Lee Bank Foundation
The Lee Bank Foundation was established in 2021 to further the Bank’s long-standing commitment to community reinvestment in Berkshire County.
Through the Foundation, Lee Bank provides funding to nonprofit organizations working to address critical needs and expand opportunity across the region. The focus is on supporting programs that deliver direct, measurable impact for youth and families in Berkshire County.
Funding priorities include:
- Education and literacy
- Food security and nutrition
- Economic growth and development
- Health and human services
- Mentorship, internship, and school-to-work initiatives
The Foundation is designed to support programs and projects, not general operating expenses or capital campaigns. This ensures that funding is directed toward initiatives with clearly defined goals, outcomes, and community impact.
As a locally governed foundation, funding decisions are made with a strong understanding of the organizations and needs within the Berkshires, with the goal of supporting meaningful, lasting impact across the region.
Looking for the people behind the Foundation? Meet our Lee Bank Foundation Board
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Lee Bank Foundation Grants
Lee Bank Foundation Grants
The next application deadline for the Lee Bank Foundation is June 1, 2026.
The Lee Bank Foundation provides grant funding to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations for programs and projects that directly benefit residents of Berkshire County.
What We Fund
- Program and project-based initiatives with clearly defined goals and outcomes
- Efforts that align with the Foundation’s priority areas
- Organizations serving Berkshire County, with a strong preference for those rooted in the local community
Funding Guidelines
- Grant amounts typically range from $1,000 to $25,000
- Organizations may receive one grant within a 12-month period
- Funding for the same program is limited to three consecutive years
- After three years, organizations must apply for a new program or take a one-year break before reapplying
What We Do Not Fund
To ensure fairness and consistency across all applicants, the Foundation generally does not fund:
- General operating expenses
- Capital campaigns or building projects
- Ongoing organizational overhead or staffing costs
Application Process
Grant applications are reviewed quarterly, with deadlines in:
- March
- June
- September
- December
All applicants are notified of a funding decision by the end of the review month.
Applications should clearly outline:
- The purpose of the program or project
- The population being served
- Expected outcomes and impact
- A detailed and realistic budget
Documents to help you prepare your proposal:
Before You Apply
If your request is tied to a specific event or one-time activity, it may be more appropriate for a Community Sponsorship.
If your request supports a defined program with measurable outcomes, the Foundation grant process is likely the right fit.
Questions before applying? Reach out to Alison Brigham, VP of Brand Experience and Community Impact, at [email protected].
Due to the volume of requests, not all eligible applications can be funded.
2025 Lee Bank Foundation Grant Recipients
2025 Lee Bank Foundation Grant Recipients
In 2025, the Lee Bank Foundation awarded $250,180 in funding to 49 nonprofit organizations across Berkshire County.
These organizations represent a broad cross-section of the community, supporting initiatives in education, the arts, food access, housing, workforce development, and human services.
We are proud to support their work and the meaningful impact they create every day.
We want to congratulate all of our 2025 Lee Bank Foundation grant recipients!
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18 Degrees
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AdLib
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Barrington Stage Company
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Becket Arts Center
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Becket Athenaeum
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Berkshire Agricultural Ventures
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Berkshire Art Center
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Berkshire Bounty
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Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention
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Berkshire Community Action Council
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Berkshire Community Diaper Project
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Berkshire County Head Start
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Berkshire Film and Media Collaborative
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Berkshire Grown
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Berkshire Immigrant Center
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Berkshire Innovation Center
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Berkshire Nursing Families
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Berkshire Pulse
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Berkshire United Way
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Blackshires
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Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity
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Childcare of the Berkshires
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Community Access to the Arts
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Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire
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Community Recreation Association
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Construct
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Downtown Pittsfield Cultural Association
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Elizabeth Freeman Center
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Goodwill
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Great Barrington Public Theater
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Greenagers
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Hilltown Village Inc. DBA It Takes a Village
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Kripalu
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Latinas413
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Lee Youth Association
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Literacy Network of South Berkshire
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Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center
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Neighborhood Ninjas
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NESEA for Cooler Communities
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Outreach, Inc.
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Pediatric Development Center
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Railroad Street Youth Project
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Roots Rising
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Second Nature Arts
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ServiceNet (The First)
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Sheffield Farmers’ Market
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Sonrisas
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The Nonprofit Center
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W.E.B. Du Bois Center for Freedom & Democracy
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Lee Bank Foundation Board
The Lee Bank Foundation Board brings together a group of community-minded leaders who guide the Foundation’s grantmaking and ensure alignment with its mission and priorities.
Made up of both Lee Bank employees and Lee Bank corporators, the Board reflects a balance of internal perspective and deep community connection.
Members represent a range of professional backgrounds and experiences, with a shared commitment to strengthening Berkshire County. Their local insight and thoughtful review process help ensure that funding decisions are both responsible and impactful.
