Daily News

Berkshire Bank Foundation Awards Nearly $85,000 to 20 Nonprofits

PITTSFIELD — The Berkshire Bank Foundation announced it has awarded $84,318 in grants and pledges to 20 nonprofit organizations in the Pioneer Valley during its first-quarter grants cycle.

The funding supported a variety of organizations, including DevelopSpringfield, supporting the construction of the Springfield Innovation Center in downtown Springfield; Volunteers in Public Schools of Westfield, supporting the Westfield Credit for Life Fair; Ludlow Community Center & Randall Boys & Girls Club in Ludlow, supporting its Project Learn academic-success program; Revitalize Community Development Corp. in Springfield, supporting its Green-N-Fit Neighborhood Block Rebuild; HAP Inc. in Springfield, supporting its first-time homebuyer counseling and education program; and United Way of Pioneer Valley in Springfield, supporting the creation of a financial-success center.

“We are proud to partner with these great organizations as we work collaboratively to make our communities stronger,” said Lori Gazzillo, foundation vice president and director. “It’s only through broad-based support from individuals, foundations, and businesses working alongside these nonprofits that we’ll successfully improve our community. We’re proud to play a small role in that effort.”

In addition to financial support, the XTEAM, the bank’s employee-volunteer program, provides employees with paid time off to volunteer during regular business hours. In 2015, more than 70% of Berkshire Bank’s employees provided more than 40,000 hours of service to benefit community organizations across the bank’s service area.