Berkshire First Five Doubleheader

August 14, 2023

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 Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program supports projects that work across the food system to increase self-reliance of communities in providing for food needs.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers requests proposals for projects such as flood control and ecosystem restoration in small or economically disadvantaged communities at 100 percent Federal cost.

The Toxics Use Reduction Institute at UMass Lowell offers grants between $15,000 and $35,000 to help businesses research, evaluate, and/or adopt safer alternatives to toxic chemicals.

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services' Provider Technology Improvement Grants use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for Home and Community Based Services providers and contractors to upgrade and modernize their existing IT hardware and software.

Massachusetts Certified Public Purchasing Official - FREE!

Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General

September 2023 through June 2024

One employee per city or town can receive free tuition and receive MCPPO designation - register using this online form.

Build America Buy America Act (BABAA) Briefing

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

Tuesday, August 15 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. online

Learn about the requirements and applicability of the BABAA on FEMA grant programs.

Best Practices for Navigating Statewide Contracts and COMMBUYS Purchasing

Massachusetts Operational Services Division

Tuesday, August 15 from Noon to 1:00 p.m.

Register Here.

Access to Capital for Your Business

U.S. General Services and Small Business Administrations

Thursday, August 17 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.

Register Here.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has proposed rules to improve access and parity within its food distribution programs - written comments due October 13, 2023.

The Federal Communications Commission is accepting comments through September 6, 2023 on amended rules to ensure that interoperable video conferencing services are accessible to people with disabilities and to facilitate the integration and appropriate use of telecommunications relay services with video conferencing.

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 your municipality or school.

Berkshire Funding Focus

www.berkshirefundingfocus.org