Berkshire Bank Foundation Announces Nearly $2.5 million in Philanthropic Community Investments 2023

The Foundation provided over $642,000 to support nonprofits during Q4 of 2023

BOSTON– Berkshire Bank, a relationship-driven, community-focused bank in New England and New York, is pleased to announce nearly $2.5 million in philanthropic investments were provided from its foundation in 2023 to support more than 500 nonprofit organizations.

During the fourth quarter, more than $642,000 in grants and scholarships were awarded to foster upward economic mobility, support overall well-being, and enhance opportunities for individual success in the communities the bank serves.

During 2023, more than 500 local nonprofits received grants to assist with a range of critical projects in the areas of health and wellness, housing, food insecurity, and economic enrichment. The Berkshire Bank Foundation is committed to supporting programs that work towards providing equitable opportunities for economic prosperity. In addition, it supports programs that align with Berkshire Bank’s Center for Women, Wellness, and Wealth.  

“The foundation is inspired by many nonprofits making a daily impact,” stated Lori Gazzillo Kiely, director of the Berkshire Bank Foundation. “We are proud to contribute to those in need and help organizations providing vital services to the communities that Berkshire Bank serves.”  

The Berkshire Bank Foundation has been a committed supporter of the Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC) since the idea of bringing an innovation center to the Berkshires was first proposed.  When we eventually opened the doors to our new facility, the foundation immediately stepped forward to support a nascent program aimed at helping high school students pursue careers in technical fields,” stated Ben Sosne, executive director, Berkshire Innovation Center. Sosne explained, “The foundation’s continued support has allowed that program to blossom into a cornerstone of a comprehensive STEM education platform, one that has impacted the lives of young people throughout our region.  The power of the BIC is rooted in the commitment of our community, and we thank Berkshire Bank for being such an important partner in this initiative.”  

Another nonprofit that Berkshire Bank supports shared, “We are so grateful for the support of Berkshire Bank all year long,” said Tom Nardacci, CEO of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. He continued, “Berkshire’s holiday gift to the food bank helped provide 40,000 meals throughout the food bank’s 23-county service area to neighbors experiencing food insecurity. Closing the meal gap is an impossible feat without support from strong community partners like Berkshire Bank.”
 
Urban League of Greater Hartford, President and CEO, David Hopkins shared, “We are excited to have Berkshire Bank as a multi-level supporter in the work we do to fulfill our mission. With over $25,000 in philanthropic contributions, volunteer service, talent and strategic development, CEO Nitin Mhatre and his team have helped the Urban League of Greater Hartford ensure our Project Ready high school scholars are prepared for college. They also helped continue our Project STABLE Financial Opportunity Center to assist adults with employment, financial fitness, and asset building.
 
The 2023 grant recipients listed below represent a sample of the projects that Berkshire Bank has supported to strengthen organizations within its regions. 
  • Action for Boston Community Development, Inc. in Massachusetts
  • Bennington County Meals Program in Vermont
  • Bennington Museum, Inc. in Vermont
  • Berkshire Family YMCA in Massachusetts
  • Berkshire Innovation Center in Massachusetts
  • Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks, Inc. in New York
  • Big Sister Association of Greater Boston in Massachusetts
  • Catholic Charities Worcester County in Massachusetts
  • Christopher’s Haven Inc. in Massachusetts
  • Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America in Massachusetts
  • Fenway Community Development Corporation in Massachusetts
  • Habitat for Humanity - MetroWest/Greater Worcester in Massachusetts
  • Home Ownership Center (HOC) in New York
  • Housing Families Inc. in Massachusetts
  • Initiative for a Competitive Inner City, Inc. in Massachusetts
  • Joslin Diabetes Center in Massachusetts
  • Main South Community Development Corporation in Massachusetts
  • Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) Foundation, Inc. in Massachusetts
  • Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless in Massachusetts
  • Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership, Inc. in Massachusetts
  • Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) Foundation in New York
  • Springfield Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. in Massachusetts
  • Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York
  • Rutland Community Cupboard in Vermont
  • Thames Valley Council for Community Action, Inc. in Connecticut
  • The Minority Construction Council, Inc. in Connecticut
  • The Southeast Asian Coalition of Central MA
  • United Theatre Education Center Inc., RI
  • Urban League of Greater Hartford, Inc. in Connecticut
  • Usher Syndrome Society in Massachusetts
  • Vermont Community Foundation in Vermont
  • WAM Theatre, Inc. in Massachusetts
  • Women Business Owners Alliance of the Pioneer Valley in Massachusetts
  • YMCA of Greater Boston / Oak Square Branch in Massachusetts

Additional details on the foundation’s grant programs and focus areas can be found at BerkshireBank.com/Foundation.  

Caption: Berkshire Bank’s CEO Nitin Mhatre served as honorary chair at the Urban League of Greater Hartford’s Equal Opportunity Day Gala where he was joined by other representatives of the bank.
 
    
Caption: Berkshire Bank volunteers work at A Bed for Every Child project with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless

Caption: Lori Gazzillo Kiely, Berkshire Bank’s foundation director, Berkshire County/Vermont regional president, and Berkshire Bank CEO Nitin Mhatre meet with Ben Sosne, executive director, Berkshire Innovation Center.
 

About Berkshire Bank 

Berkshire Bank is a relationship-driven, community-focused bank that delivers industry-leading financial expertise to clients in New England and New York and is a subsidiary of Berkshire Hills Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: BHLB), headquartered in Boston. With $12.4 billion in assets and 96 financial centers, the Bank provides a full suite of tailored banking solutions through its Commercial Banking, Retail Banking, Consumer Lending, Private Banking and Wealth Management divisions. For more than 175 years, Berkshire has delivered strength, stability and trusted advice to empower the financial potential of its clients and communities. Newsweek named Berkshire one of America’s Most Trusted Companies and one of America’s Best Regional Banks. To learn more, visit BerkshireBank.com and follow Berkshire on Facebook, XInstagram, and LinkedIn.  

Media Contact:   

Alicia Jacobs, AVP, Public Relations Officer,
[email protected], (413) 242-6540