Berkeleyan

Chancellor's Community Partnership Fund gears up for a second year of grantmaking

08 February 2007

The Chancellor's Community Partnership Fund is inviting local community groups to apply for its second annual grants program. Berkeley-based nonprofit organizations and neighborhood groups that propose projects linking the campus with the community to improve the quality of life for Berkeley residents are eligible to apply for funding.

The fund was established as part of the campus's agreement with the city of Berkeley following the adoption of the 2020 Long Range Development Plan. In 2006 the fund received 45 applications and awarded grants to 15 community-based organizations. Annual allocations to the fund will be made through the year 2020.

Through a competitive process, the fund in 2007 will distribute $207,000 in grants for projects in two categories: neighborhood-improvement projects that enhance community facilities or the physical environment of Berkeley neighborhoods, and community-support and -service projects that further the economic, social, or cultural well-being of Berkeley residents.

"This is an opportunity to leverage the academic resources of the university and the creative energy of the community," says Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates.

Grant proposals are due by Monday, April 30, and awards will be announced in July.

The fund is hosting two public workshops for prospective applicants, one on Wednesday, Feb. 14, from 3 to 5 p.m. in 150 University Hall, and the other on Thursday, March 8, from 7 to 9 p.m. at St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2024 Ashby Ave., Berkeley.

Additional information about the fund and a grant-application package are online at communityrelations.berkeley.edu/ccpf. Questions about the fund should be directed to UC Berkeley Community Relations Director Irene Hegarty at 643-5296 or hegarty@berkeley.edu.