Berkshire First Five

September 9, 2024

The First Five from Berkshire Funding Focus includes a mix of content for nonprofits, municipalities, schools, and businesses.   See the BFF website for more - or contact kpelto@berkshireplanning.org.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Planning Projects and Community Food Projects Grant Program helps you fight food insecurity and promotes self-sufficiency.

Local agriculture and tourism gets a boost from:

• Agricultural Fairs Infrastructure Grant - rehabilitate existing or build new infrastructure to advance viability and sustainability
• Farmers Market Sustainability Grant - promote your market and/or plan and improve infrastructure at your local or regional market

Making Dollars & Cents of Direct Pay

Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from Noon to 1:00 p.m. online

Did you know that the federal government will pay cities, towns, and nonprofits for their climate investments?

Join us to learn from the experts how you can receive payment equal to the full value of tax credits for building qualifying clean energy projects or making qualifying investments.

Maximizing MDAR Funding Opportunities and Navigating Climate Conditions

Tuesday, September 17, 2024, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Food Bank Farm of Western Massachusetts, 32 Shattuck Road in Hadley, MA

Learn about The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources' new succession planning opportunity, other grants, and Agricultural Preservation Restrictions. Tour the Food Bank Farm and learn how they are meeting the challenges of climate change.

Register here.

The Berkshires/Columbia County Pay Equity Coalition: 2024 Summit will showcase findings on progress made and remaining barriers. Register Here to attend on Wednesday, September 25 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center.

Berkshire Funding Focus (BFF), a regional initiative housed at BRPC, supports Berkshire County towns, businesses, nonprofits, and schools seeking state and federal funds to aid with recovery and rebuilding efforts. Learn more here: www.berkshirefundingfocus.org.

Have questions? Contact Recovery Grant Specialist Karen Pelto. We look forward to helping you find opportunities and resources that are right for you.

Berkshire Funding Focus

www.berkshirefundingfocus.org