Community Impact in New York

The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (BTCF) established the Fund for Columbia County (FCC) in 1998 to support initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for residents of Columbia County, New York. With a mission to enhance community well-being and promote equity, FCC serves as a local funding mechanism for nonprofits that provide critical services and drive lasting impact in the county. The General Operating Support Grants offered through the FCC are designed to sustain the ongoing operations of organizations that align with this mission, particularly those serving underserved and low-income populations. This grant program offers flexible funding for general operating expenses, which may include personnel costs, overhead, program implementation, technology upgrades, equipment purchases, and capacity-building initiatives such as strategic planning and board development. The unrestricted nature of the funding allows grantees to apply it where it is most needed within their organizations, ensuring sustained delivery of essential services. The FCC is especially interested in supporting work that intersects with youth development, education, elderly services, health and social services, and community engagement through arts and culture. To be eligible, applicants must be IRS-designated 501(c)(3) nonprofits or have a qualified fiscal sponsor. Organizations must either be based in Columbia County or demonstrate meaningful service to the county's residents. A minimum of three years of operational history is required, with a preference for organizations with annual operating budgets under $5 million. Notably, fiscally sponsored entities are eligible as long as the sponsored organization itself meets the three-year operational threshold. Entities that are not eligible include individuals, K–12 schools, government entities, “friends of” groups supporting government or educational institutions, private foundations, and for-profit organizations. The grants cannot be used for capital campaigns, endowments, or sectarian activities unless the religious entity serves as a fiscal sponsor for broader community benefit. In alignment with its non-discrimination policy, BTCF does not fund organizations that discriminate based on race, gender, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected categories. Applications open annually on January 1 and must be submitted by February 15. Each funding cycle supports a 12-month operational period from the award date. All grantees must submit a follow-up report within one year of receiving funding, and no new application will be considered until prior reports are completed. Proposals are evaluated by a volunteer review committee organized by BTCF, which considers the organization’s impact, focus on equity, and operational capacity. Additional consideration is given to first-time applicants and organizations led by BIPOC individuals. For questions or to discuss project alignment—especially for first-time applicants or those whose work falls outside the fund’s priority areas—interested parties are encouraged to contact Leila Kaplan at [email protected]. The foundation's office is located at 800 North Main Street, Sheffield, MA 01257, and can be reached at 413.229.0370.

Fund prioritizes equity, BIPOC-led orgs, and first-time applicants.