Stories Archive

The Pittsburgh Foundation awarded a Small and Mighty grant of $4,800 in 2017 to Omicelo Cares. This organization uses real estate and business principles to advance understanding by community members in gentrifying neighborhoods such as the Hill District, Hazelwood and Homewood about how they can benefit from revitalization in their neighborhood.

The Pittsburgh Foundation awarded Small and Mighty grants of $15,000 in 2017, 2018 and 2019 to Kitchen of Grace, Inc. Established in 2016, Kitchen of Grace’s primary service is a workforce training program, providing at-risk youth ages 16 to 20 with classroom-based and hands-on training related to the food hospitality industry. The grants support the organization’s efforts to continue development of its training program, utilizing Cafe on the Corner in the North Side as the primary training lab.

The Pittsburgh Foundation awarded a Small and Mighty grant of $15,000 to Hope Empowerment Project in 2017. The Small and Mighty grants program, an outcome of the Foundation’s 100 Percent Pittsburgh organizing principle, has, as of Dec. 2019, awarded $1.25 million to nonprofit organizations with budgets of less than $600,000.

The Pittsburgh Foundation awarded a Small and Mighty grant of $15,000 to Hebrew Free Loan Association of Pittsburgh in 2017. Through this grant, the organization established a fund for single mothers seeking interest-free loans. Some low-income single mothers may have difficulty securing traditional loans, which can come with high interest rates if they do qualify. Through this fund, they could borrow up to $1,200.

The Pittsburgh Foundation awarded a 2017 Small and Mighty grant of $11,675 to Friendship Community Church in 2018. For the last seven years, Friendship Community Church has created community programs, event and initiatives through its flagship program, “The Corner.” The west Oakland gathering place provides arts and social safety net programming and a safe “third space” for residents to gather. This grant will fund capacity building including an intern and new computers.

In 2017, The Pittsburgh Foundation awarded a Small and Mighty grant of $15,000 to Free Store Wilkinsburg d/b/a/ Civically, Inc. Civically, Inc. provides goods and services that address basic needs in Wilkinsburg, such as clothing and home goods, at no cost to residents. Civically also offers financial and basic literacy skills as well as community conversations on local culture and economic development.

The Pittsburgh Foundation awarded Small and Mighty grants of $15,000 to Arsenal Family and Children’s Center in 2017 and 2019. Developed by famed pediatrician Dr. Benjamin Spock, the organization has been providing services and programs to families since 1953. Programs are aimed to toddlers and children up to age five and their parents as they strengthen skills and improve communication and relationships.

The Pittsburgh Foundation awarded a Small and Mighty grant of $15,000 in 2017 to Acculturation for Justice, Access and Peace Outreach (AJAPO). Between 2000 and 2014, more than 18,000 immigrants and refugees arrived in Allegheny County. As the immigrant population regionally is expected to grow, AJAPO aims to empower refugees and immigrants, helping 320 people each year secure jobs, integrate into schools, adjust their legal status and rebuild their lives after persecution in their homeland.

The Pittsburgh Foundation awarded Small and Mighty grants of $12,000 in 2019 and $9,978 in 2017 to 100 Black Men of Western PA, Inc. For three decades, this volunteer-run 100 nonprofit has been helping black youth explore careers, improve financial literacy, foster a healthy lifestyle, set life goals and build academic skills.

The Pittsburgh Foundation awarded Small and Mighty grants of $15,000 in 2016, 2017 and 2018 to Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank. Rev. Phillip and Mrs. Cathy Battle founded the diaper bank in 2010 to bring awareness to a little-talked about and known problem: Food assistance does not cover diapers for families in need, making it hard for families with young children or seniors to access these necessary items. This organization collects diapers and other personal care items and distributes them to organizations who serve those in need.