Barrio Alegría, in collaboration with the Wyomissing Foundation, has launched the third year of FARO Community Grants, aimed at fostering community engagement and supporting initiatives that create positive change in Reading.
These grants, now open for applications, are part of the ongoing partnership between Barrio Alegría and the Wyomissing Foundation, reflecting their commitment to inclusivity and empowering individuals and organizations often overlooked by traditional philanthropy.
FARO Community Grants, with a maximum of $5,000 per grant, will be awarded through a meticulous evaluation process. A panel of community volunteers from Barrio Alegría will review applications, offering recommendations to the Wyomissing Foundation Board of Directors.
Last year, the grants supported various impactful projects, including Teen ambassadors for the antiviolence organization The RealDeal 610, The Summer Cypher Series fostering networking and collaboration, and The Forge of Reading providing a safe space for men to explore their trauma.
Nonprofit organizations with an annual budget of less than $250,000 are eligible, along with informal groups or individuals (without a 501c3 designation) if they secure a fiscal sponsor. Barrio Alegría is available to assist in finding a fiscal sponsor. Collaboration with the community is a key criterion for eligibility.
Proposed projects should unite people based on shared values to instigate positive change in Reading. Preference will be given to projects benefiting Reading residents and neighborhoods. Grantees will have one year to complete planned activities, with one-day events only eligible if part of a longer-term project.
Applications, available on the Barrio Alegría website or at Barrio’s office at 140 N. 5th St., must be submitted by January 20, 2024.
Grants will be awarded, and funding will be available starting May 1, 2024. Barrio Alegría offers assistance with the application process and can answer questions. Completion of all four parts of the application is mandatory for consideration.
For more information and to access the application, visit the Barrio Alegría website at barrioalegria.com. Barrio Alegría looks forward to empowering initiatives that will bring about positive change in Reading through the FARO Community Grants.
