main Street, Sheffield, MA 01257-9503.