GRANT GUIDELINES

WHO CAN APPLY

Nonprofit organizations serving one or more communities of the Berkshire Taconic region 

GRANT INFORMATION

The Crane Family Fund was established at Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation in 2008. The fund’s mission is to support projects that demonstrate innovation in the intersection of environmental quality and community health and well-being.

Beginning in 2024, the Crane Family Fund committee will review applications to the Berkshire Environmental Endowment (BEE) Fund. Organizations are invited to make one application to be considered for funding from both the Crane Family and the BEE Fund. The BEE Fund supports nonprofit organizations, public agencies, schools or civic community entities for projects focused on water quality and related land issues. Grants currently focus on grassroots organizations with preference for water-related educational projects that will engage Berkshire County youth. Priority is given to projects that will serve as a catalyst to broader educational opportunities and are likely to have a lasting connection with other educational/environmental programs.

ELIGIBILITY

Proposals are considered for environmental projects of nonprofit organizations that meet the fund’s mission. Special consideration will be given to programs located in Berkshire County, projects or organizations that have been operational for less than 5 years, and new applicants to the Crane Family Fund.

The fund advisors are particularly interested in programs that connect at-risk and low-income youth to the environment.

Berkshire Taconic 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, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or religious belief.

AWARDS

Grants will range from $1,000 to $4,000. 

REVIEW CRITERIA

Applications will be reviewed using the following criteria:

• How well this project aligns with the fund mission of supporting projects that demonstrate innovation in the intersection of environmental quality and community health and well-being.
• Extent to which this project connects low-income and at-risk youth to the environment
• The short-term impact on the target community.
• The long-term impact on the target community.
• The benefit to the broader community (sometimes this will be the same as the target community).
• The probability of the project working out as planned.

Applications will be reviewed by the anonymous fund advisors. Their recommendations will be reviewed by Berkshire Taconic's board of directors.