#ONEDAY Critical Needs Alert raises $1.73 million in operating support

Donations amplified by $578,000 incentive pool from Foundation and its donors

PITTSBURGH, AUG. 15, 2022 – In a year dominated by economic uncertainty, regional nonprofits providing basic needs got a much-needed boost of operating support on Aug. 9 from the #ONEDAY Critical Needs Alert online giving event. The 16-hour campaign raised $1.15 million. Contributions were spurred by $578,000 in incentive funding provided by The Pittsburgh Foundation, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County and their donors.

Organized by The Pittsburgh Foundation, the event raised operating support dollars for 193 charities in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties that provide basic needs—child care, food, housing, employment and physical and mental health care—directly to vulnerable people.

“The Critical Needs Alert is a reflection of the trust that people place in nonprofits providing direct service and an expression of the gratitude that we and the people of the region have for organizations doing this work,” Pittsburgh Foundation President & CEO Lisa Schroeder said in announcing the fundraising totals. “It is an extraordinary achievement that, in a year of runaway inflation, so many people participated.” 

The Critical Needs Alert campaigns are popular because each donation matters. “Every gift, from $25 to $1,000, triggers additional funding from the incentive pool,” said Kelly Uranker, vice president of the Foundation’s Center for Philanthropy, which organizes the annual event.

Of the $578,000 incentive pool provided by The Pittsburgh Foundation and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County and their donors, $50,000 was earmarked for Westmoreland County organizations. Incentive pool dollars are divided among nonprofits after the giving concludes. Allegheny County organizations received a total of $1.64 million and Westmoreland County nonprofits raised $93,000 including incentive funds.

Since the inception of the Critical Needs Alerts in 2013, the campaigns have raised a total of  $12 million, including incentive funds. An additional $794,000 was raised following the Tree of Life shooting in November of 2018. That  #LoveIsStronger campaign benefited eight organizations.

Critical Needs Alert giving events align with the Foundation’s vision of creating a vibrant, equitable and just Pittsburgh region that supports everyone, regardless of race, identity or circumstance, to fulfill their potential.

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