Best Pittsburgh Grants for Nonprofits in Pennsylvania

The Toy Foundation Program offers a unique opportunity for nonprofit organizations to apply for toy donations to support children in need. The application period runs from January to June, with approved applicants receiving toys by the end of the year. This initiative, part of the Toy Chest program, has positively impacted over 35 million children since 2003, promoting play as essential for emotional and educational development.

The Pittsburgh Foundation Basic Needs Grants for Mental Health aims to enhance access to quality, affordable mental health services for residents, particularly addressing barriers faced by marginalized communities. With funding ranging from $10,000 to $150,000, the program supports initiatives that connect individuals to mental health resources, reduce stigma, and promote social well-being. This grant reflects the Foundation's commitment to improving quality of life and addressing the ongoing impacts of social injustices in Allegheny County.

The Vibrant Pittsburgh Mini Grants initiative, funded by Vibrant Pittsburgh and the Urban Affairs Foundation, aims to promote civic engagement among diverse communities in Pittsburgh. With a total funding pool of $50,000, this program will award $25,000 to two organizations focused on retaining diverse talent in the region. Eligible projects should foster inclusivity and collaboration, engaging various community partners to ensure a vibrant, multicultural workforce.

The Pittsburgh Foundation offers Basic Needs Grants focused on Physical Health to improve community well-being. Established in 1945, it prioritizes health equity by funding programs that address barriers to accessing quality healthcare. Grants aim to support low-income individuals, particularly BIPOC communities disproportionately affected by health disparities. The Foundation provides financial assistance for essential services including physical, dental, and mental health care, ensuring that all residents have equitable access to health resources.

The Pittsburgh Foundation Equity and Social Justice Grants focus on enhancing access to reliable information, ensuring community members can participate in decision-making that impacts their lives. Established in 1945, the Foundation prioritizes grantmaking initiatives that support civic engagement, challenge systemic injustice, and promote equitable access to opportunities. With grants ranging from $10,000 to $150,000, the Foundation aims to empower communities through education, dialogue, and fact-based media to foster systemic change.

The Pittsburgh Foundation's Equity and Social Justice Grants aim to combat mass incarceration by prioritizing community-led solutions. With a history of supporting vulnerable populations, these grants focus on civic participation and systemic policy changes. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) charities located in or serving Allegheny County. Grant amounts range from $10,000 to $150,000, emphasizing the importance of leadership from those directly affected by injustice.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Karen R. Dobbs Music Fund

The Karen R. Dobbs Music Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide private lessons for two talented students in the Pittsburgh Public School System each year, one for flute and one for trumpet, who would not otherwise be able to afford such instruction.

Award Type: Single Year. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The Pittsburgh Foundation's Equity and Social Justice Grants: Protect Basic Needs program aims to support grassroots initiatives that help low-income residents in Allegheny County meet their basic needs. By prioritizing funding for organizations that address systemic injustices, the foundation seeks to empower communities through civic participation and community organizing. Grants range from $10,000 to $75,000 for one year, with a maximum of $150,000 for two years, fostering equitable access to essential resources.

The Pittsburgh Foundation Equity and Social Justice Grants focus on enhancing voter engagement among historically underrepresented communities. Established in 1945, the Foundation champions civic participation and community organizing to combat voter suppression and ensure equitable access to the voting process. Grants ranging from $10,000 to $150,000 support initiatives that educate, register, and mobilize voters, fostering a vibrant democracy where every voice is heard. Applications are welcomed from qualified nonprofits serving Allegheny County.

The Pittsburgh Foundation Equity and Social Justice Grants: Youth Justice aims to support nonprofit organizations addressing the needs of youth involved with the criminal and juvenile justice systems in Allegheny County. The foundation prioritizes funding for initiatives that promote civic engagement and systemic change, emphasizing leadership from those directly impacted by injustice. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $150,000, aiming to prevent disproportionate youth system involvement and enhance staff skills in trauma-informed practices.

The Pitcairn-Crabbe Foundation Grant focuses on supporting religious work, Christian education, community welfare, and the overall improvement of humanity's condition, particularly in Pennsylvania. The foundation prioritizes projects that demonstrate measurable outcomes, address significant challenges, and show potential for leveraging additional support. Applicants must submit an online Letter of Inquiry (LOI) to outline their organization and funding needs. Grants are typically limited to agencies within a 100-mile radius of Pittsburgh.

The American Society of Biomechanics offers Student Travel Awards to facilitate the attendance of student members at its annual meeting. These awards include complimentary registration for eligible students who have authored accepted abstracts for presentation. This initiative aims to promote the exchange of ideas among students and professionals in biomechanics and related fields, enhancing their academic and professional development through participation in this important event.

The William Henry Fitch Memorial Trust, established by the Pittsburgh Foundation, aims to provide need-based scholarships for nursing students facing systemic barriers to education. Eligible applicants must reside in Allegheny County, PA, maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0, and attend an accredited nursing program. Preference is given to those demonstrating financial need and who are at junior/senior level in a four-year institution or second-year in a two-year program. This initiative supports equity in educational opportunities.

The PNC Foundation's Grow Up Great Grant is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for children from birth to age 5. With a commitment of $500 million, this program focuses on improving school readiness through support in vocabulary development, social-emotional learning, and the arts. By partnering with community-based nonprofits, PNC aims to foster stronger, smarter, and healthier communities, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.

The Stantec Community Engagement Grant is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in communities where Stantec operates. Focused on arts, education, environment, and health and wellness, the grant supports initiatives that foster sustainable development and responsible practices. Organizations seeking funding must align with Stantec's values, emphasizing ethical practices and community impact. Preference is given to projects located near Stantec offices, ensuring a more significant local impact through their contributions.

Jewish Healthcare Foundation

The Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF) was established in 1990 with proceeds from the sale of Montefiore Hospital, a healthcare institution financed and founded by Pittsburgh's Jewish community.

The Jewish Healthcare Foundation (JHF) and its three operating arms—the Pittsburgh Regional Health Initiative (PRHI), Health Careers Futures (HCF), and the Women's Health Activist Movement Global (WHAMglobal)- offer a unique brand of activist philanthropy to advance healthcare innovation, advocacy, collaboration, and education in the interest of better health. JHF is also the fiscal agent for State HIV/AIDS funding in southwestern Pennsylvania. JHF is funded by public and private sources as well as the JHF endowment. JHF is focused on pertinent health issues for the entire community, including the Jewish community.

Death & Dying Fellowship

Serious illness and death are a normal part of life. Despite this undeniable reality, healthcare professionals are often ill-prepared to have effective conversations about death, dying, and grief with patients and families. We can, and must, do better to address the "Elephant in the Room" and support patients and their loved ones throughout the serious illness experience.

Through a combination of virtual and in-person sessions in the Pittsburgh area, you’ll learn, confront, and discuss the legal, medical, social, cultural, familial, and spiritual aspects of death and dying as part of a multidisciplinary group in a low-pressure environment.

During the fellowship, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with experts in serious illness, practice conversation skills, and participate in site visits.

The Eberly Foundation Grant focuses on supporting local students in their educational pursuits beyond high school. With a commitment to undergraduate education, the foundation provides scholarships, programmatic support, and funding for various educational initiatives at specified colleges and universities. Additionally, it plays a vital role in fostering economic development and health services in Southwestern Pennsylvania, aiming to benefit the residents of Uniontown and Fayette County.

The Lewis A. and Donna M. Patterson Charitable Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in western Pennsylvania by supporting arts, cultural enrichment, higher education, care for the poor, and health care research. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) exempt and focus on charitable purposes. The foundation prioritizes projects that benefit the local community, particularly in counties such as Allegheny, Westmoreland, and Greene, providing vital resources to foster community growth and development.

No one sees the world like we do. At Eden Hall Foundation, we view our work through a woman’s lens to improve the quality of life for all people across our region. This perspective is unique. And it’s always served us—and Southwestern Pennsylvania—well.

The Focus of Our Work  

Improve the quality of life for women, the disadvantaged, and all those who live in southwestern Pennsylvania

• Advance and disseminate useful knowledge
• Improve health and wellness
• Enhance civic and community resources and amenities\
• Increase access to the arts for all.

Eden Hall Foundation entertains grant proposals for:

• Innovative or evidence-based programming
• Capital Projects
• Capacity Building
• Technical Assistance
• Scholarship Funds

The Educational Foundation of America (EFA) supports the Reproductive Health & Justice Grant Program to enhance access to abortion and contraception throughout the U.S., particularly in Appalachia, Alabama, and Florida. EFA funds innovative organizations that advocate for reproductive rights, provide direct support to abortion services, and leverage impact investing strategies. This commitment aims to ensure reproductive freedom, foster equity, and promote sustainability in underserved communities.

The Roy A. Hunt Foundation offers Community Development Initiative Grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life in Pittsburgh and Boston. With a focus on economic development, neighborhood revitalization, and partnerships, these grants support programs that address community needs through innovative solutions. Grants typically range from $15,000 to $250,000, promoting best practices and collaboration. The foundation prioritizes proposals that align with regional goals and have the potential for replicability, especially in underserved areas.

The Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh program offers vital funding to nonprofit organizations dedicated to celebrating Black culture through arts and community engagement. Grants up to $100,000 over two years support those with a proven history of presenting Black art, promoting accessibility, and fostering diverse audiences. This initiative empowers organizations to continue their impactful work, ensuring that the richness of Black heritage is honored and uplifted. Applications are limited to one funding stream per year, enhancing focus and efficiency.

The Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh program supports individual artists and nonprofit organizations with project grants up to $50,000 and general operating support up to $100,000. This initiative aims to uplift Black culture across various artistic disciplines, encouraging projects that promote identity, innovation, and community empowerment. Eligible applicants can apply for funding to enhance their artistic endeavors, focusing on social justice, cultural criticism, and public policy engagement, thereby fostering a vibrant arts scene reflective of the African diaspora.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Pittsburgh Technical Institute Scholarship Fund

Scholarship for students originally at PTC, now at the Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) who reside in the states of Pennsylvania, Ohio or West Virginia and are deserving on merit or are in need of financial help to begin or continue their education.

Award Type: Renewable Award (subject to committee recommendation)..

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Phyllis Toby Genszler Memorial Scholarship

The Phyllis Toby Genszler Memorial Scholarship Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation in memory/honor of Phyllis Toby Genszler. Phyllis was a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and spent her 40-year professional career working in various computer-related roles at PPG until she retired. She was passionate about helping others along their life journey which is why her husband Jack Philips established this scholarship to honor her legacy and provide awards to students who may not be at the top of their class but still show great potential.

Award Type: Multi-year award for up to two years. Recipients may be enrolled full time or part time.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Grable Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the lives of children in the Pittsburgh area by supporting early learning, public education, out-of-school programs, and community resources. By investing in innovative educational initiatives and family-friendly activities, the foundation strives to create an environment where children can thrive, explore, and reach their full potential. Their work fosters collaboration among educators, families, and community organizations to ensure every child has access to high-quality learning experiences and support.