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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.
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.

For 2026, our Environmental Action/Learning and Action 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/Learning and Action 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. 

All people have the right to live in a safe and healthy environment. To address past 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 these communities.

The Foundation is interested in supporting the following:

  • Community-engaged participatory research and citizen science activities that seek to increase environmental health 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 priorities in the region (for example, clean energy, transportation, food systems, economic transition of coal-impacted communities).

If you are interested in funding to support an effort to address the harms of chronic pollution and protect the health of communities, 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.

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.