Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

Grant Guidelines: Pittsfield Educational Enrichment Fund

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

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.

2011 Funding Available for Projects in Science, Mathematics and the Environment
In addition to the fund’s regular grantmaking, this year thanks to a major gift from Sabic Innovative Plastics to Berkshire Taconic’s Educational Enrichment Funds, there will be money available for grants in the areas of science, mathematics and the environment. We encourage applications for projects that demonstrate innovation and creativity in these areas.

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.

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

The fund awards grants annually. The amount available for granting this year is $16,000. Once the program or service funded is completed, the grant recipient must submit an assessment of the project’s outcomes.

Applicants will be informed of Berkshire Taconic’s decision within three months of the deadline date.

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.

If you have any questions, please contact programs@berkshiretaconic.org.