Madeleine B. Wildes Fund Grant

Madeleine B. Wildes Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
Amount: US $1,000 - US $3,000
Last Updated: November 11, 2025

Summary

The Madeleine B. Wildes Fund Grant offers financial assistance to residents of Salisbury facing hardships due to illness or misfortune. Established by Madeleine Wildes, the fund supports projects by nonprofit organizations that help the needy in Lakeville and Salisbury. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, with potential for higher amounts. This endowed fund aims to continue its support indefinitely, reflecting Miss Wildes' legacy of generosity and community care.

Overview

The mission of the Madeleine Beattie Wildes Fund is to provide assistance to “persons residing in Salisbury, who, through sickness, misfortune, or lack of opportunity, and despite their own best efforts to support themselves and maintain their independence are in need of financial assistance for any purpose which is thought suitable.” Miss Wildes established the fund from her estate, instructing that grants be awarded to the needy of Lakeville and Salisbury. The fund has provided scholarship support and grants to organizations serving the disadvantaged of Lakeville/Salisbury. The fund also contributes to the Foundation’s Neighbor to Neighbor Fund, providing assistance to those in need, as identified by a social service provider. As an endowed fund, the Madeleine B. Wildes Fund will continue to provide grants in perpetuity in the name of Miss Wildes. An invitation is extended to the community to support Miss Wildes’ love of her adopted home by contributing to the endowment. Madeleine Wildes, who lived in Lakeville from 1917 until her death in 1962, was known and loved for her generosity (mostly anonymous), kindness and hospitality. A native of Little Falls, NJ, she moved to Lakeville after spending some time in a local inn recovering from an illness. She lived simply, was a vivid individualist, giving generously and almost invariably anonymously to local causes and charities. Her warm response to need in any form, and in any creature, was remembered with gratitude by literally scores of people who, in time of trouble, were helped and encouraged by her. Possessing a natural dignity and pride herself, she understood that a careless giver can injure more than he/she rehabilitates. She established many close friendships with neighboring Hotchkiss students who would return in later years with their families and she closely followed the development of their lives and careers over the years. When she died, the Lakeville Journal reported, “Warm, generous and kind, Miss Wildes had a rich talent for friendship, a genuine interest in people, and a staunch, unswerving loyalty to those she loved.” Award Amount Grants usually range from $1,000 to $3,000 but may be higher. A grant report will be required by the end of the calendar year.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Who can apply:Nonprofit organizations for projects that provide support to residents of the Town of Salisbury in need.Nonprofit organizations may apply for funding that addresses the mission and goal.

Ineligibility

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation does not support organizations that, in their constitution, by-laws or practice, discriminate against a person or group on the basis of age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or religious belief.Individuals are not eligible to apply.