Private foundation · EIN 77-0438710 · Carmel, California · Philanthropy & grantmaking

Berkshire Foundation

Should you approach them?

Don't send a cold proposal. The foundation reports that it only gives to preselected organizations; an introduction through a current grantee or board member is the realistic route.

From the 2025 Form 990-PF: 22 grants paid, $1.4M total, median $50K. 73% of grants stayed in California.

Accepts applications
No
per 990-PF Part XV
Grants paid, 2025
22
$1.4M
Median grant
$50K
Stays in CA
73%
of grants
Deadline
—
Assets
$5.8M

Grants paid in 2025

22 grants, all shown · from Form 990-PF Part XV

RecipientPurposeAmount
Center for Reproductive RightsNew York, NYTo fund community services$150K
Interim IncMonterey, CATo fund community services$150K
Carmel Bach FestivalCarmel, CATo fund community services$100K
Hualalai FoundationKailuakona, HITo fund community services$100K
MearthCarmel, CATo fund community services$100K
Monterey SymphonyMonterey, CATo fund community services$100K
One Acre FundHighland Park, ILTo fund community services$100K
The Food BankSalinas, CATo fund community services$75K
Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey CountySeaside, CATo fund community services$50K
Foundation for CsumbSeaside, CATo further exempt purpose$50K
Pacific Reperatory TheatreCarmel, CATo fund community services$50K
The Film ForumNew York, NYTo fund community services$50K
California Community Foundation- PalisadesLos Angeles, CATo fund community services$50K
Ludlow InstituteEpping, NHTo fund community services$50K
Marin Art & Garden CenterRoss, CATo further exempt purpose$40K
Breakthrough T1d (jdrf International)New York, NYTo fund community services$25K
Golden Gate National Parks ConservancySan Francisco, CATo fund community services$25K
The California State Park FoundationSan Francisco, CATo fund community services$25K
The Parish of Saint MatthewPacific Palisades, CATo fund community services$25K
Community Human ServicesMonterey, CATo fund community services$25K
Edgewood Center for Children and FamiliesSan Francisco, CATo fund community services$25K
Canal AllianceSan Rafael, CATo fund community services$10K

By state: California 16 · New York 3 · Hawaii 1 · Illinois 1 · New Hampshire 1

About this foundation

Berkshire Foundation is a private grantmaking foundation in Carmel, California, tax-exempt since 1996. Private foundations must pay out roughly 5% of their assets each year, mostly as grants to 501(c)(3) public charities.

All filings on ProPublica

Does Berkshire Foundation accept grant applications?

No. On its 2025 Form 990-PF the foundation checked that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations. Look for an introduction through a current grantee.

How much does Berkshire Foundation give each year?

In tax year 2025 it paid $1.4M across 22 grants, a median of $50K.

Where does Berkshire Foundation give?

California (16 grants), New York (3 grants), Hawaii (1 grants) and elsewhere, per its latest filing.

More foundations near Carmel that accept applications

All in California
FoundationBased inGrants paidMedian grantAccepts applicationsAssets
Charles and Marie Robertson Foundationsince 2014 Carmel, CA $1.3M19 grants · 2024 $50KPreselected only $27M
Barnet Segal Charitable Trustsince 1986 Carmel, CA $720K24 grants · 2024 $5,000Preselected only $11M
Otter Cove Foundationsince 1998 Carmel, CA $325K4 grants · 2024 $100KPreselected only $9.4M
Hazen Family Foundationsince 2012 Carmel, CA $1.4M1 grants · 2025 $1.4MPreselected only $8.0M
Marti and Steve Diamond Charitable Foundationsince 2016 Carmel, CA $261K3 grants · 2024 $4,175Preselected only $4.6M
The Talbott Family Foundationsince 1995 Carmel, CA — —Not stated $4.4M
The Judith McBean Foundationsince 1987 Carmel, CA $279K26 grants · 2024 $2,500Yes $3.2M
Ona E Murphy and Robert E Murphy Charitable Trustsince 2002 Carmel, CA $145K8 grants · 2025 $7,500Preselected only $2.7M
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