GRANT GUIDELINES

INTRODUCTION

The Fund for Williamstown invites applications for a competitive grant cycle for nonprofits serving residents and their families in Williamstown, Mass. As we move from recurring states of emergency to prolonged recovery phases, it is more important than ever to support programs that fortify, enliven and enhance the quality of life of, and expand opportunities available to, all Williamstown residents.

The fund is providing flexible resources to support innovative new and existing projects and programs to promote healthy social, emotional, and physical development as well as funding for human services, cultural and educational programs and environmental protection.

WHO CAN APPLY

Nonprofits and community organizations serving the residents of Williamstown. Community groups may apply under the fiscal umbrella of a nonprofit organization.

ELIGIBILITY

• Must be operating as a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status or an established fiscal sponsorship arrangement with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
• Actively engaged in planning for the future
• Able to demonstrate financial resiliency

Neither the Fund for Williamstown 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/gender identity socioeconomic status, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or religious belief.

AWARDS

Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded.

REVIEW CRITERIA

Applications will be reviewed fairly and competitively by the Fund for Williamstown advisory committee. Decisions will be made based on where grants can have the largest impact and leverage. The selected recommendations will 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 potential impact of the project or service? What needs does it address? Is it a critical program or initiative at this time? How does it engage the community? Does it foster trust and collaborative civic participation?
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: Priority will be given to projects serving marginalized, underserved and under-resourced populations, including communities of color, low-income, geographically isolated, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, refugees, and immigrants. We believe in projects that develop and maintain community connections and look for organizations that incorporate diverse cultures, philosophies and experiences across their programming.
• Caliber: Is the proposal well-conceived? Is it innovative and/or creative? Does it involve individuals or organizations with relevant experience? Is it cost effective?
• Feasibility: Can the applicant demonstrate the capacity to initiate and successfully complete the project? Will there be appropriate staff members or volunteers involved?

REPORTING

An assessment of the project’s outcomes will be required once the program or service funded is completed and before any future applications are considered. The Fund for Williamstown’s goal is to insure the most effective programs and services for the grants and dollar amounts given.