As of December 15, Funding for 2024 has been completed. Applications received prior to December 15, 2024 will be given first priority for review in the new year and will be reviewed before the start of the second round. The beginning of the next cycle will be announced in 2025. Please check back for 2025 dates. 

GRANT GUIDELINES

OVERVIEW

The Equity Initiative Fund is dedicated to supporting BIPOC-owned, BIPOC-centering, or BIPOC-led organizations. 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.

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

  Complete the application using this link or by using the button below. You will first need to create a profile. This fund's participatory grantmaking application process includes these components:

• Rolling deadline. Decisions are made by community representatives; outcomes communicated within three months.
• Minimal application requirements: Initial summary of proposed Equity Fund project with associated budget or cost of initiative followed by an in-person conversation in community with other applicants. Organizations seeking general operating support should submit an organizational budget.

• Six-month Cycle: Applicants can resubmit after 6 months. Funded applicants must have completed their follow up. Applicants that did not receive funding should have a feedback session before reapplying for the same projects.
   

   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