Berkshire Environmental Endowment Fund

The Berkshire Environmental Endowment Fund (BEE), established in 2000 by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, serves as a permanent source of funding dedicated to the protection and enhancement of environmental quality in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. It was initially launched with a major grant from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust, matched by contributions from local residents. This fund was created to support the region’s unique natural landscape, which includes diverse wetlands, rivers, and undeveloped land that hosts rare plant life and ecological diversity. BEE provides grants annually to support projects focused on water quality and related land use concerns within Berkshire County. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, public agencies, schools, and civic community groups. Projects may be either new or ongoing. Unincorporated groups may apply under the sponsorship of a nonprofit fiscal agent. A key requirement for eligibility is a one-to-one match, either in cash or in-kind services, for the amount requested from BEE. The fund prioritizes proposals that are timely, well-conceived, and executed by qualified individuals or groups. Competitive applications should demonstrate alignment with regional environmental priorities, potential for meaningful impact on water quality, and strong organizational capacity to carry out the proposed activities. The fund especially values community engagement and projects with the potential to catalyze broader environmental action. The impact of the grant is also considered—whether the project could proceed in the absence of funding plays a role in the decision. Grant recipients are required to submit a post-project assessment evaluating the outcomes and impact of their work. Applications undergo a thorough review process conducted by the Berkshire Environmental Endowment Fund Committee, with final approval by the board of directors of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. The application deadline for the next funding cycle is February 15, 2026. Interested applicants must submit their proposals through the Foundation’s application portal. The fund does not support any organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or other protected categories, as determined by organizational constitution, by-laws, or practice.