Museum Wins Half-Million Challenge Grant

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PITTSFIELD – The Berkshire Museum has been awarded a $500,000 challenge grant from the Kresge Foundation. The grant to the capital campaign "A Wider Window" is contingent upon the museum raising an additional $1.6 million by May 1, 2008. "We are so proud that the prestigious Kresge Foundation has recognized the importance of this renovation, the strength of our campaign and fundraising capacity, and the support of our community," said Stuart A. Chase, executive director. "This is an important opportunity for the community to show their support to the Berkshire Museum. As we enter the final stretch of this campaign and begin construction on Phase II, we ask everyone who appreciates and benefits from the Berkshire Museum to step up, give, and make this crucial project a reality. By giving now, individuals can know that their contribution goes even farther. All gifts from this point forward will contribute to securing the half-million dollars from Kresge in the final stage of our campaign." "The campaign has been tremendously successful and we still have more than $1 million to go," said Michael A. Christopher, chairman of the museum’s campaign cabinet. "We are confident that the community will rise to the occasion in recognition of the century of service the Berkshire Museum has provided to generation after generation. At this stage in the campaign, every gift, no matter the amount, counts tremendously. We hope that our community will be inspired by The Kresge Foundation’s stamp of approval to help us achieve this goal." The campaign has raised 78 percent of its funds from community and private donors, and 22 percent from government sources, including a $670,000 matching grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund earlier this month. Construction on Phase II — which includes the climate control (HVAC) system and the 3000-square foot Feigenbaum Hall of Innovation - began officially on Sept. 18. To complete the Phase II renovation and move on to Phase III (visitor amenities including a passenger-operated elevator, improved restrooms and museum shop and an improved education center), the museum must raise funds through private and public donors. The Kresge Foundation is a $3 billion national foundation whose mission is to build stronger nonprofit organizations — catalyzing their growth, helping them connect with their stakeholders, and challenging them with grants that leverage greater support. The foundation concentrates its programming on capital campaigns as a key opportunity for nonprofit growth. At its September meeting, foundation's board awarded $45.5 million to nonprofit organizations in 29 states and the District of Columbia. The Kresge Foundation has been a driving force in the building of facilities for nonprofit organizations in the United States for 83 years. Its Capital Challenge Grant Program, which awards an organization a financial grant if it raises an agreed-upon amount of funds from private sources, has helped communities across the country build libraries schools, hospitals, museums, community centers and food banks, among other projects. Key goals of the foundation are to help leverage support from new donors and to solicit higher levels of giving from past contributors. By retaining these new and increased donors, stronger, sustainable organizations are positioned to achieve their missions and strengthen communities. The museum is at 39 South St. on Route 7. The galleries are open Monday through Saturday, 10 to 5, and Sundays noon to 5. For more information: (413) 443-7171, Ext. 10, or berkshiremuseum.org.
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Pittsfield Tax Rates Down But Values Mean Increased Bills

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The city's tax rates have gone down but rising property values will increase most bills.  

On Tuesday, the City Council approved a residential tax rate of $17.94 per $1,000 of valuation and a commercial, industrial, and personal property tax rate of $37.96 per $1,000 of valuation.

The fiscal year 2025 rate is 51 cents lower than the previous year but the average tax bill for a single-family home valued at $295,291 will increase by $354.51 annually. Last year, the same home was worth $267,914.

Of the 11,328 single-family homes, 568 will see a decrease, 1,687 will see an increase of less than $100, and 3,777 will see an increase less than the average.

"As you can see, most of our assessed values are up," Chief Assessor Laura Catalano said.

While a couple of councilors expressed concerns, the motion passed unanimously.

"As I said before, this is always the worst meeting for me," Councilor at Large Kathy Amuso said.

At the beginning of the term in January, she submitted a petition asking for a budget that is as close to level-funded as possible. She said the city collaboratively worked hard to get close to that goal and going forward, they should do the same.

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