Grants + Technical Assistance

The BBEC publicizes grants that we believe will be of benefit to Black entrepreneurs and Black businesses. Grants marked with the BBEC logo have been reviewed by our organization.

BBEC Professional Expertise Grant

Funding will be available to cover the cost of professional expenses for Black businesses. This grant is made possible by the generous contribution of Mike and Rebecca Thompson. Grants up to $1,500 available.

First come, first served. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Berkshire Afro Renaissance Grant

The Berkshire Black Economic Council’s Black Arts Council is proud to announce Berkshire Afro Renaissance Grant. This grant is for Black youth, ages 12-25 years old, to support local Afro artist’s equipment needs. Example include but are not limited to:

  • Paint, easel, sketchbook
  • Sewing machine, fabric scissors
  • Camera, poloroid film, tripod
  • Instruments, stage props, DJ turntables
  • Adobe, photoshop
  • Craft supplies: glue gun, collage paper and so much more!
  • Other (Not shown here)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Tribal Cultural Council Program,

The Tribal Cultural Council Program, offered through Mass Cultural Council, provides funding for cultural projects that benefit Massachusetts communities and reflect local cultural priorities. Tribal Cultural Councils establish their own priorities and criteria for funding.

Individuals and organizations can apply for eligible projects that support cultural programming, community engagement, and public benefit.

Deadline to apply: October 15, 2026

Visit Mass Cultural Council to apply and learn more details.

Lawrence Foundation Grant

The Lawrence Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations working in areas that align with the foundation’s funding interests and priorities. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or work with an eligible fiscal sponsor.

The foundation accepts applications twice a year and provides funding to organizations addressing a range of community needs.

Deadline to apply: October 31, 2026

Visit The Lawrence Foundation to apply and learn more details.

Local Cultural Council Program

The Local Cultural Council Program, administered by Mass Cultural Council, provides funding for cultural projects that offer public benefit to communities across Massachusetts. Local councils establish their own priorities and may support a range of arts, humanities, and cultural activities.

This opportunity can support individuals, organizations, schools, and community groups with eligible cultural projects.

Deadline to apply: October 15, 2026

Visit Mass Cultural Council to apply and learn more details.

Artist Resource Trust (A.R.T.) Fund for Organizations

The Artist Resource Trust (A.R.T.) Fund for Organizations, offered through Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, provides grants to nonprofit organizations to purchase, exhibit, or commission work by mid-career visual artists in New England and the Berkshire Taconic region.

Grants generally range from $1,500 to $7,000 and support opportunities that benefit artists, organizations, and their communities.

Deadline to apply: October 15, 2026

Visit Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation to apply and learn more details.

For Farmers Grant

The For Farmers Grant provides funding to farmers for projects that support their farms and help them move forward. Foundational Grants of $500–$1,000 can support infrastructure, equipment, supplies, innovation, and more. Additional grants of $5,000 and $10,000 are available for land stewardship and transformational projects.

This opportunity helps farmers invest in their operations, care for their land, and strengthen their communities.

Deadline to apply: October 12, 2026

Visit For Farmers Movement to apply and learn more details.

Food Access and Retail Expansion (FARE) Fund

The Food Access and Retail Expansion (FARE) Fund provides grants and technical assistance to eligible food retailers and post-harvest food supply chain businesses working to expand access to healthy food in underserved communities.

Grants range from $20,000 to $250,000, with technical assistance of up to $75,000 also available for eligible projects.

Deadline to apply: October 30, 2026

Visit Investing in Food to learn more details.

Equity Fund

The Equity Fund, offered through Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, supports projects led by or serving BIPOC communities across the region. Funding can support work focused on racial justice, economic empowerment, educational equity, health equity, leadership development, and cultural heritage.

This opportunity is open to nonprofits, community groups, coalitions, and eligible individuals working on community-centered projects.

Deadline to apply: October 15, 2026

Visit Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation to apply and learn more details.

Green School Works Technical Assistance Services

Green School Works Technical Assistance Services supports schools pursuing energy efficiency and clean energy improvements. The program provides guidance and technical support for planning and implementation efforts.

This opportunity helps schools reduce energy costs, improve building performance, and advance sustainability goals.

Deadline to apply: Rolling

Visit Mass Clean Energy Center to apply and learn more details.

School Bus Advisory Services Program

School Bus Advisory Services Program supports schools and districts exploring clean transportation solutions. The program provides technical assistance related to school bus electrification and fleet planning.

This opportunity helps schools evaluate options, reduce emissions, and plan for sustainable transportation systems.

Deadline to apply: Rolling

Visit Mass Clean Energy Center to apply and learn more details.

Brave New Visions: Creativity as Rebellion

Brave New Visions: Creativity as Rebellion supports photographers and visual artists exploring themes of creativity, identity, and social change through photography. The opportunity focuses on showcasing innovative artistic perspectives from around the world.

This opportunity helps artists gain international exposure, share their work with broader audiences, and advance their creative practice.

Deadline to apply: September 11, 2026

Visit PhotoVogue to apply and learn more details.

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