Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc
Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc is a private foundation and the philanthropic arm of Berkshire Bank, based in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Established in 1997, it supports nonprofits across a stated five-state footprint of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont, with a focus on small business, financial inclusion, and housing.
Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc at a glance
In short: Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc gave $2.0M across 478 grants in 2024 (avg $4K), mostly in Massachusetts. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $2,032,164
- -20.6% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 478
- -20.6% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $4,251
- +0.0% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $2,500
- Total assets
- $17,076,020
- -8.4% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Massachusetts (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc
- How to Apply
-
The filing lists Lorelei Kiely, executive director, as the application contact and calls for a written application with the materials described above.
- Review Cycle
- The filing lists the 15th of December, March, June, and September.
- Deadline
- The filing lists the 15th of December, March, June, and September.
- Contact
Application contact: Lorelei Kiely Executive Director
Mailing address: 24 North Street PO Box 1308, Pittsfield, MA 01202
Phone: (413) 447-1722
Email: lkiely@berkshirebank.com
Website: https://berkshirebank.com
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Berkshire United Way Inc ($39K across 3 grants). Together the top 10 received $307K.
Organizations only. It also paid 5 grants to individuals ($43,100), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
1,697 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 1,691 grants of 1,697 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation describes its footprint as Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. In filing year 2024, all reported grant dollars went to recipients in Massachusetts.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 478 itemized grants.
States
Cities
How Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc gives
- 48% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving fell 29% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 213% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $2.0M (2024) to $4.1M (2020). In 2024 it made 478 grants totaling $2.0M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Common Capital Inc Pittsfield, MA | Small and micro business lending and business assistance expansion- multi-year | $33,333 |
| Greenpath Inc Pittsfield, MA | Greenpath Financial Wellness Support | $30,000 |
| Berkshire Family YMCA Inc Pittsfield, MA | Berkshire Family YMCA Full of Possibilities Campaign | $25,000 |
| Berkshire Theatre Group Inc Pittsfield, MA | BTG Plays! Year-Round Education Program | $25,000 |
| Entrepreneurship for All Inc Pittsfield, MA | Business Accelerator | $25,000 |
| Habitat for Humanity International Inc Pittsfield, MA | Westside Revitalization Affordable Housing Xday | $25,000 |
| Mass General Brigham Incorporated Pittsfield, MA | Dementia Caregiver Collaborative | $25,000 |
| McLa Foundation Inc Pittsfield, MA | McLa Basic Needs Center | $25,000 |
| Quinebaug Valley Community College Fndtn Pittsfield, MA | Dr. Robert E. Miller Educational Advancement Campaign | $25,000 |
| Salve Regina University Pittsfield, MA | Salve 75TH Anniversary Access Scholarships | $25,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $17,076,020 | $1,005,693 | $2,258,440 | $2,032,164 | 478 | $2,139,631 | $899,384 | $1,002,510 |
| 2023 | $18,644,149 | $2,013,457 | $3,296,244 | $2,559,162 | 602 | $2,998,033 | $1,901,946 | $1,018,036 |
| 2022 | $19,742,211 | $1,247,630 | $3,375,653 | $2,937,377 | 615 | $3,359,878 | $1,120,724 | $1,184,045 |
| 2021 | $21,904,477 | $3,333,543 | $3,321,708 | $2,878,138 | 1 | $3,311,384 | $3,191,259 | $1,362,117 |
| 2020 | $21,946,092 | $718,732 | $4,352,544 | $4,078,383 | 1 | — | $589,251 | $1,276,410 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc reported a distributable amount of $1.0M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The foundation’s stated purpose is to distribute grants to nonprofit organizations across its five-state footprint. Its three primary grant programs are Small Business, Financial Inclusion, and Housing, with additional support for health and wellness, food insecurity, youth development, and arts and culture.
Examples of grantees illustrate the range of organizations supported. Common Capital describes itself as a community development financial institution providing business loans and technical assistance in Western and Central Massachusetts. Entrepreneurship for All says it accelerates economic and social impact through inclusive entrepreneurship. Berkshire Theatre Group says its mission is to produce theatre and provide educational activities, while the Westfield State University Foundation says it supports the university, particularly through scholarships and educational activities.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 478 grants totaling $2,032,164. Grants ranged from $50 to $33,333, with a median grant of $2,500. Notable awards included $33,333 to Common Capital for small- and micro-business lending and business assistance expansion; $30,000 to GreenPath for financial wellness support; and $25,000 each to Berkshire Theatre Group, Entrepreneurship for All, Habitat for Humanity International, and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, among others.
The filing states that the foundation does not restrict giving to preselected organizations. It requires a written application with the organization’s IRS determination letter confirming 501(c)(3) status, current board list, board-approved operating budget, most recent annual report, Form 990, and financial audit report. Awards are restricted to tax-exempt organizations qualifying as Section 501(c)(3) public charities.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Sean A. Gray as chairman and Thomas R. Barney as vice-chair. It lists John LaFleur as treasurer and Lorelei Kiely as secretary, along with trustees Donna Evan, Erin Boggan, Laurie Norton Moffatt, and Gary Levante.
Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc is led by Sean A. Gray, Chairman on every filing since 2020; 1 of 8 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Sean A. Gray
Chairman
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Donna Evan
Trustee
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
Laurie Norton Moffatt
Trustee
On filings since 2022
No compensation reported
Erin Boggan
Trustee
On filings since 2023
No compensation reported
Gary Levante
Trustee
New on the 2024 filing
No compensation reported
Lorelei Kiely
Secretary
On filings since 2020
40 hrs/week
$188K (2020) → $250K (2024)
Thomas R. Barney
Vice Chair
On filings since 2020
No compensation reported
John Lafleur
Treasurer
New on the 2024 filing
No compensation reported
Former officers (8)
- Former: Angela Dixon (2021–2023) — Trustee
- Former: Michael King (2021–2023) — Treasurer
- Former: Baye Adofo-Wilson (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: Jacqueline Courtwright (2020–2022) — Trustee
- Former: D. Jeffrey Templeton (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: J. Williar Dunlaevy (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: Robert M. Curley (2020–2021) — Trustee
- Former: James Moses (2020) — Treasurer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $250K, to Lorelei Kiely (Secretary).
Frequently asked questions about Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc
How much does Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc give each year?
Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc gave $2.0M across 478 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $2.6M across 602 grants.
What is Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc's typical grant size?
Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc's median grant in 2024 was $2,500, and its average grant was $4,251, across 478 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc give grants?
Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc gives mostly in Massachusetts: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Pittsfield, MA (473 grants).
Does Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc give general operating support?
Occasionally: 1% of Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (3 of 478) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Matching Gifts" (11 grants).
Who are Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc's largest grantees?
Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc's largest 2024 grantees include Berkshire United Way Inc ($38,600 across 3 grants), McLa Foundation Inc ($36,000 across 3 grants) and Habitat for Humanity International Inc ($35,500 across 4 grants), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 5 grants to individuals ($43,100), which are not listed by name. Together they received 5% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc?
Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc reported $17.1M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $2.1M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $1.0M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc fund?
The foundation’s stated purpose is to distribute grants to nonprofit organizations across its five-state footprint. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc?
The filing lists Lorelei Kiely, executive director, as the application contact and calls for a written application with the materials described above. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc's EIN?
Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 04-3365869. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Saint Louis, MO
The Enterprise Holdings Foundation supports charitable and educational nonprofits in communities where Enterprise Mobility operates, focusing on health, education, arts, and disaster relief; applicants must be actively supported by an Enterprise Mobility team member, spouse, or domestic partner. Giving varies widely: it reported 9,499 grants in 2024, but its 2025 filing showed one grant of $101.4 million, so that amount is not a typical award. Applications are accepted at any time through eligible Enterprise-affiliated applicants; the Foundation does not limit giving to preselected organizations.
Assets
$594.3M
Grants
1
Total Given
$101.4M
Massachusetts Bankers Association
Boston, MA
The Massachusetts Bankers Association funds a range of charitable causes, including education, financial literacy, housing, and support services, with most grant dollars going to Massachusetts organizations. Its 2025 grants ranged from $100 to $44,000, with a median of $5,500; it funds only preselected organizations and does not accept unsolicited requests.
Assets
$2.7M
Grants
31
Total Given
$195K
Jane and Jack Fitzpatrick Trust
Stockbridge, MA
The Trust funds capital projects for nonprofits serving Berkshire County, including building renovations, construction, purchases, and fixed equipment; it may occasionally consider planning, technology, land, or seed funding. Recent grants ranged from $2,500 to $250,000, with a median of $50,000. It accepts unsolicited letters of inquiry, which are reviewed before selected applicants are invited to submit full proposals.
Assets
$17.5M
Grants
19
Total Given
$1.2M
Berkshire United Way Inc
Pittsfield, MA
Berkshire United Way funds local nonprofits and community initiatives focused on household stability and financial mobility, early childhood and youth development, and mental health and quality of life in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. Recent grants ranged from $6,000 to $90,000, with a median of $30,000; Community Impact grants are for two years, while Venture Fund requests are capped at $10,000 annually. The profile describes application processes for both grant programs but does not state whether unsolicited requests are accepted.
Assets
$5.6M
Grants
31
Total Given
$1.0M
The Feigenbaum Foundation Inc
Pittsfield, MA
The Feigenbaum Foundation funds nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working in education, academic and medical fields, culture, Berkshire County community services, and established religious programs, preferring organizations located in or primarily benefiting the Berkshires. Its 2024 grants ranged from $200 to $1 million, with a median of $20,000. It accepts applications through online or hard-copy options, with requests reviewed in January and May.
Assets
$78.3M
Grants
105
Total Given
$4.0M
Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation Inc
Sheffield, MA
Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation funds nonprofits and individuals through community, education, environmental, social-service, arts, youth-development and scholarship programs in Berkshire County, Massachusetts; Columbia and northeast Dutchess counties, New York; and northwest Litchfield County, Connecticut. Its 2024 grants ranged from $5,100 to $1,010,250, with a median of $16,768. It accepts applications for specific opportunities; deadlines and eligibility vary by fund.
Assets
$251.8M
Grants
381
Total Given
$12.8M
More similar funders
More Funders in Massachusetts
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 4, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/berkshire-bank-foundation-inc-morg_462e932c77ba4891811b9c21d6785bf7
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_043365869_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/berkshire-bank-foundation-inc-morg_462e932c77ba4891811b9c21d6785bf7},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-04. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Berkshire Bank Foundation Inc down — hundreds of funders to go?