The Berkshire United Way Venture Fund responds to emerging human needs beyond our portfolio of Community Impact investments.
The Venture Fund supports nonprofit organizations in addressing urgent and high priority needs in Berkshire County. The project or initiative may be a new idea, method, or service that improves the quality of life for residents of the Berkshires.
Eligibility
Applications are reviewed quarterly and projects should meet the definition and purpose of the Venture Fund. An organization’s request may not exceed $10,000 annually. Organizations may apply once per year, but no organization will be funded by the Venture Fund for more than two years. If an organization wishes to continue requesting BUW funds beyond the two-year Venture Fund eligibility period, they must apply for funding through the regular grant application process.
The Venture Fund is meant to support a portion of the project or initiative unless agreed upon prior to support consideration. Funded agencies will be expected to develop a strategy to allow their program to be self-sustaining, without BUW funds, over the longer term. Funded agencies will be required to report on how the funds were allocated.
Eligible organizations must serve Berkshire County residents. The following are eligible to apply for funding, but may require a fiscal agent:
- Nonprofit organizations working and serving Berkshire County
- Public agencies (e.g. schools, healthcare organizations, government, etc.)
- Neighborhood associations
- New and emerging groups
For application criteria, contact Chloe Rychcik at crychcik@berkshireunitedway.org. Interested applicants are required to meet with Katherine von Haefen, BUW president and CEO, to discuss moving forward as an applicant.