Berkshire Trail Riders - Grant Program BTR – Grant Program_01105.pptx Last Rev 1/4/15 Hilary Harrold

Over the past 15 years Berkshire Trail Riders alone has made over $46,000 in philanthropic donations to: – Fire Dept’s, Ambulance Squads, Recreation Dept’s, Ronald McDonald House & many more Additionally many hours of volunteer time has been spent creating and maintaining trails open to the public for all types of recreation Yet riding areas continue to be reduced and the perception of Dirt Biking continues to be poor How can we raise awareness of the benefits to town & community of responsible riding? Berkshire Trail Riders - Grant Program All Riders & Clubs are facing the same issue

Like other clubs BTR makes a profit from some of the organized events we put on In the past we made direct donations to the emergency rescue squads of the local towns The BTR Grant Program was introduced to gain an awareness by the town government & community of the support given by BTR The Board of Selectman gain a better understanding of the clubs by: – Reviewing the grant application and discussing with the Emergency Rescue dept. – Seeing the Check presented to the Emergency Rescue Dept. – Hearing from the Club presenter about riding in the area and how it can be done responsibly The town see’s a positive article in the local paper about Dirt Biking helping the local Emergency Rescue Dept. with mention of volunteer trail work & supporting local business Berkshire Trail Riders - Grant Program Why a Grant Program?

Berkshire Trail Riders - Grant Program Sequence: 1.Club appoints Grant co-ordinator 2.Club agreement on what towns to approach & maximum amount they can request 3.Send out Cover Letter & Application to Board of Selectmen 4. copy to Fire Chief or representative 5.Follow-through & prompting to get completed application returned 6.Club agreement on which grants & amounts to approve 7.Club agreement on who will attend the town meeting to present the check 8.Send out notice of Grant approval to Board of Selectmen 9. copy to Fire Chief or representative “Our club would like to present the check at the next town meeting” 10.Present the check at the town meeting Give credit to local supporting land owners w/o names Take picture 11.Send picture & short summary to town paper for publication How does the Grant Program work?

Berkshire Trail Riders - Grant Program Sample Cover Letter Sample Grant Application Include: 1.What the program is 2.Who it benefits 3.Timing 4.Contact info for Grant Coordinator Application should include: 1.Town Info 2.Contact Person 3.Amount Requested 4.What it is for

Berkshire Trail Riders - Grant Program Sample Acceptance Letter Letter to Town to Include: 1.Who is making the donation (club name) 2.Amount Given 3.Given to Emergency Rescue Dept. 4.Contact info for Grant Coordinator Club Presenter at Meeting: 1.Convey information in letter 2.Talk to other benefits 1.Trail work 2.Local sales 3.Thank Land owners that allow events Mention only once or twice per year No names to Town & Fire Department should state that the club would like to present the check at the next Town Meeting & who from the club will contact them to set this up

Berkshire Trail Riders - Grant Program Sample Letter to local papers Include: 1.Picture 2.Recipients 3.Grant amount(s) & what will be purchased 4.“Feel Good” info about the club: 1.Philanthropic 2.Volunteer Trail Maintenance 3.Long History Example BTR sent to: Springfield Republic Berkshire Eagle