Applications are now available for the third year of FARO Community Grants.
Barrio Alegría and the Wyomissing Foundation are partnering for a third year to provide FARO Community Grants to inspire community engagement and “shine a light” of opportunity on people and organizations working to create positive change in Reading.
These grants will be focused on those who are often excluded from institutional philanthropy and who reflect the demographic composition and lived experiences of those being served. We are committed to working to share and shift power to the community through these grants.
One-time grants, up to $5,000 each, will be awarded through an evaluation process, using a panel of community volunteers from Barrio Alegría to review all applications and make recommendations to the Wyomissing Foundation Board of Directors.
Some of the projects funded last year were teen ambassadors for the antiviolence organization The RealDeal 610; a continuation of The Summer Cypher Series, a series of networking and collaboration sessions at Pagoda City Record studio, and providing a safe space for men to explore their trauma through The Forge of Reading.
Who can apply?
Only nonprofit organizations with an annual budget of less than $250,000 are eligible to apply. In addition, more informal groups, associations, or individuals (without a 501c3 designation) may also apply if they secure a fiscal sponsor to partner with to manage the grant funds and reporting requirements. If you need assistance securing a fiscal sponsor, please reach out to Barrio Alegría. Applying groups or individuals must demonstrate their ability to collaborate with others in the community.
Grant criteria:
Proposed projects should be designed to bring people together based on their shared values to create positive change in the community. Grants must benefit Reading residents and neighborhoods, and preference will be given to applying groups that are also located in Reading.
Successful grantees will have one year to complete planned activities and fully spend the grant. One-day-only events (festivals, celebrations, etc.) are not eligible unless they are an element or concluding event of a longer-term project.
Grants also cannot be used for individual financial assistance, fundraising or political events, or religious purposes.
Process:
- Applications can be completed on the Barrio Alegría website, or paper applications are available from Barrio’s office at 140 N. 5th St.
- The deadline for submitting applications is Jan. 20, 2024. Grants will be awarded, and funding will be available May 1, 2024.
- Barrio Alegría is available to answer questions about the application process or provide assistance with applying if needed.
- Applicants must complete all four parts (contact information, grant questions, video, and pertinent attachments) to be considered for a grant. Once you have completed all four parts, you will receive an email from [email protected] confirming your submission.
Applications can be found on the Barrio website: www.barrioalegria.com
Barrio Alegría is a nonprofit community transformation organization that utilizes the arts. Through different types of art platforms, the community becomes more engaged, and there is a rise in social and multicultural awareness.
Upcoming Barrio events:
- End-of-Year Karaoke: Closing out 2023 with a fun, safe, and inclusive bang on Dec. 1, from 7-10 p.m., 140 N. 5th St., Reading.
- My Mother’s Refrigerator: An art bazaar for up-and-coming local artists on Dec. 16, from 12-4 p.m., 140 N. 5th St., Reading.
- Holiday Window Concert: Free family-friendly holiday-themed musical presentation at BCTV, 401 Penn St., Reading.
