Note: The Equity Fund has moved from a rolling deadline to a June 15 grant deadline. 

GRANT GUIDELINES

OVERVIEW

The Equity Fund is designed to support projects that are led by and/or holistically serve Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)—including but not limited to African Americans, members of the African Diaspora, Native Americans and Indigenous peoples, Latine communities, Asian and Pacific Islander communities, Arab and Middle Eastern communities, and other persons of color.

We recognize that racial identity is fluid and does not always align neatly with ethnicity, culture, or lived experience. Our intention is to honor the breadth and complexity of how people identify—and to center those most impacted by racialized injustice and systemic exclusion.

We welcome applications from organizations that may not be BIPOC-led but are truly community-embedded, accountable, and co-creating with communities of color. We look for programming that is responsive, respectful, and led in deep partnership—not for or on behalf of, but with the people most impacted. Cultural Workers, leaders, artists and entrepreneurs may also apply as individuals for micro grants. 

This grant opportunity is one component of BTCF's Equity Initiative.

The Equity Fund prioritizes high-impact, community-centered projects that align with our mission.
Our funding is available to nonprofits, community groups, coalitions, and individuals that meet the following criteria:

BIPOC-Led or Centered
Organizations that are BIPOC-led, BIPOC-majority staffed, or whose mission directly serves BIPOC communities.

Community-Driven Impact
Projects demonstrating tangible benefits for BIPOC individuals and families.

Alignment with Focus Areas
Initiatives must address at least one of our key areas (racial justice, economic empowerment, educational equity, health equity, or leadership development).

Commitment to Collaboration
Programs should demonstrate community engagement and partnerships that enhance collective impact.

Our participatory grantmaking process, led by the Leadership Advisory Committee (LAC), ensures that funding decisions reflect the real needs and aspirations of the communities we serve. Interested in joining the committee? Reach out to Alÿcia at abacon@berkshiretaconic.org.

WHO CAN APPLY

Nonprofits, community groups or coalitions with fiscal sponsorship, within the Berkshire Taconic region (Columbia and Northeast Dutchess Counties, N.Y., Berkshire County, MA, and the Northwest Corner of Litchfield County, Conn.,) may be eligible to receive funding on a case by case basis; Micro grants for cultural workers, leaders, artists, entrepreneurs will require a W9. Priority will be given to Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color-led initiatives for the Equity Fund; Leadership Development and Community Engagement programs should demonstrate inclusivity and potential for impact. 

Neither The Equity Fund nor Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation supports 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, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation or religious belief.

GRANT INFORMATION

Key areas of focus for the Equity Fund include:

• Racial and Social Justice: Programs that address racial disparities and promote social justice.
• Economic Empowerment: Initiatives that create economic opportunities and reduce income inequality.
• Educational Equity: Projects that ensure equal access to quality education for all students.
• Health Equity: Efforts to improve healthcare access and outcomes for marginalized communities.

• Leadership Development: Supporting emerging and new leaders and leveraging our collective brilliance to mentor each other.
   

  AWARDS

  The average for BTCF Grants is $10K; Equity Fund Requests Exceeding $10K will be considered by the Leadership Advisory  Committee.
   

  TO APPLY 

  The Equity Fund is guided by the belief that those closest to the issues are also closest to the solutions. Our grantmaking is participatory and rooted in community care.

  
  Funding decisions are made by our Leadership Advisory Committee—a group of community members from across our region who bring lived experience and shared commitment to equity. 

  
  Our Application Process

  
  To reduce systemic barriers, we’ve created a simplified and accessible process:

• Step 1: Initial Application – A summary of your project and a simple budget or cost breakdown. Organizations requesting general operating support should submit an organizational budget.
• Step 2: Community Conversation – After submission, applicants will be invited to a shared, in-person conversation with other applicants and Equity Fund staff or committee members.

• Step 3: Follow-Up & Reporting – If funded, a brief check-in and participation in a community event are part of the reporting process.

  
  You can preview a SAMPLE APPLICATION here. Reach out if you have questions—we’re happy to help!

  
  Timeline & Reapplying

• Review Timeline: All applications are reviewed, and decisions are typically communicated within 3 months.
• Reapplying: Funded applicants are welcome to reapply but will not be funded more than once within a 6-month cycle, in most cases.

• Feedback: Every applicant is welcome to request feedback. If your project was not funded, we strongly encourage a feedback session before reapplying for the same idea.
   

  REVIEW CRITERIA

• Alignment with the Equity Initiative's focus areas.
• Demonstrated leadership or commitment in community and racial equity.

• Sustainable impact, particularly in leadership development and community engagement.

  
  REPORTING

  A basic summary of how funding was used, outcomes and lessons learned. A community celebratory event will take place to discuss progress, impact, and community feedback.

Questions?

Alÿcia Bacon
Community Engagement Officer, Equity & Inclusion
413.429.8414 
abacon@berkshiretaconic.org