GRANT GUIDELINES

INTRODUCTION

The Fund for Williamstown was established in 2006 by a group of residents who wished to continue the town’s strong tradition of community improvement. It seeks to meet a wide range of needs and support all residents, awarding grants for health and human services, cultural and educational programs and environmental protection.

A new pilot program in 2024 pools together the resources of the Fund for Williamstown and the Williamstown Community Chest. This partnership aims to streamline the process for nonprofit applicants and ensure strong local expertise on the grant review committee. 

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?

TIMELINE

Applications are due October 15, 2024. Decisions will be available to all applicants by December 1. Grants will be disbursed on or about December 15, 2024. 

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 ensure the most effective programs and services for the grants and dollar amounts given.