Our Strategy

The Pittsburgh Foundation occupies a unique place in our region. We have the opportunity and the obligation to convene donors, nonprofits and leaders from businesses, government and foundations to overcome regional challenges, discuss important issues and work together to achieve life-improving social change. 


Our three mutually reinforcing strategic priorities are to Promote Philanthropy, Support Community and Catalyze Partnerships. Our commitment to Racial Justice aims to enact fundamental systemic changes by eliminating policies, laws, practices, attitudes and cultural messages that reinforce differential outcomes by race. This is critically important in our region, where there are significant racial disparities in access to resources and opportunities.


To learn more about The Pittsburgh Foundation's strategic plan, visit our website.


Strategic Grantmaking


The Pittsburgh Foundation is committed to making Pittsburgh a more equitable and safe place to live. We emphasize funding organizations that support and serve the community in the five areas shown below.


Arts & Culture

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We seek to strengthen small-to-mid-sized arts organizations and support individual artists by fostering a diverse, healthy and just arts ecosystem. 

Basic Needs

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We seek to improve the stability of low-income people by supporting direct assistance to obtain food, housing, health care, mental health supports, child care, education and employment.

Economic Mobility

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We seek to reduce the racial wealth gap in Allegheny County.

Environmental Action

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We seek to protect the health of our communities and the preservation of our environment by advancing environmental justice.

Equity & Social Justice

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We seek to support civic participation and community organizing to achieve policy changes that will address the root causes of economic and racial inequities.

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