Sponsors of Mass Save Open New Round of Applications

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BOSTON — The Sponsors of Mass Save launched the next round of applications for the Mass Save Community Education Grant, an initiative designed to increase engagement with local communities through energy efficiency education and literacy.
 
Since the initiative launched in 2022, the Sponsors have awarded more than $1 million in funding to 48 organizations across Massachusetts to raise awareness and advance equitable access to energy efficiency solutions that help customers reduce energy usage and bills. 
 
This year, for the first time, the Sponsors are accepting rolling admissions for the program, allowing eligible organizations to apply throughout the year. Submissions will be reviewed quarterly, and organizations selected will begin participating in the program following award notification and completion of onboarding, with funding to take place over a one-year grant period. 
 
Grant recipients will participate in a one-year program that includes an annual progress evaluation and collaboration with participating Mass Save Sponsors. Funded projects will focus on creating innovative strategies and initiatives to engage residents through energy efficiency education and literary efforts to help communities equitably reduce their energy burden and carbon footprint. While applications are open to all eligible organizations, priority will be given to projects serving Designated Equity Communities, with a particular focus on renters, landlords, English-isolated customers, K–12 student organizations, and income-eligible individuals. 
 
Selected grant recipients may receive: 
  • Funding ranging 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 and outreach efforts 
  • Assistance planning local events  
  • Access to a utility company account manager to help maximize energy efficiency opportunities in municipal buildings 
To apply for the grant, interested organizations should fill out the form here and review the eligibility requirements. 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Dalton Second Historical District Needs Grant Funding for Consultant

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — Efforts to establish historic districts in the town have spanned several decades, creating confusion about what voters originally approved.
 
"We have to bring them up to speed with the history of the situation with the districts," co-Chair Deborah Kovacs said during the commission's meeting on Wednesday.
 
In the late 1990s, voters approved the work to create all three historic districts, although at the time they were considered a single, known as the Main Street corridor historic district, she said.
 
When the town hired a consultant, Norene Roberts, to help with the district's establishment, she informed the commission that it had to be split into three because of the scope of work.
 
The first district, the Craneville Historic District, was added to the National Register of Historic Places on Sept. 14, 2005, after 10 years of work, and is located on Main and South Streets.
 
It has a rich history because of the activity in building, acquiring, and using the homes in the center of Craneville.
 
Mary Walsh in the only remaining commissioner involved in establishing the Craneville District.
 
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