Sponsors of Mass Save Open New Round of Applications

Print Story | Email Story
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 Youth Center Celebrates Refresh of Space

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

Spectrum donated $5,000 to the the Youth Center.
DALTON, Mass. — The Dalton Youth Center celebrated its refreshed building to better serve youth from across the county.
 
On Wednesday, parents and children, public officials like state Rep. Leigh Davis, and more gathered at the center's building at 27 South Carson Ave. to view the new updates.
 
Executive Director Ariana Massery, who started her role in January, welcomed the public and thanked everyone for attending and those who helped bring the more than 100-year-old building to what it is today.
 
"This building and this organization has existed in many ways to serve youth since 1909, and we have recently, in the last six months, made an investment to bring things to life, both from a programmatic standpoint and from a facility standpoint," she said.
 
The center, part of the nonprofit Community Recreation Association, got new paint, an updated gaming room with new furniture, a new gym floor, a refreshed kitchen with new appliances, and Smartboards and other technology to support tutoring.
 
It also celebrated programming through new partnerships with Berkshire Music School, Berkshire Innovation Center, and the Becket Arts Center. Youth will be able to learn robotics, how to write music, and more.
 
The center also partners with Berkshire Bounty to provide healthier snacks.
 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories