NEWS & UPDATES | DECEMBER 2023 |
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A volunteer at the People's Pantry in Great Barrington chats with a shopper.
Photo by John Dolan.
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A New Endowment with BTCF Allows The People's Pantry to Plan Long-term to Combat Food Insecurity |
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The People’s Pantry in Great Barrington has remained steadfast in fulfilling its mission to provide healthy, locally-sourced food to any resident in need, and as the organization turns 25, they have reached a critical inflection point in their story.
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BTCF Partners with Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation to Support Local Entrepreneurs |
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BTCF and NCCF are partnering to support entrepreneurs in NW Litchfield County as part of BTCF's Economic Opportunity Strategic Priority. The Northwest Startup Community Night will be held in Salisbury, CT, on January 30, 5–7 p.m. at the White Hart Inn and will give budding entrepreneurs a chance to make a “pitch” in a casual, supportive environment. Business mentors will suggest strategies and provide encouragement. Register for the 1/30 Startup Night.
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Arts Organizations Deepen Partnerships with Communities |
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The Arts Build Community Initiative granted over $400,000 in 2023 to local organizations increasing community connection and equitable involvement in the arts. This multi-faceted initiative, in its sixth year, continues to shape the creative sector in Berkshire County and bring people together by supporting new ideas and long-term visions. Read more.
Pictured: Performance of Pedrito Martinez with audience members dancing on stage at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center. Photo by Marina Dominguez.
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Winter Grant Spotlight:
Fund for Columbia County Grants for Community Impact
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View a full list of Winter Grant Opportunities for all counties. These grants have a deadline of February 15. Grant applications will open on January 5.
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Lasting Legacies in Our Communities |
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We would like to take a moment to celebrate the impact and lasting legacies of people in the extended Berkshire Taconic family we have lost this year. |
Dr. Nicholas Boraski
Neil Douglas Chrisman
Colonel Ruth Dewton
Jean Schabacker Donati
Joyce Brown Scheffey
Jeanette Wildermuth
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Members of the Northeast Dutchess Fund Area Fund committee gathered in November at Ken Holzberg and Tom Kopfensteiner’s Stonewood Farm in Millbrook, N.Y., to recommend awards to NEDCorps Immigrant Support grantees. Top row, left to right: Peter Taylor, Ken Holzberg, Sarah Stack, Aileen Meehan. Seated, left to right: Wendy Curtis, Gloria Callen, Deban Flexner, Maeve O’Dea. Zoom attendees not pictured: Nancy Hathaway and Dave Offensend.
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In November, Tim Wilmot, our Director of Strategy, Evaluation and Learning departed BTCF for a new role at the Denver Foundation. For five years, Tim made innumerable contributions to hone our strategies and assess our impact. We thank Tim for his tremendous contribution to the work of the foundation, and we wish him the best in his new endeavor.
Nancy Humphreys concluded her term on the Board in December. A member of the board since 2016, Nancy also served as chair of the Audit Committee and as part of the Northeast Dutchess Fund Advisory Committee. She brought 35 years of banking experience to our organization. We are fortunate to have worked with Nancy, and we thank her for her dedicated support of BTCF.
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January 4
Informational Webinar for Strategic Planning & Technical Assistance Grants
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The Strategic Planning and Technical Assistance Grant Program recognizes that at times nonprofits need immediate additional resources for capacity-building projects. BTCF's third round of SPTA grants has $60,000 in available funding. In addition, through our Arts Build Community initiative, $55,000 is available for Berkshire County arts and culture organizations. Join us online 1/4/24, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m., to hear from Doug Sauer on Strategic Planning best practices, followed by a review of both application processes and a Q&A.
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January 30
Northwest Startup Community Night
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The Northwest Startup Community Night will be held in Salisbury, CT, on January 30, 5–7 p.m. at the White Hart Inn and will give budding entrepreneurs a chance to make a “pitch” in a casual, supportive environment. Business mentors will suggest strategies and provide encouragement. Register for the 1/30 Startup Night. BTCF and NCCF are partnering to support entrepreneurs in NW Litchfield County as part of BTCF's Economic Opportunity Strategic Priority.
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March 20
Institute for Trustees Online Workshop Series for Nonprofit Leaders Kicks Off, with Eighteen Workshops to Follow
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The 2024 Institute for Trustees (IFT) educational series kicks off on 3/20/24 with a livestreamed Keynote lecture from Marquis Victor, ED of Elevated Thought. The workshops are designed for board members and executive directors to strengthen leadership in the nonprofit sector. Eighteen subsequent workshops focusing on governance, strategy, planning, fundraising, finance, DEIA, the human element and the arts will follow. (Dates TBA). Registration opens January 16. If you are interested in attending, please contact BTCF's Community Engagement Officer Aileen Meehan. The IFT Series is sponsored by Essex County Community Foundation, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts and Greater Worcester Community Foundation.
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ICYMI: BTCF News Fall 2023 |
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Our Fall BTCF News, "Learning and Growing Together," features inspiring stories of expanded educational opportunities for people at every stage of life. Deisy Escobar, at left, a BTCF Scholarship recipient, is taking a lead role in her community as a champion for first-generation Latino college students by helping them navigate their paths to higher education.
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