Moonlight Mile Scholarship Fund

The Moonlight Mile Scholarship Fund, administered by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, honors the legacy of Deborah Reich, a pioneering endurance athlete and advocate for alternative healing. Established by her sisters following her death in 2013, the fund was created to extend the opportunities Deborah valued most — professional and personal development through training, travel, and healing — to other women. Deborah’s life story exemplifies resilience and passion; despite living with scoliosis during her formative years, she pursued a successful equestrian career and represented the United States in world endurance events. Her courage and achievements continue to inspire the mission of this scholarship program. The Moonlight Mile Fund provides matching grants to women who are at least 18 years old and reside full-time in either Massachusetts or New York. Its purpose is to support those who have already secured partial funding and are seeking to bridge the remaining financial gap to pursue their goals. Eligible uses of the grant include travel and equipment expenses related to academic or athletic pursuits, tuition or program-related fees for professional training, and costs associated with alternative medicine or therapies that contribute to the applicant’s well-being. Applicants must demonstrate a serious commitment to their chosen path — whether in sports, academia, the arts, or professional training — and articulate how the support will impact their development or recovery. The fund’s structure requires that the requested amount not exceed 50% of the total project cost, thus emphasizing shared financial commitment and community support. Awards typically range from $500 to $1,200 and are paid directly to vendors or service providers, not to the individual recipients. The application process involves submitting materials through the foundation’s online application portal by March 15, 2026. Applications are reviewed by the Moonlight Mile Scholarship Fund Committee, with final recommendations approved by the Berkshire Taconic board of directors. Evaluation criteria include financial need, the applicant’s demonstrated dedication to their goal, and the potential impact of the program or treatment on the applicant’s life. This opportunity is tailored to women with a clear vision for their development who have already taken initiative toward achieving their goals. Whether seeking to fund specialized equipment for a sports competition or complete the cost of tuition for a training program, applicants must make a compelling case for how this support will help them advance. By supporting a range of purposes — including alternative healing — the scholarship maintains a holistic view of personal and professional advancement. The Moonlight Mile Scholarship Fund is a one-time, non-recurring grant opportunity. There is no indication of annual cycles or recurring funding rounds. Applications are due by March 15, 2026, and successful applicants will receive their funding in coordination with their selected service provider or training institution.