Projects that will be considered
The following types of projects are eligible for grants from the program:

1. Projects that educate power users in the Met Ed region about renewable energy, the importance of energy conservation and/or energy conservation methods.
2. Projects that will improve the environment within the Met Ed service territory, relative to the transmission and distribution facilities of the company. These grants will be specifically limited to projects that propose to provide a public benefit from the use of the company's facilities. Applicants should not contact Metropolitan Edison directly regarding these projects, but should contact the Community Foundation.
3. Studies of the implementation of established or developing technologies (i.e. wind studies, methane quality studies) for projects to be situated in the Met Ed region. Preference will be given to projects that, if feasible, are likely to be attractive investments from the fund. Grants made under this category are limited to $25,000 per applicant. It is anticipated that the majority of funds for such studies will come from other sources.

Eligibility
Any organization, governmental entity, individual or corporation may apply for grants under this program. Entities that are not exempt from Federal Income Tax under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or are not units of government may apply, but should expect to provide extensive information as to their operations and be subject to significant oversight by the Foundation in the use of the funds.

How to apply for a grant
Write a Letter of Intent:
If you feel your request fits within the type of projects to be considered, write a brief letter (not more than two pages) describing the program and the amount of funding requested. The letter should include: a short description of your organization and its mission, what your proposed program is, who would benefit, what results would be achieved, the total cost to implement the program and a listing of other funding sources for this program.

Staff Review:
A Berks County Community Foundation staff member will review and evaluate all Letters of Intent and contact you as soon as possible. If the request is appropriate for further consideration, additional application materials will be sent to you for completion, requiring more detailed information about your organization and the proposed program, including measurable objectives, specific activities planned and a full budget.

Community Foundation staff will then review the completed application. The staff representative will work to understand the culture of your organization and the opportunities that your proposal presents to both your organization and the Metropolitan Edison Sustainable Energy Fund in accomplishing their respective missions.

Grant Award
The Metropolitan Edison Sustainable Energy Fund Advisory Board will evaluate completed applications and make grant recommendations to the Community Foundation Board of Directors for its final approval. The timeline for decisions varies greatly, depending on the complexity of the project. Applicants should assume that the process will require a minimum of seventy-five days.

Applicants are strongly urged not to directly contact members of the Metropolitan Edison Sustainable Energy Fund Advisory Board or the Board of Directors of Berks County Community Foundation. All communications regarding an application should be made through the designated staff representative.