Community Foundations of Westmoreland County (CFWC)
and The Pittsburgh Foundation (TPF) plan to merge

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does CFWC want to merge with The Pittsburgh Foundation? Why now?

CFWC has been concerned for some time that its size may inhibit its abilities long-term to fulfill its ambitious goals as a community foundation. CFWC views this as a capacity issue; that it lacks the critical mass to develop its organization at the pace it believes is required in order to provide the impact, engagement and the necessary resources that are urgently needed in the Westmoreland community.

CFWC enthusiastically supports this venture from a position of strength while recognizing the enormous potential of the merger to generate positive transformation and benefit for its community.

2. What is the timeline and process for completing the merger?

Proposals have been submitted for review to the Office of the Attorney General for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and final authorization is anticipated within approximately three months. The merger agreement has been thoroughly examined by legal counsel and the boards of both foundations which unanimously approved the plan.

3. How will the relationship work?

CFWC will operate as part of TPF but will retain its identity, staff and its Greensburg offices and its responsibilities for grantmaking in the Westmoreland region, community engagement, donor services and developing new funds.

On completion of the merger process, CFWC’s activities will continue to be overseen by its current 17-member Board of Directors, who will form an advisory board reporting to TPF’s Board of Directors. CFWC’s Board Chairman, Mr. Vincent Quatrini, Jr., will join TPF’s full Board. CFWC’s employees – four full-time and one part-time – will integrate with The Pittsburgh Foundation’s staff and will continue to work from CFWC’s existing Greensburg offices.

4. How did discussions begin? Who initiated the conversation?

Discussions between CFWC and TPF began in 2009, initiated by CFWC and at the outset these concerned possible alliances and ways that the two foundations might collaborate. The conversations became deeper about establishing a more permanent and sustainable relationship over the long-term, resulting in the boards of both organizations unanimously approving plans for a full merger.

5. What are the benefits to CFWC? How exactly will the merger strengthen CFWC?

The merger will provide CFWC with new and extensive administrative, operational and marketing resources provided by TPF.

Immediate benefits for the Westmoreland community will include lower administrative fees for donor funds and access for its donors to TPF’s more diverse and robust investment options for endowment funds.

The merger will provide significant efficiencies and cost-savings while increasing funding and staff resources to maximize grantmaking impact, support for nonprofit organizations and engagement with existing and prospective donors.

6. Specifically, how will grantmaking increase? Will new grantmaking dollars come into Westmoreland County?

Benefits are expected to grow over time for the Westmoreland community. The merger will make CFWC better placed to address critical issues and needs in the Westmoreland community and more attractive as a partner for other funding organizations interested in doing philanthropic work in Westmoreland. TPF will provide support in many areas and will be evaluating ways that it can help strengthen CFWC’s grantmaking capacity.

7. What are the advantages to TPF?

Human, social and cultural needs do not cease at the county borders and this groundbreaking agreement will enable TPF and CFWC to develop a vigorous coordinated effort to the benefit of the Pittsburgh region. Our shared mission is, together, to build better communities.

Additionally, this represents an innovative development for local philanthropy, as our sector nationally seeks to be more effective in ways that it serves its communities and constituents. There are many critical issues that are common to both organizations and this merger will create a significant regional focus for creating positive, sustainable and transformative impact for the broad community.

TPF’s guiding principles in its conversations with CFWC have been to give access for donors and nonprofit organizations in Westmoreland to the very best in community philanthropy while preserving local identity and decision-making.

8. What future role will CFWC’s Board have under the merger? What will happen to CFWC’s staff? Will CFWC continue to have a physical location in Westmoreland?

As explained in the answer to Q3, on completion of the merger, CFWC’s Board will remain, serving as advisory board to oversee CFWC’s operations. The advisory board will report to TPF’s Board, and CFWC’s Board Chairman, Mr. Vincent J. Quatrini, Jr., will join TPF’s full Board. CFWC’s employees – four full-time and one part-time – will integrate with The Pittsburgh Foundation’s staff and will continue to work from CFWC’s existing Greensburg offices.

9. What is CFWC’s vision for its long-term development?

CFWC is committed to providing its donors with world-class services and to offering the families, individuals and organizations of Westmoreland the strongest and most effective community foundation possible. The completion of the merger will represent the successful consolidation of CFWC’s work over the past 15 years, and helps to provide the local community with the philanthropic resources it both needs and so richly deserves.

CFWC and TPF believe that the merger represents a ‘leading edge’ initiative and that the venture positions both as innovative, progressive organizations breaking new ground to the benefit and well-being of the regional community.

10. How will nonprofits apply for grants when the two foundations are merged?

Nonprofit organizations in Westmoreland will work directly with CFWC in the normal way, as will CFWC’s other constituents, including donors, prospective donors, professional advisors and civic leaders. TPF staff will be available to offer professional services and expertise and will serve in a support and advisory role.

11. Will TPF extend its programs and initiatives to Westmoreland County?

TPF’s discretionary grantmaking will remain focused on Allegheny County as will CFWC’s discretionary grantmaking continue to target Westmoreland County.

However, TPF will work with CFWC to extend to Westmoreland some of its innovative programs and key initiatives developed as part of its mission to offer ‘go-to’ resources for philanthropy in the region. Among these is PittsburghGives, a unique on-line research and giving program, and a new charitable gift card. The Foundation has also created a new Blog as a forum for community dialogue around critical issues and is a leading participant in other social media.

12. What reaction to this development does CFWC expect from its donors, nonprofit organizations and other constituents?

CFWC is confident that the Westmoreland community will recognize the enormous potential created by the merger to generate positive change and benefit for our region. This is the right time and the right move for CFWC, and The Pittsburgh Foundation provides the perfect partnership.

CFWC will continue to strive to make a meaningful impact on the lives of our families and individuals, to truly make a difference to this place we call home and to make this a better community for all citizens. As stewards of the resources and trust placed in us, CFWC looks forward to strengthening our work with donors, nonprofit organizations and civic leaders, preserving and further enhancing the legacy we have built for future generations.