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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Force 16U Defends Home Field with Tourney Title

By Stephen DravisiBerkshires.com Sports
PITTSFIELD, Mass. – The Berkshire Force 16U travel softball team Sunday rallied for three runs in the top of the seventh inning to pull away for an 8-4 win in the championship game of their Battle of the Berkshires tournament at the Doyle Complex.
 
Ava McMahon struck out six and gave up just one run after the first inning as the Force completed a 3-0 run through the playoffs after going 1-2 in pool play.
 
Mollie Crawford, Amelia Polidoro and McMahon each drove in a run in the late rally that finally gave McMahon a little bit of breathing room.
 
The Force jumped on top early with three runs in the top of the first, but the Nor’Easters out of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region responded right away, tying the game.
 
In the second, Amaya Alger (3-for-3) singled, moved up on Mackenzie Biros’ sacrifice bunt and scored on a combination stolen base/errant throw to give the Force a 4-3 lead it never relinquished.
 
But Berkshire missed chances to add to that lead in the third, fourth and fifth, leaving runners in scoring positions in each inning.
 
Meanwhile, McMahon was brilliant in the circle after a rough first inning, striking out six, walking just one and allowing three earned runs in a complete-game effort.
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