Charitable Donations and Scholarships

Since 1889, The Pittsfield Cooperative Bank has been committed to enhancing the economic vitality and social welfare of the communities we serve through charitable donations and sponsorships.  A major focus of our charitable giving is directed towards education, youth programs, and community development. 

We receive many requests and while we try to help as many as possible, we are unable to take part in all of the great initiatives throughout our communities. 

Requests for Donations

United Way

Scholarships

Requests for Donations

The Pittsfield Cooperative Bank is dedicated to supporting community organizations that contribute to the quality of life in the communities in which The Co-op maintains its offices.

Guidelines

The following guidelines should assist you in proposal preparation. Like most giving programs, we receive far more requests for support than we can approve. We encourage all organizations, whether they receive a contribution or not, to keep us informed of their activities. This may prove to be helpful for future reviews and considerations for awards. Please keep in mind that guidelines are flexible and may change.

Types of Organizations

• Be located in a community served by the Pittsfield Cooperative Bank
• Non Profit Organizations that are directly related to education, youth programs and community development.

Exclusions

• Individuals or families
• Religious organizations, unless the program supports and is open to the community
• Political activities or candidates for political office
• Organizations seeking funding for travel expenses
• Paid solicitors

Frequency and Amount of Support

One charitable gift or sponsorship will be awarded to an organization per calendar year.  If renewed funding is desired, the organization must submit a new request each year.  Unfortunately, it is not possible for the Pittsfield Cooperative Bank to fund every opportunity presented.  

Supporting Documentation

When preparing your request include a concise explanation of your organization’s mission, as well as pertinent other facts, such as your geographic reach, number of clients served, programs in place, etc. and how this population will benefit from the project or grant. Please be sure to label each attachment in the upper right corner.

Requirements

• The Bank will not consider multiple requests from the same organization in the same year.
• The requesting organization must provide a canceled check (for direct payment purposes).
• The Bank may only fund requests from organizations with 501(c) (3) not-for-profit status and/or those with “public charity” status or its equivalent.
• The Bank’s source areas are the communities in which the Pittsfield Cooperative Bank maintains its headquarters or a branch office. The Bank is particularly interested in areas where the Bank is an integral part of the neighboring business community.
• In some cases, site visits will be scheduled before funding decisions are made.
• Organizations receiving awards are expected to submit an update to the Bank upon completion of the project funded.
• Organizations will not automatically be considered for funding the following year.

Deadlines

Requests for contributions will be considered by the Contributions Committee on a monthly basis. It is recommended that requests be submitted by the first of the month.

Email requests to web@pittsfieldcoop.com. We do ask that you do not send confidential information to us via e-mail. E-mail is not necessarily secure against interception. If your communication is very sensitive or includes personal information like your account numbers, social security numbers or card numbers, you might want to call us or send it by regular mail.

Mail to

Vicky Kolodziej
The Pittsfield Cooperative Bank
70 South Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201

Please complete our Contributions Request Application.

United Way

The Pittsfield Cooperative bank is a substantial contributor to the Berkshire United Way. Our corporate contribution is made as an unrestricted donation and is available to local United Way member agencies.

Email requests to web@pittsfieldcoop.com.  We do ask that you do not send confidential information to us via e-mail. E-mail is not necessarily secure against interception. If your communication is very sensitive or includes personal information like your account numbers, social security numbers or card numbers, you might want to call us or send it by regular mail.

Pittsfield Cooperative Bank Centennial Scholarship

Established in 1989 in celebration of the Co-op’s 100th Anniversary. The Pittsfield Co-op’s Centennial Scholarship Fund has provided over $300,000 in aid to local students seeking to further their education.

The scholarship will be in the amount of $500 and awarded to graduating high school seniors residing in our general market area to help assist with tuition costs at an accredited two or four-year college, university, or vocational school. The number of scholarships will vary.

Eligibility for Scholarship:

• Applicant must be a primary customer in good standing to apply for the scholarship.
• Applicant must be a graduating high school senior residing in our general market.
• Applicant must be a graduating high school senior that will be attending a college or university.
• Applicant must have good academic standing.
• Applicant must exhibit a commitment to the community.
• Recipients must agree to allow the use of their name and or photograph for publicity.

Selection Criteria:

The Pittsfield Cooperative Bank reserves the right to select applicants based on a broad range of criteria including but not limited to scholastic/academic achievement, the anticipated field of study, community involvement.

Awards will be made payable to the institution the applicant is attending. It is the responsibility of the recipient to prove the contact information and dates for payment in a timely manner to the Pittsfield Cooperative Bank at least three weeks prior to any payment deadlines. Failure to provide this information will delay or prevent payment of the scholarship to the academic institution.

Please send an application, certifies school transcripts, and at least one recommendation on or before February 1 to:

Vicky Kolodziej
The Pittsfield Cooperative Bank
70 South Street
Pittsfield, MA 01201