GRANT GUIDELINES

INTRODUCTION

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation established the Fund for the Northwest Corner in 2000 to improve the quality of life for the residents of northwest Litchfield County, Connecticut:  Cornwall, Falls Village, Goshen, Kent, Norfolk, North Canaan, Salisbury, Sharon, and Warren.

For more than two decades, the Fund has supported innovative community-based initiatives that strengthen our communities and create lasting impact.

In 2026, the Fund for the Northwest Corner is launching its first competitive grant cycle, reflecting its commitment to addressing emerging community needs. 

As reductions in state and federal funding intersect with rising demand for essential services, local organizations are adapting quickly. This grant cycle is designed to provide timely support while maintaining close dialogue with the nonprofits serving our towns, ensuring that charitable resources remain aligned with the region’s most pressing priorities.

By combining local insight with Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s trusted stewardship and grantmaking infrastructure, Fund for the Northwest Corner deploys resources strategically across critical areas of need.

Together, we aim to strengthen the local safety net and support the well-being of our community members now and into the future.

ELIGIBILITY

Fund for the Northwest Corner invites applications from nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3) status or in an established fiscal sponsorship arrangement with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, serving residents in the above-mentioned towns) whose work directly addresses urgent basic human needs and has been impacted by recent funding reductions, economic pressures, or increased community demand.

Eligible nonprofits will be those that address fundamental needs such as food, housing and shelter, fuel and rental assistance, immigrant support (including legal costs), clothing, childcare, mental and physical health and well-being. 

Requests may support existing programs, expanded services, or essential operational costs necessary to stabilize and sustain services during this period of increased strain.

Applicants will be asked to describe impacts on their organizations’ services since 2024 and to comment on how the organizations are changing their operations in response (e.g. additional or new fundraising tactics, expanded outreach or hours of operation, or reduced services). The application will include learning questions and ask for numbers served and types of services provided.

Neither Fund for the Northwest Corner nor Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation 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, gender identity, gender expression, political affiliation or religious belief. 

Grants are intended to meet the most urgent needs and to be deployed within nine months of the application deadline. Applicants should demonstrate the capacity to expend funds within this timeframe.

TYPES OF SUPPORT

Requests will be considered for new or existing projects and programs. 

Support may include program expenses, expanded service delivery, staffing, supplies, or other critical costs directly tied to maintaining or strengthening essential services.

REPORTING

As part of the foundation's effort to learn and understand the results from this program, participating grantees in the Fund for the Northwest Corner grant program are required to complete a follow-up report.

Reporting will be streamlined and proportionate to the grant size. The Fund is committed to minimizing administrative burden while ensuring accountability and shared learning.

REVIEW CRITERIA 

Applications will be reviewed fairly and competitively by the Fund for the Northwest Corner Advisory Committee. This committee is comprised of active community members of northwest Litchfield County. The selected recommendations will also be reviewed by Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s board of directors. Selections are based on the review criteria stated below:

• Community Impact: What is the depth of impact and resiliency of the organization on the community? How does the organization and its services engage the community? Does the organization address unmet, basic needs in the community?
• Responsiveness & Urgency: Does the proposal directly respond to recent funding reductions, increased demand, or emerging pressures affecting Northwest Corner residents?
• Feasibility: Does the organization exhibit a demonstrated capacity to successfully execute the proposed work?
• Quality: Are the goals and expected outcomes clearly articulated? Is it the right time for this project? Is it cost effective?
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Does the organization include their community in the decision-making processes? Organizations serving marginalized, underserved, and under-resourced populations, including BIPOC, low-income, geographically isolated, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, refugees, and immigrants are encouraged to apply.

GRANT AWARDS

Grants awards will generally range from $5,000 to $7,500. While individual grants are modest, this cycle is designed to provide timely and flexible support to multiple organizations addressing urgent safety-net needs.

Anticipated Award Notification: August 1

Grant Period: September – May

Final Report Due: June 1