Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Inc.

The mission of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (BTCF) is to build stronger communities through philanthropy and leadership. We offer donors, nonprofits and community groups the tools and expertise to achieve their philanthropic vision and goals, and identify critical areas where the foundation can leverage its relationships and leadership for lasting impact. Founded in 1987 in Salisbury, Conn., Berkshire Taconic serves Berkshire County, Mass.; Columbia and northeast Dutchess County, N.Y.; and northwest Litchfield County, Conn. In all, we support the residents of 70 towns and three cities across three states, within a 2,200-square-mile region.

Like most community foundations, Berkshire Taconic offers a variety of fund types that allow donors and community groups to build charitable resources and make grants and other awards over time to achieve their philanthropic goals. BTCF has also proactively established funds to address a specific issue in our region or to develop permanent charitable resources to serve a set of communities. This has resulted in the creation and growth of 11 area funds, 33 educational enrichment funds that serve every public school district in our region, and special initiatives to address regional challenges, such as the shortage of high-quality early childhood programs and affordable housing options. In 2017, BTCF adopted a new strategic plan that is focused on three issue-based priorities: increasing educational attainment, from early childhood through adult learning; increasing community engagement; and fostering economic opportunity for all residents.

In total, the foundation manages more than 520 funds totaling over $150 million in combined assets that together make between $7 million and $12 million in grants and other awards each year. BTCF is a learning organization that embraces a culture of high performance, transparency and flexibility. All staff participate in professional development activities on an ongoing basis and work cooperatively as a team, respectful of one another, the volunteer board that guides our work, and the nonprofits and donors who are our vital partners in improving lives around the region. More information can be found at www.berkshiretaconic.org.