Berkshire Bank Foundation-Pioneer Valley, funded with a donation from Pittsfield-based Berkshire Bank, awarded $391,240 in grants to 64 nonprofit organizations in the Pioneer Valley in 2008.

While its funding priorities were education and community development projects, the foundation also donated to numerous human services, youth, civic and cultural organizations.

In the fourth quarter, the fund said it focused on nonprofit organizations that provided emergency food, fuel and shelter to those in need. In order to be eligible for a grant, nonprofit organizations must be located in or serve residents of communities in which Berkshire Bank does business, the bank said.

Recipient organizations in 2008 included:  Westfield State College; Cancer House of Hope; Springfield Technical Community College; Boys & Girls Clubs of Westfield, Ludlow and Chicopee; Westfield High School Science Fair; Noble; Friends of the Homeless; Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity; Hilltown CDC and numerous others.

The Berkshire Bank Foundation-Pioneer Valley is one of three charitable foundations affiliated with Berkshire Bank.