Back to Equity and Social Justice

End Mass Incarceration

We seek to uplift and provide resources for community-led efforts to change policies and practices that result in over-policing and over-incarceration.
See Past Grantees Since 2023
1HOOD MEDIA works to build liberated communities through art, education and social justice.
1HOOD MEDIA works to build liberated communities through art, education and social justice.

According the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), since 1980, the federal prison population has increased by almost 790% and there are nearly two million people in jail and prison today, far outpacing population growth and crime. Locally, the Allegheny County Jail population grew a reported 70% over the prior two decades even as crime decreased. Notably, roughly 80% of people in jail have not been convicted of a crime. We also recognize that the perspectives and experiences of those most impacted by mass incarceration have often been excluded from systems-driven conversations about the criminal legal system.  However, true justice will not be achieved without their leadership. 

People most impacted by overincarceration, over-policing and police violence must be at the center of creating solutions to the problem of mass incarceration. Through our grantmaking, we seek to uplift and provide resources for systems-change efforts that are community-led -- especially work led by people who are incarcerated or formerly incarcerated. 

Because this is an emergent area of work for our Foundation and because we believe that resources will be needed to imagine and test solutions that do not yet exist, we do not have additional eligibility criteria at this time. Our grantmaking in this area will be responsive for the next several years. Where appropriate, we will convene organizations that have received grants to understand the ecosystem of organizations working on this issue, share learnings and develop recommendations for future investments. 

Application Deadlines

Foundation-Directed GrantsApplication Deadlines*
Spring grant cycleMonday, Feb. 3, 2025 by 5 p.m.
(for funding decision after May 9)
Fall grant cycleTuesday, July 15, 2025 by 5 p.m.
(for funding decisions after Oct. 29)

*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

See eligibility criteria, our funding priorities, grant types, duration and award amount ranges.

How to Apply for Grants

Learn how to apply for funding through the Foundation's online grant application portal.
Michelle McMurray, MSW, Vice President, Program and Community Engagement
Contact

Michelle McMurray, MSW

Vice President, Program and Community Engagement
412-394-2610
Tika Good
Contact

Tika Good

Program Associate
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.

Access to Information

We seek to support public media outlets and other platforms that produce professional, regionally focused, fact-based news coverage and information.

Protect Basic Needs

We seek to support grassroots organizations and resident-informed initiatives that address barriers that prevent families from being able to meet their basic needs and thrive.

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.