Berkshire Bank Foundation Announces Record $4 Million to Support 500 Organizations across New Englan

Berkshire Bank Foundation Announces Record $4 Million to Support 500 Organizations across New England & New York


BOSTON, MA - March 22, 2021 -- Berkshire Bank, a purpose-driven community bank with locations primarily in New England and New York, announced that its Foundation donated a record $4 million to more than 500 organizations in 2020. These contributions will directly benefit communities across Berkshire Bank's market. The large majority of the grants focused on Berkshire Bank's and its Foundation's financial equality priorities, diversity and inclusion, and community economic well-being.

The total amount awarded in 2020 equates to a 40% increase in philanthropic funding from the prior year. The increase is due in part to the rising need due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and Berkshire's desire to ensure the health, safety, and economic resiliency of all those in the communities it serves. Over the last ten years, Berkshire's Foundation has provided approximately $21 million to organizations and communities in New England and New York.

"We are honored to support the missions of so many deserving and impactful organizations," said Lori Gazzillo Kiely, Director of Berkshire Bank Foundation. "It's only when we work together that we have the opportunity to change lives and create meaningful change in communities. We are proud to partner with so many organizations doing such important work in the communities that Berkshire Bank serves."

The Foundation's grants supported programs focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion; small businesses, entrepreneurship, economic development; education, job training, financial wellness, workforce development; and affordable housing to meet the evolving needs of communities served by Berkshire Bank.

Additionally, the Foundation supported programs addressing basic needs, including food insecurity and arts and culture programming for under-resourced groups.

Additional details on the Foundation's philanthropic guidelines and application process can be found online at www.berkshirebank.com/giving

About Berkshire Bank

Berkshire Bank is a community bank committed to purpose-driven performance based on its Be FIRST corporate responsibility culture.  

Berkshire Bank provides business and consumer banking, mortgage, wealth management, investment, and insurance services. The Bank has approximately $12.8 billion in assets and operates 124 branch offices primarily in New England and New York, with an agreement to sell its eight Mid-Atlantic branches. Headquartered in Boston, Berkshire Hills Bancorp (NYSE: BHLB) is the parent of Berkshire Bank and is a member of the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index. To learn more, call 800-773-5601 or follow us on FacebookTwitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.