GRANT GUIDELINES

WHO CAN APPLY

Students, teachers, administrators and community members for projects that sustain excellence in education in the Pittsfield Public Schools.

GRANT INFORMATION

The Pittsfield School District has launched an endowed fund whose purpose is to enhance and enrich the educational experience of the students and teachers of the Pittsfield School District. The fund seeks to ensure the highest level of achievement for the students and enhance their capacity to achieve excellence both in school and in the community.

ELIGIBILITY

Grants from the fund will not replace public dollars for the school district. The Pittsfield Education Enrichment Fund seeks primarily to help cover the direct costs of projects (not salaries). Priority will be given to proposals that rely on volunteer efforts and that show additional means of support.

Possible projects include, but are not limited to: independent study; new programs; extra-curricular activities; individual creative projects, in or outside the classroom; visiting speakers; artists in residence; professional development for teachers; scientific, athletic, or technical equipment; library resources; class field trips.

The Pittsfield Education Enrichment Fund is seeking proposals for grants from students, teachers, administrators, staff, parents, nonprofits and members of the community of the Pittsfield School District for projects that will fulfill the purposes of the fund.

Berkshire Taconic does not 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, political affiliation or religious belief.

AWARDS

Grants awarded will generally range from $500 to $1,000. For larger awards, see below.

REVIEW CRITERIA

Applications will be reviewed using the following criteria:

• Excellence: How worthy is the project or service? Is it the right time for the project? Does it involve qualified individuals/groups?
• Impact: What is the potential impact of the project or service on the Pittsfield School District community? Are other available resources being utilized in support of this project?
• Ability: Can the applicant complete the project? Are there examples of previous projects?

Applications will be reviewed by the Pittsfield Education Enrichment Fund Board comprised of community members, parents, teachers, students, the superintendent and the school community. Their recommendations will be referred to Berkshire Taconic’s board of directors for final approval.

ADDITIONAL FUNDING UP TO $10,000 FOR ARTS INTEGRATION GRANTS

The Pittsfield Education Enrichment Fund is currently accepting grant applications from local organizations who wish to advance arts integration within the school community. Grant awards will range from $2,500 to $10,000.Deadline to apply for these larger grants is October 15 via the PEEF application. To apply, visit our application portal for nonprofits.

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation's Arts Build Community initiative is investing in how we can further strengthen the role of the arts and creativity as a vehicle for education, civic engagement and cultural awareness. The C4 Initiative through MCLA has established the Berkshire County Blueprint for Arts Integration and Education, a vision for what every young person in Berkshire County should have access to in arts learning given our region’s rich cultural assets.