Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $2.5 million+ (2023)
Decision Time: Approximately 2 months
Grant Range: $100 - $100,000 (typical grants $100 - $10,000)
Number of Grants: 500-600 annually
Total Assets: $18.6 million (2023)
Geographic Focus: CT, MA, NY, RI, VT (specific counties within Berkshire Bank's footprint)

Contact Details

Website: berkshirebank.com/foundation
Email: foundation@berkshirebank.com
Phone: 413-236-3733
Address: PO Box 1308, Pittsfield, MA 01202-1308
Application Portal: Online via Blackbaud GrantsConnect/YourCause

Overview

Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc, established in 1997, is the philanthropic arm of Berkshire Bank and is headquartered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. With approximately $18.6 million in total assets, the foundation distributes over $2.5 million annually to more than 500 nonprofit organizations across its five-state footprint. The foundation's mission is to strengthen and improve the quality of life in communities where Berkshire Bank operates by supporting programs that create economic prosperity and enhance opportunities for individuals. In 2024, the foundation invested more than $1.7 million to nearly 400 nonprofits, and in 2023, nearly $2.5 million reached over 500 organizations. The foundation also administers Berkshire Bank's XTEAM volunteer program, which achieved 100% employee participation with over 40,000 volunteer hours annually, and a scholarship program for high school seniors.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Small Business Program

Focus: Supporting small business growth and entrepreneurship through access to capital, education, and technical assistance
Emphasis: Greater access for minority, women, and LGBTQ+-owned businesses
Examples: Community development financial institutions, business incubators, technical assistance providers

Financial Inclusion Program

Focus: Investing in programs that foster a pathway to upward economic mobility and overall well-being
Emphasis: Supporting the underbanked and unbanked populations
Examples: Financial literacy programs, workforce development, economic empowerment initiatives

Housing Program

Focus: Providing access to quality affordable housing to help individuals and families gain financial stability
Emphasis: Pathway to first-time homeownership for people of color, women, and other marginalized groups
Examples: Habitat for Humanity chapters, housing counseling agencies, affordable housing developers

NeXt Gen Scholarship Program

Amount: Up to $100,000 total annually ($2,500 per recipient)
Focus: High school seniors demonstrating community service, academic success (3.0+ GPA), and financial need (household income under $100,000)

Priority Areas

Programs serving more than 51% low- and moderate-income individuals
Programs offering Berkshire Bank employee volunteer opportunities
Programs with demonstrated, tangible track records of success
Health and wellness initiatives
Food insecurity programs
Youth development
Arts, culture, diversity, and inclusion

What They Don't Fund

Fraternal, labor, and political organizations (including fraternal orders of police and firefighters)
Lobbying groups
Athletic teams or social groups
Private foundations
Intermediary organizations that raise and distribute funds in their own name
Organizations outside Berkshire Bank's service footprint

Governance and Leadership

Key Personnel

Lori Gazzillo Kiely - Director, Berkshire Bank Foundation & Regional President, Berkshire County
- M.Ed. from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts; B.A. from Keene State College
- Graduate of ABA School of Bank Marketing and Management
- Serves on boards of 1Berkshire Alliance, Brien Center, and Berkshire Community College

Board of Trustees

Thomas W. Barney - Trustee; Senior Vice President/Wealth Advisor, Berkshire Bank Wealth Management
Donna Evan - Trustee
Michael King - Treasurer
Lorelei Kiely - Secretary

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Online Application: Submit through Blackbaud GrantsConnect/YourCause portal
Eligibility Check: System determines if application meets basic requirements
Rolling Basis: Applications accepted year-round
One Application Per Year: Organizations may submit only one application annually
No Written Inquiries: The foundation will not respond to written inquiries seeking financial support

Note: Berkshire Bank will consider no more than one application per year from any single organization. Organizations that have received either a charitable grant or bank sponsorship within the current calendar year are not eligible until the following year.

Decision Timeline

Applications reviewed on a rolling basis
Decisions typically communicated within 2 months
Applications reviewed by foundation staff and regional foundation grant committees
Large grants (rare) may require Board of Trustees approval

Success Rates

Approximately 600 grants awarded annually
Foundation reviews hundreds of applications each year
Strong emphasis on alignment with focus areas and employee engagement opportunities

Reapplication Policy

Organizations may reapply in subsequent calendar years
Previous recipients must wait until the following calendar year to apply again
No restrictions on reapplication for unsuccessful applicants (subject to annual limit)

Application Success Factors

What the Foundation Looks For

Based on foundation communications and documented priorities:

Strong LMI Impact: Programs must demonstrate that more than 51% of beneficiaries are low- and moderate-income individuals
Employee Volunteer Opportunities: The foundation explicitly prioritizes programs that offer Berkshire Bank employees opportunities for volunteer involvement and board service
Proven Track Record: Programs must have a demonstrated, tangible record of success with measurable outcomes
Geographic Alignment: Must serve communities within Berkshire Bank's footprint across the five-state region
Focus Area Fit: Applications should clearly align with one of the three priority areas (small business, financial inclusion, or housing)

Recent Funded Projects (Examples)

New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund - $100,000
Initiative for a Competitive Inner City - $50,000
Ukrainian Federation of America - $50,000
Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity - $49,000
Common Capital Inc - $33,000
Bennington County Habitat for Humanity
Main South Community Development Corp
InterCommunity, Inc.
Capital District Women's Employment & Resource Center (WERC)

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Employee engagement is critical - Highlight opportunities for Berkshire Bank staff to volunteer or serve on your board; this is explicitly stated as a priority factor
Quantify LMI impact - Clearly demonstrate that more than 51% of your program beneficiaries are low- and moderate-income individuals
Apply online only - The foundation does not respond to written inquiries; use the Blackbaud GrantsConnect portal
One shot per year - Plan strategically as you can only submit one application annually and cannot apply again if you've received funding that year
Expect modest grants - Most grants range $100-$10,000; only pursue larger requests if you have significant regional impact and strong foundation relationships
Demonstrate proven success - Provide concrete evidence of your program's track record and measurable outcomes
Geographic focus matters - Ensure your organization operates within Berkshire Bank's specific service counties; check their branch locations to confirm eligibility

Geographic Service Area (Specific Counties)

Massachusetts: Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester, Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, Norfolk counties

Connecticut: Hartford, Tolland, New London, Windham, New Haven counties

New York: Albany, Schenectady, Saratoga, Washington, Columbia, Warren, Rensselaer, Fulton, Montgomery, Onondaga, Oneida, Herkimer counties

Vermont: Bennington, Rutland, Windsor counties

Rhode Island: Washington, Newport, Providence, Kent counties

References

Information compiled December 2025