Sponsors of Mass Save Open New Round of Applications

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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. 
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Hinsdale OKs Police Department Audit After Fatal Shooting

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

HINSDALE, Mass. — The town has approved $25,000 for an administrative review of the police department, more than two months after police fatally shot 27-year-old Biagio Kauvil during a mental health crisis. 

Town Administrator Robert Graves said the shooting on Jan. 7 is not the only focus of the audit, and it will be several months before the Select Board receives a final report. 

During a special town meeting on March 11, an article appropriating $25,000 from free cash for an independent consultant to conduct a professional evaluation and audit of the Town's Police Department was approved. The audit includes a review of the department's policies, protocols, operations, and procedures, and concludes with a written report. 

"The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office and Massachusetts State Police are investigating the shooting, and we await their conclusions.  As we look to move forward, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, our insurance company (MIIA/Cabot Risk), and our legal counsel have recommended that the town hire an independent law enforcement consultant or firm to conduct a comprehensive administrative review of our police operation," Graves wrote in an email to iBerkshires on Friday. 

"This event is not their focus; they will assess the overall operation. We want a written assessment of our police operation's strengths and weaknesses to help Hinsdale make future changes and improvements." 

He said after completing the procurement process and signing a contract with a reputable consultant or business, it will most likely be several months before the Select Board receives the final report. 

"Still, it will help the town and police department move forward," Graves wrote. 

Last weekend, family and friends of Kauvil stood in Park Square asking for justice. A flier for the standout reads "Biagio was killed by police while experiencing a mental health crisis. Now, over seven weeks later, authorities have not yet provided any updates.

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