Frequently Asked Questions
 
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Our Foundation   Becoming a Donor   Current Donors  
Our Foundation ARCHIVES >
What is a community foundation?

Community foundations are tax-exempt public charities serving individuals who share a common goal: ...


How is The Pittsburgh Foundation different from a private foundation?

Community foundations such as The Pittsburgh Foundation offer a vast knowledge of the area served, ...


What types of funds can be established?

Donors have different goals, and The Pittsburgh Foundation has a selection of funds to suit ...


How are funds invested?

Donors choose from our list of investment managers who can offer investment guidance and options. ...


What types of charities receive grants?

Grants awarded through funds at The Pittsburgh Foundation must be made to organizations with ...


How does a nonprofit organization apply for a grant?

Our grant guidelines and applications are available on this site in the For Grant Seekers ...


What’s new at the Foundation?

The Foundation holds events year-round. Click here for information on upcoming events. Please visit ...


Whom do I contact for an interview, or for publicity guidelines?

Please contact John Ellis, Vice President for Communications, at 412.394.2647 or ...


Is there a minimum grant size?

We can process grants of $200 or more. ...


Becoming a Donor ARCHIVES >
Why give to a community foundation instead of establishing my own private foundation?

There are significant tax advantages to setting up a supporting organization or donor advised fund ...


What is the minimum contribution needed to start a fund?

Establishing a fund requires a $10,000 gift, or a $25,000 gift to establish a scholarship fund. ...


What is a supporting organization?

Supporting organizations are custom-tailored for endowments of approximately $2 million or more. A ...


Can I pass the right to make grant recommendations down to my children or other members of my family?

When establishing a fund, you can name an unlimited number of successor advisors. Please visit our ...


How are grants made? How often?

The Pittsburgh Foundation processes grants weekly. The Foundation receives a signed donor ...


Can the Foundation provide information about worthwhile projects and organizations to support?

The Pittsburgh Foundation’s professional and experienced grantmaking staff is on hand to aid ...


Will I have opportunities to meet with Foundation staff?

The staff of The Pittsburgh Foundation are available to assist you in a wide range of ways. ...


What is the Fund for Public Giving?

The Fund for Public Giving is a resource for broader community access to charitable giving through ...


What is expected in the first year after establishing a fund? How long does it take before I can recommend grants?

When establishing a fund, you may recommend a grant at any time during the first year if you ...


Current Donors ARCHIVES >
How do I check the financial status of the fund I advise?

You can contact your donor service representative at any time, and you also can check your statement ...


How do I make grant recommendations from a donor advised fund?

You will receive a donor advised recommendation form at the beginning of each calendar year. Simply ...


Are agencies verified prior to the processing of grants?

Yes. The Pittsburgh Foundation confirms that agencies are in compliance with the IRS, are officially ...


Can a donor advised fund be used to pay a pledge?

No.  When you contribute cash or property to The Pittsburgh Foundation to establish a donor ...


Can I email recommendations? Can I fax them in?

Yes, on both counts. You can fax recommendations to 412.391.5156. You can also use The Pittsburgh ...


Can I recommend grants anonymously?

Yes. The grant will be sent from the Foundation fund that you advise, and the grantee will be ...


Can I recommend one grant to be paid out over several years?

Yes. You may make a request for a grant to be paid in recommended intervals from the fund you ...


How can I become more involved at the Foundation?

The Foundation offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. Please contact your donor services ...


How do I RVSP for an upcoming event?

Call 412.394.2640 or email vukasa@pghfdn.org to RSVP for a donor event. Click here for a listing of ...


How quickly are grants processed?

Grants are generally processed weekly. Please be aware that grants above $25,000 require a grant ...


I received an acknowledgement of a grant paid from the fund I advise. Does that mean I can take the deduction on my income taxes?

No. Your income tax deduction was earned when you established a donor advised fund. The ...


May I recommend grants to agencies located outside the United States?

Yes, but only if they are chartered or have a fiscal agent in the United States. The Internal ...


What is the minimum grant amount I can suggest?

You can recommend a grant of $200 or above to any single organization. Please visit our FAQ/Glossary ...


What is the Fund for Public Giving?

The Fund for Public Giving is a resource for broader community access to charitable giving through ...


As a donor, whom should I contact if I have questions?

Contact your donor services representative by calling 412.394.2640 or via email: Kim HammerVice ...


FAQ / Glossary