Simple Gifts Fund

The Simple Gifts Fund is administered by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, a regional philanthropic organization serving parts of Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut. The foundation supports community-based initiatives across Berkshire County (MA), Columbia County (NY), northeast Dutchess County (NY), and northwest Litchfield County (CT). Founded in 1998, the Simple Gifts Fund was created in honor of Bill Crofut, a renowned folk singer known for his international music career and deep commitment to youth development in the arts. In his final months, Crofut produced a musical CD titled “Dancing on a Moonbeam,” with proceeds dedicated to this fund as a legacy supporting aspiring young artists. The Simple Gifts Fund provides grants to young individuals between the ages of 13 and 19 who reside in the Berkshire Taconic region and are interested in participating in summer enrichment programs related to the arts. The program emphasizes experiential opportunities that nurture creativity, artistic exploration, and skill development. Eligible enrichment activities include apprenticeships, internships with performing arts organizations, musical instrument instruction, or exploration of new art forms. The fund specifically supports costs associated with tuition, art supplies, and travel or living expenses. Requests for equipment or participation in sports-related activities are not supported. Preference is given to opportunities taking place within the Berkshire Taconic region or broader New England area. Applications are evaluated based on the quality of the proposed enrichment program, the anticipated personal impact on the applicant's educational or professional goals, and the applicant’s demonstrated ambition and commitment to the arts. Programs conducted internationally are not considered. Grant amounts generally range from $200 to $800, and funds are disbursed directly to the program or vendor. Recipients are required to submit a grant report detailing their experiences and outcomes resulting from the funded activity. Applicants are solely responsible for making a compelling case for how their selected program aligns with their personal growth and artistic exploration. The review process is conducted by the Simple Gifts Fund Committee, with final recommendations subject to approval by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s board of directors. The Foundation prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, race, gender, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, or religious belief. The next application deadline is March 15, 2026. Interested individuals must apply through the foundation’s online application portal. All applicants are encouraged to carefully review program criteria before submission to ensure alignment with the fund’s mission. Contact information, including the foundation’s general email and phone number, is available for those needing further assistance.