Deadline: 15-Oct-21
The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation (BTCF) has launched its Bridging Divides Healing communities Grant Program to support activities sponsored by organizations and groups that bring together residents for the purpose of building and strengthening relationships, especially among people who may hold different views or come from different backgrounds.
While challenges due to the need for social distancing during the pandemic remain, residents will continue find creative and meaningful ways to come together.
In this region, they have a heritage of pulling together in the face of challenges. The high levels of cooperation and compassion that characterize the communities are evident in the large number of organizations and initiatives formed over time to achieve shared goals that advance the common good.
This inherent strength can bridge differences, build trust and promote reconciliation at the local level. They need to turn toward each other and build off things that draw them together.
Funding Information
- Grant awards will range up to $3,000 per organization.
Project Priorities
- 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.
- They believe in projects that develop and maintain community connections and look for organizations that incorporate diverse cultures, philosophies and experiences across their programming.
Note: This program is not intended to be source of funds for activities that promote a particular political position or singular viewpoints on issues that may be divisive.
Activities
The grant program will support new and compelling community-building ideas. Examples of potential activities include:
- Virtual forums that allow people to explore issues through different points of view
- Activities that bring a community together around arts and culture, given the restorative and community-building dimensions of the arts and creative process
- Service projects that allow a group of people to come together to address an immediate community need
Eligibility Criteria
- Nonprofit organizations, schools, municipalities and local government, and faith-based organizations (for non-religious activities) in Berkshire, Columbia, northeast Dutchess and northwest Litchfield counties. Proposals from informal groups acting through fiscal sponsorship relationships with eligible organizations are also encouraged to apply.
- While there is a preference to support new activities, existing programs that can be focused to address the aims of this grant program are eligible.
- Activities and events that are the result of collaborations between and among community-based organizations—especially partnerships that seek to diversify those who organize and participate in projects—are particularly encouraged to apply.
Applicants must:
- Be incorporated as a 501(c)(3) organization or operate under the fiscal sponsorship of a 501(c)(3) organization, or be a local government, public school or faith-based organization
- Be based in and serve residents of Berkshire, Columbia, northeast Dutchess or northwest Litchfield counties
- Not include in its by-laws or practice discrimination against a person or group on the basis of age, race, national origin, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or religious belief.
For more information, visit https://www.berkshiretaconic.org/bReceivebNonprofitsIndividuals/SearchApplyforGrants/BridgingDividesHealingCommunities.aspx