[Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation](https://berkshiretaconic.org)

February 15, 2027 (Nomination deadline for the Kapteyn Prize)

$12,500 prize to the educator; $2,500 grant to the recipient's school (if qualified applicant selected)

Annual prize recognizing outstanding high school teachers in the Berkshire Taconic region and Franklin County, MA for excellence and leadership.

--- ## Description The James C. Kapteyn Endowment Fund honors the legacy of James Cornelius Kapteyn by recognizing and supporting high school educators who demonstrate exceptional commitment to teaching excellence, leadership, and student mentorship. The annual Kapteyn Prize is awarded to a public or private high school teacher in the Berkshire Taconic region or Franklin County, Massachusetts, who exemplifies excellence in multiple roles within their school community, including teaching, mentoring, coaching, and leadership. The fund celebrates teachers who inspire a lifelong love of learning and foster personal growth in their students. --- ## Due Dates - February 15, 2027: Nomination deadline for the Kapteyn Prize (nominations by principals/heads of school) --- ## Funding Amount - $12,500 awarded to the selected educator (prize money is for personal enrichment, such as study or travel, not for charitable donation) - $2,500 grant to the recipient’s school, with input from the awardee on allocation - Prize awarded only if a qualified applicant is selected --- ## Eligibility - Nominee must be a current high school teacher (grades 9–12) in a public or private school within the Berkshire Taconic region or Franklin County, Massachusetts. - Must have at least seven years of career commitment to high school teaching. - Demonstrated excellence in teaching, mentoring, coaching, and/or other leadership roles within the school community. - Must be nominated by a principal or head of school (schools whose teachers have won in the previous three years are not eligible to nominate). - Candidates must be of exemplary character, integrity, and honor, and inspire students’ lifelong love of learning and personal growth. - No discrimination is permitted on the basis of age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or religious belief. --- ## Application Process - Nominations must be submitted by a principal or head of school by February 15, 2027. - To nominate an educator, email Eric Jette at [grants@berkshiretaconic.org](mailto:grants@berkshiretaconic.org). - After nomination, selected teachers will be invited to submit applications. - Finalists will be interviewed virtually by the selection committee, which includes Kapteyn family members and previous winners. - The committee’s recommendation is subject to approval by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation Board. --- ## Additional Information - Prize money is intended for the recipient’s personal and professional enrichment, not for donation to third parties. - Recipients are responsible for any tax consequences of the award. - The school grant is allocated in consultation with the prize winner. --- ## External Links - [James C. Kapteyn Endowment Fund Program Page](https://berkshiretaconic.org/grants/james-c-kapteyn-endowment-fund) - [Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation Home](https://berkshiretaconic.org) - [Contact Page](https://berkshiretaconic.org/about/contact-us) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |--------------|---------------------------------------|---------------| | Eric Jette | [grants@berkshiretaconic.org](mailto:grants@berkshiretaconic.org) | 413.229.0370 | | General Info | [info@berkshiretaconic.org](mailto:info@berkshiretaconic.org) | |

James C. Kapteyn Endowment Fund

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