Better Together Grants

The South Berkshire County Fund: Better Together Grants are offered through the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation to support initiatives that prioritize mental health, community well-being, and inclusive, community-centered programming. Designed to help residents in South Berkshire County build resilience and sustain personal and collective wellness, these grants encourage applications from organizations whose work fosters connection, creative expression, mutual support, and physical or emotional self-care. Better Together Grants support both new and existing programs that provide lasting and meaningful impact across diverse community segments. The fund particularly welcomes projects that serve low-income, underserved, and historically marginalized adults and children. Projects must involve a minimum of 10 participants to qualify. Programming can range widely, encompassing counseling and respite services, youth and adult peer support, parent group meetings, environmental education, arts and cultural programs, STEM initiatives, and community events such as park activities and summer camps. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and community organizations operating in specific towns within Berkshire County. These towns include Alford, Egremont, Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox, Monterey, Mount Washington, New Marlborough, Otis, Richmond, Sandisfield, Sheffield, Stockbridge, Tyringham, and West Stockbridge. Additionally, community groups without nonprofit status may apply under the fiscal sponsorship of a qualifying nonprofit. Grants of up to $5,000 are available for qualified projects. While single organizations may apply, collaborative partnerships are also encouraged. All proposals are reviewed by a volunteer committee of South Berkshire County residents. Final recommendations are submitted to the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Board of Directors for approval. Applications are evaluated based on the project’s merit, community impact, feasibility, and alignment with diversity, equity, and inclusion goals. Proposals that demonstrate a commitment to reaching marginalized or under-resourced populations—such as communities of color, immigrants, refugees, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities—are given priority. Applicants must submit a final project report detailing outcomes upon program completion. This report is a prerequisite for future funding consideration through the South Berkshire County Fund. The deadline to apply is October 15, 2025, and while no opening date is listed, the program is anticipated to recur annually. Interested organizations should ensure their projects are well-developed, inclusive, and responsive to the mental and social well-being of South Berkshire communities.