The Simple Gifts Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation is offering grants of between $200-$800 for young residents (ages 13 to 21) of the Berkshire region who are interested in participating in summer enrichment programs for cultural and creative endeavors. Requests might be for funds to do an internship with a theater company, learn a new language or experiment in a new art form; essentially, to make it possible for you to participate in a program that will have significance in your life. Application deadline is March 15! To learn more and/or apply, contact Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation at info@berkshiretaconic.org or 413.229.0370

Bill Crofut, an accomplished international folk singer, had a deep understanding and empathy for the dreams and aspirations of young people. He wanted to do something that could help them achieve their goals and knew that even small amounts of money could help. In the last months of his life he made an extraordinary CD, “Dancing on a Moonbeam,” to raise money for the Simple Gifts Fund. He loved to foster small steps to further great passions.