Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

Grant Guidelines: REEF—Richmond Educational Enrichment Fund

The Richmond Educational Enrichment Fund (REEF) is an endowed fund whose purpose is to enhance and enrich the educational experience of the students and teachers in the Richmond Consolidated School (RCS). REEF 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.

Eligibility

REEF is seeking proposals for grants from students, teachers, administrators, staff, parents, nonprofits and members of the community of the Richmond Consolidated School for projects that will fulfill the purposes of the Fund.

Grants from the Fund will not replace public dollars for the school district. REEF 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. Preference will be given to new programs.

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

Grants awarded will generally range from $100 to $1,000 for the first several years as REEF builds its endowment.

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

Review Criteria

Applications will be reviewed using the following criteria:

• Excellence: Is the project or service truly of a high quality? 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 RCS community?
• Ability: Can the applicant complete the project?

Applications will be reviewed by the REEF Board comprised of community members, parents, teachers, students, the superintendent and the school community. Their recommendations will be reviewed by Berkshire Taconic’s Board of Directors.

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