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Learning and Action

As a direct response to past and ongoing environmental racism, which disproportionately impacts and harms low-income, working class and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities across our region, we seek to address these harms and mitigate future impacts, translate research into action to protect the health of communities and their environments and build power in communities to advance environmental justice. 
See Past Grantees Since 2023
U.S. Steel Corp.’s Clairton Coke and U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson Works have been repeated violators of pollution standards through regular operations which has jeopardized human health, the Mon Valley’s economic development efforts and the quality-of-life reputation for the entire region.
U.S. Steel Corp.’s Clairton Coke and U.S. Steel’s Edgar Thomson Works have been repeated violators of pollution standards through regular operations which has jeopardized human health, the Mon Valley’s economic development efforts and the quality-of-life reputation for the entire region.

Environmental justice refers to the ability of all people to live in a safe and healthy environment. It is a direct response to past and ongoing environmental racism, which disproportionately impacts and harms low-income, working class and Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) communities across our region. To address these harms and mitigate future impacts, we seek to translate research into action to protect the health of communities and their environments and build agency within communities to advance environmental justice.

The Foundation is interested in supporting the following:

  • Community-engaged participatory research and citizen science activities that seek to increase environmental health and safety and climate literacy.
  • Cross-sector partnerships that advance systems changes to improve environmental health outcomes, protect the environment and share decision-making power with community members.
  • Advocacy initiatives that advance policies that protect health and preserve the environment. 
  • Grassroots and youth organizing efforts that advance environmental justice priorities in the region (for example, clean energy, transportation, food systems, economic transition of coal-impacted communities).

Application Deadlines

GRANT CYCLEAPPLICATION DEADLINE
Spring grant cycleFeb. 3, 2025 by 5 p.m.
(for funding decision by May 9.)
Fall grant cycleTBD

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.
Mary Kate Ranii
Contact

Mary Kate Ranii

Program Officer, Environment and Community Health

More Grantmaking Supporting Environmental Action

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

Equitable Access to Land, Water and Air

To promote equitable access to land, air and water, we seek to support community-centered conservation and stewardship of natural resources.