PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College (BCC) and the Mill Town Foundation announced a collaborative effort aimed at promoting philanthropy through the 40 under Forty awardees.

 

For several years, BCC has been organizing the '40 Under Forty' event, an annual celebration honoring 40 young individuals in Berkshire County for their significant contributions to their communities. This year's event, scheduled for March 28, 2024, will go beyond recognition.

 

"The nonprofit organizations of the Berkshires are essential to the way of life here. Giving back to these institutions is not only a way of thanking them, but also a way to promote giving in general," said Berkshire Community College President Ellen Kennedy. "The incredible gift from Mill Town Foundation is an opportunity for 40 Under Forty award recipients to serve as inspiration for a shared movement toward philanthropy across the Berkshires."

 

The Mill Town Foundation has committed funding for each of the 40 Under Forty recipients to re-grant $1,000 to a Berkshire-based nonprofit organization of their choice. This initiative, intended to encourage purposeful giving, prompts the award recipients to thoroughly research local nonprofits to understand their missions and impact before making donation decisions.

 

"To promote and engender the spirit of philanthropy, we are proud to empower the 40 Under Forty recipients with the ability to support their community," said Dave Mixer, founder of Mill Town Foundation. "When young people experience the value of philanthropy first-hand, it becomes an important part of their lives, and they pass it on to future generations. This cycle is critical to the well-being and sustainability of a healthy community."

 

The Mill Town Foundation's philanthropic philosophy emphasizes a thoughtful approach centered on collaboration and sustainability, aligning with BCC's values of engagement, innovation, diversity, inclusion, service, and sustainability.

 

The selected Berkshire County-based nonprofit organizations benefiting from the 40 Under Forty re-grants include a diverse range of entities such as:

The '40 Under Forty' event not only celebrates the professional achievements of the winners but also supports the Berkshire Community College Foundation, which manages scholarships and programs aimed at supporting workforce development and higher education accessibility in the region.