Stories Archive

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.

The Pittsburgh Foundation awarded Small and Mighty grants of $15,000 to Coraopolis Youth Creations, Inc. in 2016, 2017, and 2018. Since 2012, Coraopolis Youth Creations has strengthened families and built community through youth enrichment programs that focus on social, cultural, educational and physical activities. Programming has included backpacks and school supplies for 325 children annually, Christmas gifts to 40 families, Harvest Fest for 150 children and 10 weeks of summer programs to promote healthy eating and physical activity.

A Small and Mighty grant of $15,000 in January 2018 will assist Black Urban Gardeners and Farmers of Pittsburgh Co-op (BUGS) in implementing a nutrition education program, allow focus groups to provide feedback regarding the building of a co-op grocery store and recruit community members to attend a community farmers market.

The Pittsburgh Foundation awarded Small and Mighty grants totalling $45,000 to Off the Floor Pittsburgh from 2017 to 2019. For 13 years, Off the Floor Pittsburgh has provided furniture to families making the transition from housing insecurity to stable living environments. Furniture has been donated by individuals, businesses and other organizations to hundreds of families and youth (or young adults) aging out of foster care.

The Pittsburgh Foundation awarded Small and Mighty grants of $15,000 in 2017, 2018 and 2019 to Message Carriers of Pennsylvania, Inc. For more than two decades, Message Carriers of Pennsylvania, Inc. has worked to combat the stigma and discrimination facing people with substance misuse disorders.

The Pittsburgh Foundation awarded 1Nation, which works with Pittsburgh Public Schools to provide holistic support to students and their families, with three Small and Mighty grants totalling $41,000. The grants will help the organization create a sustainability plan with the continued assistance of The Forbes Fund, putting together a resource guide for students and families, and strengthening partnerships with other schools in the district.

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Center of Life