It is critical for the public, especially vulnerable and historically excluded people, to have access to reliable, trustworthy information so they may exercise their voice, participate in decision-making that affects their lives and ensure accountability of the officials elected to serve them. Unfortunately, across the country, communities have experienced a reduction in traditional news outlets, accompanied by a wave of mis- and disinformation that is amplifying distrust and concern. Additionally, recent studies show that Pittsburgh newsrooms heavily stereotype Black Americans in news coverage and are sorely underrepresented in terms of diversity. The tragic effects of not having access to trustworthy news and information were particularly apparent during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which disproportionately harmed Black and Brown people, and  police violence against Black people that launched nationwide protests in 2020. 

To positively impact these issues, the Foundation seeks to support:

• Public media outlets that produce professional, regionally focused, fact-based news coverage, especially those that work to build relationships that further knowledge of and ability to accurately cover low-income and Black, Indignous and people of color (BIPOC) communities.
• Platforms that support the ability of low-income and Black, Indigenous and people of color residents to be the authors of their own stories and challenge harmful cultural messages that perpetuate inequity and injustice.
• Initiatives that encourage resident education and dialogue through regularly offered, issue-based community forums that build momentum toward solutions.

Contact

Michelle McMurray, MSW

Vice President, Program and Community Engagement

mcmurraym@pghfdn.org 412-394-2610

Contact

Tika Good

Program Associate

goodc@pghfdn.org 412-394-4293

More Grantmaking Supporting Equity and Social Justice

The Pittsburgh Foundation also offers the following funding opportunities to eligible applicants.

Voter Engagement

We seek to support the ability of the nonprofit sector to engage historically underrepresented populations and communities that have documented low voter turnout.

Protect Basic Needs

We seek to support grassroots organizations and resident-informed initiatives that utilize advocacy, community organizing, and other systems change strategies to address the barriers that prevent families from being able to meet their basic needs and thrive.

End Mass Incarceration

We seek to uplift and provide resources for community-led efforts to change policies and practices that result in over-incarceration and racial disparities in the criminal legal system.

Youth Justice

We are interested in supporting intervention and prevention activities that support youth who have any involvement with the criminal and juvenile justice systems.