#ONEDAY Critical Needs Alert raises $1.6M to support southwestern Pennsylvania nonprofits

Donations amplified by $550,000 incentive pool from foundations and donors 

PITTSBURGH, AUG. 7, 2024 – As economic uncertainty continues to challenge families and individuals, regional nonprofits providing basic needs services got a much-needed boost of operating support on Aug. 6 from the #ONEDAY Critical Needs Alert online giving event. The 16-hour campaign raised $1.59 million. Contributions were spurred by more than $550,000 in incentive funding provided by The Pittsburgh Foundation, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County and their donors. 

Organized by The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, the #ONEDAY Critical Needs Alert event raised dollars for 165 nonprofit organizations in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties that provide essential human services in five areas — child care, food and nutrition, eviction prevention and housing, employment, and physical and mental health care — directly to vulnerable people.  

“The success of this year’s Critical Needs Alert reinforces the belief of people in southwestern Pennsylvania that nonprofits provide invaluable services to our neighbors in need,” Pittsburgh Foundation President and CEO Lisa Schroeder said in announcing the fundraising totals. “With more than a decade of Critical Needs Alerts behind us, we are grateful for the enormity of generosity from our community during even the most challenging times.” 

Of the $550,000 incentive pool provided by The Pittsburgh Foundation, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County and their donors, $50,000 was earmarked for Westmoreland County organizations. Donations from $25 to $1,000 triggered funding from the incentive pool, which is divided among nonprofits after the giving concludes.  

Allegheny County organizations received a total of over $1.505 million and Westmoreland County nonprofits raised over $84,000, including incentive funds, from the campaign.  

Since the inception of the Critical Needs Alerts in 2013, the Foundation has raised over $15 million through the campaigns, including incentive funds. Following the attack on the Tree of Life*Or L’Simcha, Dor Hadash and New Light congregations in November 2018, $794,000 was raised for the #LoveIsStronger day of giving campaign, which benefited eight organizations. 

Critical Needs Alert giving events align with the Foundations’ mission of improving quality of life. The events help to realize the vision of a vibrant, equitable and just Pittsburgh region that supports everyone—regardless of race, identity or circumstance—to thrive and fulfill their potential. 

# # #