The Pittsburgh Foundation
A volunteer at a food pantry kitchen hands a bowl of food to another person.
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BASIC NEEDS

We seek to improve the stability of low-income people by supporting direct assistance to obtain food, housing, health care, mental health supports, child care, education and employment.

Hardships caused by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 have been deep and widespread, but for many people — especially those who are Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) — hardships predate the pandemic. As examples, one-in-five Pittsburghers is food-insecure, and there is a shortage of affordable housing and child care. When individuals and families can meet their basic needs, they experience less stress, which supports overall health and well-being.

Across our basic needs grantmaking, we are committed to expanding knowledge of, improving access to, and improving coordination among local resources and human services.

To learn more about our areas of interest related to basic needs and information about each funding opportunity and how to apply, please visit the following:

FOOD ACCESS

We seek to support programs and services that assist low-income individuals and families to obtain enough food. 

 food access grant criteria 

CHILD CARE

We seek to ensure equitable access to quality child care. 

Child Care grant criteria

EDUCATION

We strive to ensure access to high-quality in-class education as well as culturally-responsive,  out-of-school time programs.

Education grant criteria

MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH

We aim to support the mental and physical health needs of residents by ensuring access to quality, affordable and culturally responsive services. 

Mental Health grant criteria

Physical Health grant criteria

HOUSING

We seek to support or fill gaps in a county-wide eviction prevention system, and help support those living in transitional housing and/or facing unexpected loss of housing.

Housing grant criteria

EMPLOYMENT

We seek to support youth and adults who experience significant barriers to employment.

Employment grant criteria

Learn about other foundation-directed grantmaking focus areas: