The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Inc.

Overview

The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Inc. (BTCF) is a nonprofit organization aimed at strengthening communities through philanthropy and leadership in the Berkshire Taconic region. Founded in 1987 in Salisbury, Connecticut, with an initial donation of $100,000, the foundation serves residents across a 2,200-square-mile area encompassing Berkshire County, Massachusetts; Columbia and northeast Dutchess County, New York; and northwest Litchfield County, Connecticut. Initially an affiliate of the New York Community Trust, BTCF became an independent public charity in 1990[1][4].

Mission and Activities

BTCF provides donors, nonprofits, and community groups with tools and expertise to achieve their philanthropic goals. It identifies critical community needs and leverages its resources to make lasting impacts. The foundation supports a variety of charitable causes, including education, arts, human services, and environmental efforts[1][4]. As a leading philanthropic partner, it also fosters community engagement and economic opportunity for all residents in the region[3].

Strategic Priorities

In its strategic planning, BTCF focuses on three main priorities:

• Educational Attainment: Enhancing early childhood development and increasing access to higher education and career readiness programs, especially for lower-income communities. BTCF serves as the largest scholarship source for the region[3].
• Community Engagement: Facilitating board leadership development and supporting nonprofit capacity-building to help local organizations operate more effectively[3].
• Economic Opportunity: Promoting economic mobility and a high quality of life for all residents through strategic partnerships and community initiatives[3].

Financial Overview

As of recent years, BTCF manages over 550 funds with assets totaling more than $247 million. Each year, it distributes around $14 million through grants and scholarships[4]. Contributions to BTCF are tax-deductible, as it is designated as a 501(c)(3) organization[2].

Leadership and Impact

Under the leadership of past President Peter Taylor, who served from 2016 to 2024, BTCF significantly expanded its assets, staff, and community impact. Kara Mikulich currently serves as interim President following Taylor's tenure[3]. The foundation continues to evolve, emphasizing diversity, equity, and inclusion while regularly updating its strategic plan to address emerging community challenges[3].

Collaboration and Partnerships

BTCF partners with various organizations to amplify its impact. Notably, it collaborated with the Ellsworth Kelly Foundation to establish Arts and Humanities Funds in several school districts across Columbia County, providing long-term support for arts education[5].