The mission of the Foundation's discretionary grantmaking is to foster sustainable communities, defined as those which seek to seamlessly integrate economic, social equity and environmental goals in order to enhance the quality of life for residents of Allegheny County. Below are various special initiatives programs, which each have specific guidelines and application processes. Visit the individual pages to learn more.
Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh
Advancing Black Arts in Pittsburgh funds individual artists, artist residencies, nonprofit organizations or community-based programs that present and/or produce the art of Africa and the African Diaspora.
The Bennett Prize
This arts prize awards $50,000 to a woman artist to create her own solo exhibition of figurative realist paintings.
Carol R. Brown Creative Achievement Awards
The awards provide annual grants, one to an Established Artist and one to an Emerging Artist living and working in the southwestern Pennsylvania region in recognition of exemplary artistic achievements and promise of future work.
The Eben Demarest Fund
Established in 1939 by Miss Elizabeth B. Demarest in the name of her father, The Eben Demarest Fund supports the work of independent creative artists and archaeologists from across the United States.
Exposure Artists Program
Sponsored by The Pittsburgh Foundation and Opportunity Fund, the Exposure Artists Program aims to elevate the work of artists through activities that create/generate/enhance visibility for the creative process, artwork and societal issues of our time.
Sally Kalson Courage in Journalism Award
The Sally Kalson Courage in Journalism Fund was created to honor Kalson’s legacy by recognizing those journalists who have a passion for their work and a commitment to bold, honest story-telling.
Small and Mighty Grants
The Small and Mighty Grants Program aims to help small, neighborhood-based nonprofits that work to better our region.
The Social Justice Fund
The fund was created to support efforts to increase the engagement, power and influence of community members affected by economic inequality and racial inequity.