Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

Grant Guidelines: Fund for Columbia County

To help provide support for nonprofit organizations in Columbia County, the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation established the Fund for Columbia County in 1999. The Fund serves as a permanent resource to help make life safer, healthier, fuller or more enjoyable for residents of the county.

Through annual grant making, the fund supports projects in the arts, education, environment, preservation, health and social services that directly impact the population of Columbia County. The Fund for Columbia County invites applications from nonprofits working in the above categories. Please note that the Fund for Columbia County does not provide support for individuals, capital campaigns, or general operating expenses.

Eligibility

Proposals are considered from organizations (nonprofits, municipalities, community organizations) serving the residents of Columbia County. Organizations providing services in Red Rock should apply to the Quailwood Fund (see Quailwood Fund guidelines). An organization may only submit one request to one of these funds in an annual grant cycle.

Community groups may apply using a nonprofit organization as a fiscal agent.

Preference is given to organizations that rely primarily on local community support. Preference is also given to applicants able to show a capacity to provide matching funds for the amount awarded in either cash or in-kind donations and/or services.

Grants will not be awarded retroactively to replace funds that have already been expended.

Requests from organizations working with or in schools must be accompanied by a letter of support from the school principal and/or superintendent.

Neither the Fund for Columbia County 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, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation or religious belief.

Awards

Grants usually range from $1,000 to $2,000. An assessment of the project’s outcomes will be required once the program or service funded is completed and before any applications are submitted to the Fund for Columbia County for further funding.

Notification

Applicants will be notified within three months of the deadline date.

Review Criteria

Applications will be reviewed fairly and competitively by the Fund for Columbia County advisory committee. Selections are based on the review criteria stated below. Decisions will be made based on where the fund’s grants can have the largest impact and leverage.

The selected recommendations will be reviewed by Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s board of directors.

• Quality: How worthy is the project? Is it the right time for this project? Does it involve qualified individuals or organizations? Is it well conceived? Does it fit well with other related activities and priorities? Is it cost effective?
• Extent of Impact: What is the potential impact of the project or service on the community? Does it engage the community? Does it address an unmet need in the community? Is it a critical program or initiative at this time?
• Feasibility: Can the applicant complete the project? Does the organization or individual exhibit a demonstrated capacity to initiate and successfully execute similar projects? Are the appropriate staff members or volunteers involved? Is the staff/group capable and stable enough to perform the tasks necessary to complete the proposed project?
• Commitment: In addition to the proposed project, what evidence can the applicant provide that indicates the organization’s commitment and ability to fulfill its mission.

If you have any questions about the fund, email us at grants@berkshiretaconic.org.