Sponsors of Mass Save Grant to Support Energy Efficiency Education

BOSTON — The Sponsors of Mass Save announced that applications are now open for the fourth round of the Mass Save Community Education Grant, an initiative that serves to increase access to and awareness of energy efficiency programs through educational and culturally relevant opportunities for residents in Environmental Justice Communities (EJCs).

This continued effort by the Sponsors aims to equitably reduce carbon footprints across communities and help the commonwealth reach its net zero goals.?? 

For one year, all grant applicants must participate in an annual program progress evaluation and carry out a number of activities, which include collaborating with participating Mass Save Sponsors and creating initiatives to help engage residents in energy efficiency education and programs. While the application is open to all organizations that meet eligibility requirements, priority will be given to EJCs with a particular focus on renters, landlords, English isolated customers, K-12 student organizations and income-eligible individuals. 

Selected grant recipients may receive:? 

• Funding that can range from $5,000 to $25,000 per year depending on project proposals (awarded in two cycles) to support project costs 
• Mass Save branded collateral to assist in marketing efforts of the grantee 
• Assistance planning local events 
• Pre-recorded training sessions by content experts on energy efficiency offerings and best practices 
• Access to a utility company account manager to maximize energy efficiency opportunities in municipal buildings 

Since 2022, the Mass Save Community Education Grant has delivered more than $1M in funding statewide to 48 recipients. A critical component of the upcoming 2025-2027 Three-Year Energy Efficiency and Decarbonization Plan, the Sponsors will continue to provide this funding opportunity twice a year for community-based organizations, helping to bring energy efficiency awareness and education to residents in EJCs.  

To apply for the grant, visit the online application on MassSave.com. The deadline to apply is Nov. 15, 2024. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend the informational session on Nov. 6, 2024 from 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.?To register for the webinar, reach out to Kaira Fox at kaira.fox@eversource.com. 

Pittsfield's Christian Center Seeks Community Input on Services, Name

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:57PM / Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Worker Dionisio Kelly, left, board member Kenny Warren, Executive Director Jessica Jones, and Food and Services Director Karen Ryan.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's a new year, and The Christian Center is looking at how it can serve the area in 2026 and beyond. 

This includes a possible new name fueled by community forums in late January and early February. 

"We're hoping people will come in and talk about the name, talk about what programs, what services they would like to see from us. What would be most meaningful," Executive Director Jessica Jones said. 

"Because the population in this area has changed quite a bit, and we no longer serve just the West Side. We serve people from other parts of Berkshire County. So the hope is just to make it more inclusive." 

The Christian Center was a stop on Berkshire Community College and NAACP Berkshires' Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

The nonprofit will hold three input sessions at 193 Robbins Ave. to inform future programs and branding, and ensure that West Side voices are heard. 

The sessions will be held on: 

• Saturday, Jan. 31, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. 
• Thursday, Feb. 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. 
• Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. 

The center dates back to the early 1890s, when it was the Epworth Mission started by the Methodist Church to serve newly arrived immigrants and help them assimilate. The Christian Center was incorporated in 1974. 

Over the decades, it has drifted away from a faith-based organization to a space for anyone who needs a meal, a warm jacket, a place to bring their child, or a meeting place. A space for everyone. 

This is what center officials wanted reflected in the name.