GRANT GUIDELINES

WHO CAN APPLY

Women at least 18 years of age who are residents of Massachusetts or New York that are seeking matching funds to support travel or equipment needs for study or athletic competition, professional training, or support for alternative healing.

SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION

The Moonlight Mile Scholarship Fund supports girls and women in closing the gap between a dream plan and reality, by completing their personal funding for alternative healing, professional training and travel or equipment to support their studies or participation in athletic competitions.

Applicants who have raised part of the capital necessary to realize a dream may apply for matching funds to reach their goal. Matching funds provided by the Moonlight Scholarship Fund will not exceed 50% of the total cost.

The ideal applicant will have demonstrated serious interest in pursuing their chosen path: devotion to their sport, field of study, craft or profession; or affirmation that the alternative healing they are pursuing is of value to their well-being.

The Moonlight Mile Scholarship Fund was established in the memory of Deborah Reich, the eldest of three sisters raised in Brooklyn, N.Y., and Sheffield, Mass. When Deborah died in 2013, her sisters decided to honor her memory with this fund. Deborah spent the years from age 9 to 19 in a Milwaukee brace, a steel and leather medical device that encased her from hip to chin, as treatment for scoliosis. She spent much of that time on a horse, as well. A lifelong riding enthusiast, she took the sport up with new determination in adulthood and after competing for several years in the endurance event, a 100-mile ride, made the United States Equestrian Team at the age of 50. She was the only U.S. rider to complete the 2010 Kentucky World Endurance Games 160km endurance ride, and set the fourth fastest time of any American rider in any world championship to date. She helped the U.S. team to a Silver medal finish at the Pan American Endurance Championship in Chile in 2011. In 2011, on her beloved mare Juniper, Deborah competed in the President's Cup Invitational in Abu Dhabi. She set her own path through cancer as well, fortunate to have the means to seek treatment all over the world and explore all manner of alternative therapies. This scholarship is established to honor her grit and to bring these same opportunities to others.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must:

• Identify as a woman and be at least 18 years of age
• Be a full-time resident of Massachusetts or New York

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation does not support organizations that in their constitution, by-laws or practice discriminate against a person or group on the basis of age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or religious belief.

AWARDS

Awards are between $500 -$1,200. The award amount is expected to increase over time. If a grant is awarded, the payment is sent directly to the organization or vendor.

Awards may be used for:

• Travel for study or athletic competition
• Equipment for study or athletic competition
• Tuition or other program related costs
• Alternative medicine and/or treatment

REVIEW CRITERIA

Applications will be reviewed using the following criteria:

• Financial need
• Demonstrated interest in pursuing your chosen path
• The potential impact of the program on your life, studies, professional development and/or health

Applications will be reviewed by members of the Moonlight Mile Scholarship Fund Committee. Their recommendations will be reviewed by Berkshire Taconic’s board of directors.