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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.
See Past Grantees Since 2023
Josh Penatzer, Project Manager for the Loyalhanna Watershed Association electro fishes in Mill Creek near Ligonier. By lightly shocking fish they can see what types and sizes of fish are present without hurting them. The fish are temporarily stunned but are then placed back in the stream.
Josh Penatzer, Project Manager for the Loyalhanna Watershed Association electro fishes in Mill Creek near Ligonier. By lightly shocking fish they can see what types and sizes of fish are present without hurting them. The fish are temporarily stunned but are then placed back in the stream.

For 2026, our Environmental Action/Equitable Access to Land, Water and Air grantmaking focus area will be accepting applications by invitation-only. Since 2023, this has been a responsive funding area that has allowed us to deepen our understanding of the ecosystem of organizations that align with our priorities. As a result, we are more aware of the need for deeper engagement achieved through more targeted and longer-term investment. If you are not a current grantee but are interested in pursuing funding under our Environmental Action/Equitable Access to Land, Water and Air 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. 

To promote equitable access to land, air and water, we seek to support community-centered conservation and stewardship of natural resources. We recognize the constitutionally protected right of all residents to clean air and water and the multiple benefits of connection to safe and accessible outdoor greenspaces.

Specifically, we are interested in supporting strategies that:

  • Increase access to greenspace for environmental justice communities.
  • Support conservation and stewardship projects that center community voice, mitigate or help communities adapt to the effects of climate change, and advance public health and increase social impact (i.e., workforce development opportunities, outdoor school, increased human-powered mobility).
  • Address safety and community priorities through local and regional clean water initiatives.
  • Seek to examine and improve regional air quality.
  • Address health disparities attributed to environmental pollution and risk exposures.

If you are interested in funding to promote equitable access to land, air and water, please complete this form:

Submit Interest Form

Application Deadlines

Foundation-Directed GrantsApplication Deadlines*
Spring grant cycleTuesday, Feb. 3, 2026 by 5 p.m.
(for funding decision after May 13)
Fall grant cycleWednesday, 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

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.
Traci Johnson
Contact

Traci Johnson, MPM

Director of Grantmaking
412-394-2642
Tika Good
Contact

Tika Good

Program Associate
412-394-4293

More Grantmaking Supporting Environmental Action

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

Learning and Action

We seek to address the harms of chronic pollution and mitigate future impacts, translate research into action to protect the health of communities and their environments and support resident voice in environmental decision-making in their communities.