COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund Supporting Nonprofits

Berkshire United Way, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation Respond to Greatest Needs in Berkshire County

Berkshire United Way and Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation have established the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund for Berkshire County to rapidly deploy resources to community-based organizations as they respond to the impact of the coronavirus in Berkshire County.

They have already committed over $600,000 for these efforts through a coalition of philanthropic organizations, businesses partners and generous individuals.

Grants will help fund frontline human services organizations that have deep roots in the community and strong experience working with vulnerable populations. These operating grants are designed to address gaps in services and increase capacity of organizations to meet basic needs of individuals and families.

“We are facing an unprecedented public health crisis and Berkshire United Way is working closely with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation and our philanthropic and business partners to make sure our local nonprofits have the capacity to support our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Candace Winkler, president and CEO of Berkshire United Way. “We are proud of the health care providers and human services organizations who are on the front line of this response and we want to make sure they have the resources and support to continue and expand their work.”

Early partners and funders include Adams Community Bank, Berkshire Agricultural Ventures, Berkshire Bank Foundation, Donald C. McGraw Foundation/Blackrock Foundation Fund, Feigenbaum Foundation, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Joseph H. and Carol F. Reich Fund of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Josephine and Louise Crane Foundation, Mill Town, Northern Berkshire United Way, Unistress, Williams College and Williamstown Community Chest. The partners encourage other institutions, companies and funders to contribute to the fund.

“While the outbreak in Berkshire County is just beginning, we know that it threatens our neighbors who are already vulnerable and unprepared for its impact,” said Peter Taylor, president of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. “This fund will give an important boost to organizations meeting basic needs and caring for community members every day during unprecedented times.”

Donations to the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund can be made at BerkshireUnitedWay.org/donate.  Nonprofits can request funds through a simple, rolling application process that can be found at BerkshireUnitedWay.org.