School-to-Work Grants

The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation awards grants to help strengthen communities and improve the quality of life for everyone in Columbia County. Donor Name: Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation State: New York County: Columbia County (NY) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 02/15/2025 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The fund serves as a resource to help organizations create and implement programs that make life safer, healthier, and more equitable for all residents of the county. Starting in 2021, the Fund for Columbia County created a targeted grant cycle to advance educational attainment, one of Berkshire Taconic’s strategic priorities. With these grants, the fund supports innovative projects and services that support high school and college-age youth in making a successful transition from school to work. Funding Information The fund anticipates a limited number of grants for one year ranging from $5,000 to $20,000. Projects should be executed within 12 months of receiving funding unless arrangements are made with the Foundation to extend the project period. Eligibility Criteria Nonprofits that have been in existence for at least 3 years, schools, colleges, and civic entities that serve the residents of Columbia County are eligible. Potential areas of interest for these projects include: School year and summer field experiences including internships and apprenticeships with clearly stated objectives that provide work-based learning and meaningful job experience Entrepreneurial programming and opportunities Programs that build industry-specific work skills and experiences, with associated certificates Platforms to encourage and mentor youth-designed and youth-led initiatives that foster workplace skills School-based programs that support students in maintaining individualized learning plans, including specific career/work readiness skill development and experiences For more information, visit BTCF.