The Pittsburgh Foundation

Neighbor-Aid reaches $1 million mark

Neighbor-Aid reaches $1m mark in emergency aid to nonprofits

PITTSBURGH, Pa., October 1, 2009 – As grants to nonprofit organizations passed the $1 million mark from the Neighbor-Aid emergency fund, a warning was sounded by The Pittsburgh Foundation about the severe threat to the region’s safety net resulting from the continued State budget impasse.

"The recent climb in poverty rates in metropolitan Pittsburgh and spikes in unemployment and demand for emergency aid is a grim reflection of the lingering impact of the economic recession," said Grant Oliphant, the Foundation’s President and CEO.

“On top of this unprecedented hardship we have a crisis that is placing further huge strain on our human services infrastructure, endangering support for the most vulnerable in our community,” said Diana Bucco, President of The Forbes Funds, an affiliate of The Pittsburgh Foundation, which has been working closely with nonprofits on the issue. “I am amazed that more nonprofits have not been forced to close by now due to the absence of State funding.”

“It is unconscionable that both sides cannot seem to find middle ground in order to pass a new budget,” said Grant Oliphant. “Increasing numbers of families and individuals depend on social and human services support for their very survival and I am deeply worried that it is going to take a tragedy to bring our State leaders to a compromise.”

Neighbor-Aid, a collaborative emergency fund, was established by The Pittsburgh Foundation to support nonprofit organizations struggling to meet the needs of families and individuals in hardship as the result of the economic downturn, yesterday approved grants to five nonprofit organizations totaling $214,500.

This brings the total value of grants distributed by the fund since it was formed in December 2008 to $1,000,500. Neighbor-Aid has a current balance of $239,550 and will continue fund-raising to support an anticipated further increase in demand through the fall and winter.

Neighbor-Aid was created to support nonprofits serving key areas of human need including housing, food, utilities, transportation and childcare. Partners in the initiative include the United Way of Allegheny County, civic leader Elsie Hillman and other local foundations working in liaison with Allegheny Department of Human Services.

Donors can contribute to Neighbor-Aid, on line either through The Pittsburgh Foundation or the United Way of Allegheny County via a specifically designed web site to support the fund at Neighbor-Aid.org. Alternatively, contributions may be made by check payable to The Pittsburgh Foundation – Neighbor-Aid Fund and sent to the Foundation’s offices at Five PPG Place, Pittsburgh PA 15222 or to United Way – Neighbor-Aid Fund and sent to Box 640716, Pittsburgh PA 15264-0716.

A summary of the latest grants and funding objectives are listed below.

The Salvation Army received $100,000 to supplement its increased response to provide families and individuals with essential support, including groceries, rent assistance, furniture, utilities, clothing, medical care, childcare, counseling and transportation.

Just Harvest Education Fund received $25,000 to increase its capacity to assist newly poor individuals and families to navigate the procedures for applying for food stamps while monitoring and improving the application process.

Crisis Center North received $16,000 to support case management services, increase the organization’s capacity and to disseminate funding to those in need.

Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh received $20,000 to provide emergency food assistance to families in addition to the client base regularly served by the organization. Society of St. Vincent De Paul received $53,500 to provide energy-efficient appliances to low-income families and individuals.


For further information, contact:
John Ellis
Vice President for Communications
412-394-2647 
Ellisj@pghfdn.org