Improving the quality of life in Berkshire County
Berkshire United Way magnifies your contributions to make lasting, positive change right here in the Berkshires.
We do more than just fund local programs, we also do the research to invest where it is needed most and build community partnerships to promote pathways for individuals and families to thrive — and we have real stories showing it works.
Under our leadership, local people and organizations accomplish more than any single person, program or agency can achieve alone. Together, we build a stronger community in a “United Way.”
History of Berkshire United Way
Berkshire United Way was founded in 1924 as the local Community Fund organization. Until 2008, it was structured as a federated fundraiser with member agencies. Funds were invested in local health and human service organizations because of their Berkshire United Way membership.
In 2009, Berkshire United Way shifted to the Community Impact Investment Model, which represents our commitment to promoting real and sustainable change in Berkshire County. This model uses the community-defined aspiration as the basis for determining how and where Berkshire United Way makes its investments.
Prior to this shift, Berkshire United Way devoted countless hours to meaningful conversations with over 400 representatives from more than 75 community organizations. It was through this process that the aforementioned community aspiration was defined and the three priority community issues were identified: early childhood literacy, positive youth development and economic prosperity. Berkshire United Way strategically invests in these community priorities, then monitors and measures the results of these investments over time.