GRANT GUIDELINES

WHO CAN APPLY

The Fund for Columbia County welcomes applications for funding from community groups that are in the process of becoming a nonprofit organization or that have recently received nonprofit status. A nonprofit organization is defined as being recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a charitable 501(c)(3) entity.

GRANT INFORMATION

Examples of funded items include but are not limited to:

  • Legal fees
  • Programming costs
  • Equipment and software
  • Website development and hosting
  • Initial costs of program space
  • Outreach/marketing costs
  • Consultancies

A group or nonprofit may receive funding from this grant process one time only.

Once legal charitable status is obtained, organizations are invited to apply to the annual Fund for Columbia County, Grants for Community Impact.

AWARDS

The fund will award up to $10,000 on a rolling basis until all funding is expended. Grants will generally range from $500 to $1,500.

TO APPLY

Please send a letter of request and project budget to grants@berkshiretaconic.org. The letter should include the following:

  • a mission statement that addresses the community need of the project, who will be served and what towns will be served
  • a list of board/committee members
  • an indication of where the group is in the process of becoming a 501(c)(3)
  • a description of the items requested
  • identification of a fiscal sponsor (a nonprofit who can receive funding on your behalf). If your organization is not currently in a relationship with a fiscal sponsor, email grants@berkshiretaconic.org for more information on how you may become eligible.

ADDITIONAL FUND FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY GRANT OPPORTUNITIES

  • Grants for Community Impact: Support projects that create or enhance a deep, lasting and positive impact on the residents of Columbia County.

Fund for Columbia County School-to-Work Grants
Supports innovative projects and services that support high school and college-age youth in making a successful transition from school to work. 
Deadline February 15

Grants for New Nonprofits
Supports community groups that are in the process of becoming a nonprofit organization or that have recently received nonprofit status. 
Deadline is rolling until all fund are expended

Planning and Technical Assistance Grants
Flexible Funding for 501(c)(3) organizations for strategic planning and technical assistance.
Deadline February 15

Equity Fund
Supports BIPOC-owned, BIPOC-centering, or BIPOC-led organizations and projects that advance equity. Grantmaking decisions are made by leaders of color in collaboration with community.
Deadline is rolling

EDUCATION ENRICHMENT FUNDS
The following education enrichment funds offer funding for projects that enhance the educational experience of youth in Columbia County.
All have a deadline of October 15.

Berkshire Taconic established the Fund for Columbia County in 1999 to help strengthen communities and improve the quality of life for the residents of Columbia County, N.Y.

County

Columbia

Interest Area

Nonprofit capacity building

Grant Amount

Up to $1,500

Deadline

Rolling until all funds are expended

How To Apply

Send a letter of request and a project budget by email to grants@berkshiretaconic.org

Apply