Central Berkshire Regional School District and Becket Chimney-Corners YMCA Receive Significant Grants
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Central Berkshire Fund announced today that it has awarded $25,000 grants to the Berkshire Outdoor Program of Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA and the Central Berkshire Regional School District (CBRSD) for programs that will have a positive impact on residents of Dalton, Windsor, Hinsdale, Peru, Cummington, Washington and Becket. A fund of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, the Central Berkshire Fund awards grants to nonprofit organizations serving the seven Hilltowns.This year, in addition to its annual grantmaking program, the Central Berkshire Fund offered the opportunity for a one-time significant grant for a project that would have a lasting impact on a broad number of Central Berkshire residents. Nonprofits serving the region were invited to submit letters of interest. Five finalists were selected to be interviewed by the grantmaking committee. The CBRSD and YMCA were chosen from these.
“We received many excellent proposals,” said John Kittredge, chair of the advisory committee of the Central Berkshire Fund. “The two we selected both focus on public school education, so both initiatives will have a major broad-based and long-term impact on our communities’ future.”
The $25,000 grant to the Becket-Chimney Corners YMCA's Berkshire Outdoor Center will support the Green Days Program. The Green Days Program, held in Becket, is a 2-day overnight environmental education experience for all fifth grade public school students from the seven Hilltowns. By providing this program to all Central Berkshire towns over three years, the Berkshire Outdoor Center hopes to reach approximately 600 students – almost 20 percent of families within the seven towns. The program includes wetland studies, team-building exercises, canoeing, hiking, and a mock trial in which students debate development versus the environment.
“We are truly grateful to the Central Berkshire Fund for supporting the Green Days Program,” said Steven Hamill, director of Berkshire Outdoor Center. “By encouraging students to be passionate about nature and the local Berkshire environment, the program will eventually help entire communities to work together on environmental and social issues.”
The $25,000 grant to the Central Berkshire Regional School District will support the ongoing renovation of the science lab and science classrooms at Wahconah Regional High School. Grant funds will be used to purchase six LCD projectors, which can display video, images or computer data on a screen, and greenhouse start-up supplies.
“The District is honored and grateful for the continuing support and confidence from the Central Berkshire Fund,” said Donna Harlan, superintendent of the CBRSD. “This science lab is the hallmark of the school district’s mission and vision for all students from all seven of our towns.” The science lab renovation is also supported by Sabic Innovative Plastics, an earlier grant from the Central Berkshire Fund and a bond approved by the seven towns of the district.
The Central Berkshire Fund is one of Berkshire Taconic’s 10 area funds. The Central Berkshire Fund was established in 2001 and has provided over $161,000 in grants for social services, public education, the arts and environmental protection in specific cities and towns. The funds are overseen by local residents, who review applications and award grants based on published criteria.
Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation builds stronger communities and improves the quality of life for all residents of Berkshire County, MA; Columbia County and northeast Dutchess County, NY; and northwest Litchfield County, CT. Thanks to its generous donors, in 2008 Berkshire Taconic distributed nearly $9 million in scholarships and grants for programs in the arts and education, health and human services, and environmental protection. Berkshire Taconic is a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization.
