Grantmaking at The Pittsburgh Foundation

The Pittsburgh Foundation comprises several types of funds that award grants in different ways. Our donors have created funds to support designated agencies; to provide scholarships to students who attend specific schools; to support medical research and to address specific fields of interest. Donors also choose to establish funds whereby they can advise on grantmaking from their funds subject to the approval of the Foundation's Board of Directors. The Foundation does not accept proposals for designated/donor advised funds.
Other donors have established endowed funds where the charge of the Foundation's Board of Directors is to "meet community needs as they arise." These funds are known collectively as The Pittsburgh Foundation Community Endowment.

The mission of the Foundation's discretionary grantmaking is to foster sustainable communities, defined as those which seek to seamlessly integrate economic, social equity and environmental goals in order to enhance the quality of life for residents of Allegheny County. Sustainable communities can be identified by the presence of Self Sufficient Individuals and Families, Healthy Communities and A Vibrant Democracy.

In June 2009, the Foundation's Board of Directors approved a new strategic plan that set out goals for the Program Department as it carries out grantmaking from The Pittsburgh Foundation Community Endowment.  For additional information, please see the Grant Guidelines.  To see how these grants build a better community, watch the stories from our community.