Fund for Columbia County: School-to-Work Grants

The Fund for Columbia County: School-to-Work Grants, established by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, aims to enhance educational opportunities for youth facing challenges in Columbia County. Since 1998, the fund has supported innovative projects that facilitate transitions from school to work, including internships and skill-building programs. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000, with a focus on collaboration among nonprofits and educational organizations to create lasting community impact.

We are a public charity improving our region by encouraging philanthropy, pooling and investing resources, addressing urgent needs, and supporting individuals and nonprofits through grants and scholarships.
We provide a variety of giving options, investment management and back-office strength to help make giving easy and grantmaking transformative.
Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation established the Fund for Columbia County in 1998 to help strengthen communities and improve the quality of life for everyone in Columbia County. The fund serves as a resource to help organizations create and implement programs that make life safer, healthier, and more equitable for all residents of the county.
It is a priority of the foundation and the Fund for Columbia County to invest in education as a proven pathway to greater economic opportunity and financial security, specifically for youth facing financial and other barriers to achieving their aspirations. With these grants, the fund supports innovative projects and services that support high school and college-age youth in making a successful transition from school to work.
Potential areas of interest for these projects include:
School year and summer field experiences including internships and apprenticeships with clearly stated objectives that provide work-based learning and meaningful job experience
Entrepreneurial programming and opportunities
Programs that build industry-specific work skills and experiences, with associated certificates
Platforms to encourage and mentor youth-designed and youth-led initiatives that foster workplace skills
School-based programs that support students in maintaining individualized learning plans, including specific career/work readiness skill development and experiences
AWARDS
The fund anticipates a limited number of grants for one year ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.
Projects should be executed within 12 months of receiving funding unless arrangements are made with the Foundation to extend the project period. We recognize that programs may require a longer timeline to achieve an impact, and promising programs will be eligible to apply for renewed funding in future years.

Eligibility

Nonprofits that have been in existence for at least 3 years, schools, colleges, and civic entities that serve the residents of Columbia County are eligible. All applicants must have follow-up reports in good standing for any prior funding.If you are a first-time applicant, please reach out to Leila Kaplan before submitting application.
Funding will only support full-time residents of Columbia County. If your program serves a wider catchment area, please indicate what percentage of the program will serve Columbia County.We welcome applications from a single organization or collaborative partnerships. Collaborative applications should be submitted by a single lead organization and include letters of support from all collaborators

Ineligibility

The Fund for Columbia County will not fund:
Annual funds, fundraising events, capital campaigns or endowmentsExpenses that have already been incurredBricks and mortarPrivate operating foundationsFor-profit organizationsReligious organizations (Please note grants may be made to support non-religious, community focused programs provided through faith-based organizations)