The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation is seeking applications for the Central Berkshire Fund to support nonprofit activities that improve the quality of life for all residents of Becket, Cummington, Dalton, Hinsdale, Peru, Washington and Windsor.
Donor Name: Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation
State: Massachusetts
City/Town: Selected
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 10/15/2024
Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
The endowed fund serves as an ongoing resource that can look across town borders and combine resources to achieve maximum benefit for the residents of these towns, with particular emphasis on low income and/or underserved adults and children. Under the guidance of a group of community advisors, it will review grant applications and award grants, provide support to nonprofit organizations and initiate projects to provide services that do not exist.
Funding Information
Grants usually range between $2,000 and $5,000.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nonprofit organizations, public agencies or community organizations that provide services to the residents of Becket, Cummington, Dalton, Hinsdale, Peru, Washington or Windsor are eligible to apply for grants.
- Projects that benefit the community in any of the following areas will be considered: arts and culture, education, the environment, and health and social services. Requests will be considered for projects, programs, capital improvements and general operating support. Projects that have received prior support from the Central Berkshire Fund may reapply.
- Nonprofits, teachers, students or parents may apply for projects that enhance the educational experience for the children of the hilltowns and that are not eligible for funding from the Seven Towns’ Education Partnership (STEP) Fund. Requests must be accompanied by a letter of support from the school principal or superintendent.
- Public agencies may apply for projects that enrich the experience of their communities or offer additional opportunities for public improvements. Please note that grants are not intended to replace tax dollars.
- The Central Berkshire Fund does not support organizations which in their constitution, by-laws or practice, discriminate against a person or group on the basis of age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender/gender identity, socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or religious belief. We believe in projects that develop and maintain community connections and look for organizations that incorporate diverse cultures, philosophies and experiences across their programming.
Review Criteria
Selections are based on the review criteria stated below:
- Quality
- How worthy is the project? Is it the right time for this project? Does it involve qualified individuals or organizations? Is it well conceived? Does it fit well with other related activities and priorities? Is it cost effective?
- Extent of Impact
- What is the potential impact of the project or service on the community? Does it engage the community? Does it address an unmet need in the community? Is it a critical program or initiative at this time?
- Feasibility
- Can the applicant complete the project? Does the organization or individual exhibit a demonstrated capacity to initiate and successfully execute similar projects? Are the appropriate staff members or volunteers involved? Is the staff/group capable and stable enough to perform the tasks necessary to complete the proposed project?
- Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
- Priority will be given to projects serving marginalized, underserved and under-resourced populations, including communities of color, low-income, geographically isolated, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, refugees and immigrants.
For more information, visit BTCF.
