Berkshire Foundation
Preselected recipients only
Berkshire Foundation is a private foundation in Carmel, California. In tax year 2025 it gave $1.4 million in 22 grants; the typical grant was $50,000 and the largest $150,000. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$1.4 million
- Number of grants22
- Typical grant$50,000
- Largest grant$150,000
- Assets$29.6 million
- New grantees32%
Giving in 2025 was up from $1.4 million the year before.
32% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a mix of repeat and new grantees.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $1.2 million | 22 | $23.5 million |
| 2024 | $1.4 million | 25 | $28.0 million |
| 2025 | $1.4 million | 22 | $29.6 million |
How to apply
Berkshire Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What Berkshire Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 5 states, the most to California.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| California | 16 | $900,000 |
| New York | 3 | $225,000 |
| Hawaii | 1 | $100,000 |
| Illinois | 1 | $100,000 |
| New Hampshire | 1 | $50,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Center for Reproductive Rights | To fund community services | $150,000 |
| Interim Inc | To fund community services | $150,000 |
| Carmel Bach Festival | To fund community services | $100,000 |
| Hualalai Foundation | To fund community services | $100,000 |
| Mearth | To fund community services | $100,000 |
| Monterey Symphony | To fund community services | $100,000 |
| One Acre Fund | To fund community services | $100,000 |
| The Food Bank | To fund community services | $75,000 |
| Boys and Girls Clubs of Monterey County | To fund community services | $50,000 |
| Foundation for Csumb | To further exempt purpose | $50,000 |
| Pacific Reperatory Theatre | To fund community services | $50,000 |
| The Film Forum | To fund community services | $50,000 |
| California Community Foundation- Palisades | To fund community services | $50,000 |
| Ludlow Institute | To fund community services | $50,000 |
| Marin Art & Garden Center | To further exempt purpose | $40,000 |
| Breakthrough T1D (JDRF International) | To fund community services | $25,000 |
| Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy | To fund community services | $25,000 |
| The California State Park Foundation | To fund community services | $25,000 |
| The Parish of Saint Matthew | To fund community services | $25,000 |
| Community Human Services | To fund community services | $25,000 |
| Edgewood Center for Children and Families | To fund community services | $25,000 |
| Canal Alliance | To fund community services | $10,000 |
Officers and trustees
- Susan Snorf Lansbury
- Cynthia Snorf Livermore
- James Cadillac Zak
- Roberta Buffett Bialek
- Carolyn Snorf Akcan
- V Cascade Zak Dewitt
- Charles Edgar Lansbury
- Galen Lansbury
- Robert Lansbury
- William Lansbury
- L Berkshire Zak
- W Everest Zak
Questions people ask
Does Berkshire Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does Berkshire Foundation give?
$1.4 million in tax year 2025, across 22 grants, with a typical grant of $50,000.
Who runs Berkshire Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Susan Snorf Lansbury (President), Cynthia Snorf Livermore (Treasurer), James Cadillac Zak (Secretary) and Roberta Buffett Bialek (Director & President Emerita) among 12 officers and trustees.
What does Berkshire Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly arts and culture, environment and conservation and youth programs.