The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation's grant program, through the Fund for Columbia County, aims to strengthen communities and enhance the quality of life for all residents of Columbia County, New York. This aligns with the foundation's broader mission to foster safer, healthier, and more equitable communities. Since 2021, the fund has also established a targeted grant cycle focused on advancing educational attainment, which is one of Berkshire Taconic's key strategic priorities. This targeted approach reflects a theory of change that by supporting youth in their transition from school to work, the foundation can contribute to long-term community well-being and economic opportunity.
The primary beneficiaries of these grants are high school and college-age youth in Columbia County. The program's impact goals are centered on facilitating a successful transition from school to work for these young individuals. This is achieved by supporting innovative projects and services that provide them with the necessary skills and experiences for the workforce. The foundation seeks to empower youth through practical, work-based learning opportunities and skill development.
The grant program prioritizes several key areas to achieve its objectives. These include school year and summer field experiences, such as internships and apprenticeships with clearly defined objectives for work-based learning. Entrepreneurial programming and opportunities are also a focus, along with programs that build industry-specific work skills and provide associated certificates. Furthermore, the fund encourages platforms that mentor youth-designed and youth-led initiatives to foster workplace skills, and school-based programs that support individualized learning plans with a strong emphasis on career and work readiness.
The expected outcomes of these grants are multifaceted, aiming to equip young people with tangible skills and experiences for successful employment. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed for each category, the overall goal is an increase in educational attainment and improved transition rates from education to meaningful employment for Columbia County youth. The grant size for these one-year projects typically ranges from $5,000 to $20,000, and projects are expected to be executed within 12 months, with possible extensions by arrangement with the Foundation. Eligible organizations include nonprofits in existence for at least three years, schools, colleges, and civic entities serving Columbia County residents.
