The following Guidelines are intended to inform our communities about the Foundation's mission, priorities and application procedures. We invite your interest in our work, and welcome your participation and partnership.
MISSION
The Mission of Berkshire Bank Foundation, Inc. and Berkshire Bank Foundation - Legacy Region is to strengthen and improve the quality of life in the communities Berkshire Bank does business in by supporting community and economic development activities, and educational programs that will enhance opportunities for children and adults. Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc. serves all of Berkshire County and the Pioneer Valley in Massachusetts as well as areas in New York State and southern Vermont where Berkshire Bank has offices. Berkshire Bank Foundation - Legacy Region serves Berkshire County only.
PRIORITIES
Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc. and Berkshire Bank Foundation - Legacy Region gives priority to education and community development projects that:
- Target disadvantaged communities or populations - those with significant unmet needs
- Result in a significant impact on the people they serve
- Evidence partnership among organizations to address or solve critical problems in common cause
- Support and strengthen communities
Examples of recently funded education projects include:
- Financial literacy programs
- Mentoring programs for at-risk students
- Environmental education programs
- Cultural enrichment programs in schools, museums and other cultural institutions in the Bank’s service area.
- Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc.'s Scholarship program for high school seniors
- Early childhood development educational programs
- Adult literacy programs for non-English speakers (teaching English as a second language)
- Summer/School vacation library education programs
Examples of recently funded community / economic development projects include:
- Home ownership training programs
- Downtown revitalization initiatives
- Career coaching program for at-risk youth
- Immigrant advocacy programs
- Economic development planning initiatives
- Affordable / transitional housing / homeless projects
- Veterans housing projects
FUNDING CRITERIA
ELIGIBILITY
To be considered for grant funding organizations must:
- Be recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
- Be located in or primarily provide service in Berkshire Bank's service areas as described above.
- Submit a completed on-line Foundation application and provide such other documentation as may be requested.
LIMITATIONS
The Foundation(s) will consider no more than one application per year from any single non-profit organization.
Organizations that have been funded by the Foundation(s) for three consecutive years are not eligible to reapply for Foundation support for two years thereafter. This Guideline is intended to help encourage and ensure that agencies and organizations remain entrepreneurial in their efforts to obtain funds from a variety of funding sources.
Berkshire Bank Foundation, Inc. and Berkshire Bank Foundation - Legacy Region do not generally support:
- Fraternal, labor and political organizations, including fraternal orders of police and firefighters
- Lobbying groups
- Religious organizations
- Private foundations
- Intermediary organizations that raise and distribute funds in their own name
- Golf tournaments or fundraising dinners
- Annual memberships and annual appeals
- Endowments
- Underwriting support for conferences or seminars
- National health organizations
- Individuals
GRANT APPLICATION PROCESS
As of January 1, 2011 all applications must be made on-line. Non-profit organizations may apply for funding from the Foundation based on the size and type of donation being sought. Donation types are:
1. Requests (Less than $1,500)
Organizations seeking support for events or programs for less than $1,000.00 should fill out the online foundation grant application and submit a one page project letter describing the proposed project, its purpose, timetable, goals, cost, and impact. Organizations should also submit a copy of their 501 (c) (3) nonprofit determination letter from the IRS.
2. Small Project Requests (Between $1,500 and $4,999)
Organizations seeking financial support between $1,000.00 and $4,999 for specific programs or projects should complete the online foundation grant application and submit requested attachments and supporting information. These requests are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
3. Large Project Requests ($5,000 and higher)
Organizations seeking financial support for $5,000.00 or more for specific projects or programs should complete the online foundation grant application and submit requested attachments and supporting information. These requests are processed on a quarterly basis and are due on the 1st of March, June, September, & December.
Online Foundation Grant Application:
Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc and Berkshire Bank Foundation -Legacy Region’s grant application process can be completed entirely online. The online request form includes basic organizational and contact information and requires those applying to attach the following information depending on the amount of support an organization is seeking.
For Requests Less Than $1,500.00 please attach the following:
Project Letter: In a 1 page narrative describe your proposed project by providing a project description, purpose, timetable, goals, cost, and impact and attaching the document to this application. Organizations should also submit a copy of their 501 (c) (3) nonprofit determination letter from the IRS.
For Small & Large Project Requests please attach the following:
1. Project Information: A 2-3 page narrative describe your proposed project by answering the following:
a) Project description, purpose, timetable, goals, and impact
b) Description of organization and basic services offered
c) Who the project will serve. (# Beneficiaries, income groups, age groups, etc.)
d) How the project will impact the beneficiaries and the community.
e) How the outcome of the project will be evaluated and measured.
f) Other sources of funding and amounts being sought for project.
g) How the Foundation’s support will be recognized.
2. Proposed line item project budget for project
3. Copy of organization’s current budget indicating sources of funding
4. Copy of IRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt determination letter
5. List Board of Directors
To apply for Foundation support please click here.
Funding decisions are based on available resources and the degree to which proposals meet Berkshire Bank Foundation's charitable giving priorities and funding criteria.
For further information, please call the Foundation office at (413) 447-1724.
Peter J. Lafayette
Berkshire Bank Foundation & Berkshire Bank Foundation - Legacy Region Executive Director
plafayette@berkshirebank.com
Revised November, 2011
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