Career Advancement
PLEASE NOTE: For 2026, applications in this area will be accepted by invitation-only. If you are not a current grantee but are interested in funding under our Economic Mobility/Career Advancement focus area, please complete this form. You will be contacted by a member of our team if your organization is invited to participate in an informational meeting and/or apply for support.
A 2018 report by the Allegheny Conference on Community Development predicted a potential worker shortfall of 80,000 by 2025 due to retirements and slow job creation. These projections intensify the need to focus on systemic changes in career preparation in the K-12 educational system, and to target training opportunities to incumbent workers who have persistently lower median yearly earnings and higher levels of unemployment. Technology is reshaping virtually every occupation at a rapid rate, changing the skills students must have and driving the need for continuous upskilling of incumbent workers. Additionally, all workers will need to increase their digital fluency and acquire "soft" skills such as communications, problem-solving and customer service.
We are specifically interested in activities that:
- Offer entry-level and advanced technology training with career potential.
- Support partnerships where employers have helped develop training curriculum and industry recognized credentials, are invested in and committed to training and hiring for a variety of occupations, and provide career advancement support and opportunity.
- Support collaboration between the public workforce system, industry partners and school districts to update and implement state mandated K-12 career readiness standards and curriculum.
If you are interested in funding to support career advancement, please complete this form:
Submit Interest Form
Application Deadlines
| Foundation-Directed Grants | Application Deadlines* |
|---|---|
| Spring grant cycle | Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 by 5 p.m. (for funding decision after May 13) |
| Fall grant cycle | Wednesday, July 15, 2026 by 5 p.m. (for funding decisions after Oct. 28) |
*Dates above apply to most grant programs. If dates differ, they will be listed on the program page. Dates may be subject to change. The Foundation may adjust the timing of grants in consideration for funding.
Grant Guidelines
How to Apply for Grants
More Grantmaking Supporting Economic Mobility
The Pittsburgh Foundation also offers the following funding opportunities to eligible applicants.
Access to Post-Secondary Education
