GRANT GUIDELINES

OVERVIEW

Nonprofit organizations, schools, municipalities and local government, and faith-based organizations (for non-religious activities) in Berkshire, Columbia, northeast Dutchess and northwest Litchfield counties. Proposals from informal groups acting through fiscal sponsorship relationships with eligible organizations are also encouraged to apply. .

WHO CAN APPLY

Nonprofit arts, cultural and community organizations or fiscally sponsored projects* in Berkshire County led by artists or community groups. Collaborations between one or more organizations is welcomed.

GRANT INFORMATION

The grant program supports activities sponsored by organizations and groups that bring together residents for the purpose of building and strengthening relationships, especially among people who may hold different views or come from different backgrounds.

The grant program will support new and compelling community-building ideas. Examples of potential activities include:

• Virtual forums that allow people to explore issues through different points of view
• Activities that bring a community together through arts and culture, given the restorative and community-building dimensions of the arts and creative process
• Service projects that allow a group of people to come together to address an immediate community need

Priority will be given to projects serving people who are historically marginalized, underserved or under-resourced, including communities of color; low-income, geographically isolated and/or LGBTQIA+ individuals; individuals living with disabilities; and refugees and immigrants. We believe in projects that develop and maintain community connections and look for organizations that incorporate diverse cultures, philosophies and experiences across their programming.

Funds will support new activities and previously funded projects through this grant opportunity; existing programs that can be focused to address the aims of this grant program are eligible. Preference will be given to sustaining projects previously funded previously through this opportunity. Activities and events that are the result of collaborations between and among community-based organizations—especially partnerships that seek to diversify those who organize and participate in projects—are particularly encouraged to apply. 

This program is not intended to be source of funds for activities that promote a particular political position or singular viewpoints on issues that may be divisive.

ELIGIBILITY

Applicants must:

• Be incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization or operate under the fiscal sponsorship of a 501(c)(3) organization, or be a local government, public school or faith-based organization
• Be based in and serve residents of Berkshire, Columbia, northeast Dutchess or northwest Litchfield counties
• Not include in its by-laws or practice discrimination against a person or group on the basis of age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or religious belief.

AWARDS

Grant awards will range up to $5,000 per organization. A total of $50,000 is available through this grant opportunity.

DEADLINE

Applications are due November 1, 2022.

REVIEW CRITERIA

Applications will be reviewed by Berkshire Taconic staff and the Arts Build Community Advisory Committee comprised of area residents who are active in their communities and have expertise in the arts, creativity and community engagement. Applications will be reviewed using the following criteria:

• Readiness of the organization(s) to participate in the grantmaking program, evidenced by organizational capacity, partnerships within the community and approach to developing new or expanded initiatives or programming
• Synergies among the proposed partners in addressing barriers to arts participation
• Potential of the proposed program to strengthen your organization
• Potential impact of the proposed program to build or uplift the Berkshire County community, including potential hiring from within the Berkshire County community
• Demonstrated ability of the organization(s) to implement change
• Demonstrated impact in the community, based on measures or indicators the organization(s) track (Such as: How many members of your target audience did you reach through the grant? What barriers to the arts were addressed by your organization’s rapid response project?)

DESIRED OUTCOMES

Volunteers with local knowledge and perspectives, along with foundation staff, will review applications. They will review the following:

• The proposed activity or program and how it is aligned with the goals of this grant program, such as but not limited to:
  • Creating new and/or strengthening existing relationships among people of different backgrounds, experiences or beliefs (e.g., neighborhood discussions, forums)
  • Forging connections around a shared experience through which participants can explore different points of view (e.g., arts and creative process)
  • Coming together to pursue a common goal regardless of differences that may exist among the group (e.g., service project)