[Pittsburgh Foundation](https://pittsburghfoundation.org)

February 3, 2026 (Spring) | July 15, 2026 (Fall)

Typical awards range from $25,000–$75,000; project and general operating support available.

Supports programs improving access to food, housing, health care, child care, education, employment, and mental health for low-income individuals and families in the Pittsburgh region.

Foundation-Directed Grant cycles; strong focus on equity and reducing systemic barriers.

--- ## Description The Pittsburgh Foundation’s Basic Needs grants support nonprofit organizations working to improve the stability and well-being of low-income individuals and families in the Pittsburgh area. Funding is available for direct assistance programs that address food security, affordable housing, health care (including mental health), child care, education, and employment. The Foundation is particularly interested in initiatives that expand knowledge of, improve access to, and enhance coordination among local resources and human services to help people meet their essential needs and reduce stress, especially for those who have historically faced systemic barriers. Programs funded under this opportunity may include, but are not limited to: - Food access (food banks, meal delivery, SNAP/WIC assistance) - Housing (eviction prevention, transitional housing, tenant advocacy) - Health care and mental health (affordable, culturally responsive services) - Child care (increasing access, provider support, workforce stabilization) - Education (out-of-school time, academic achievement, professional development) - Employment (job training, placement, support for those facing barriers) --- ## Due Dates - February 3, 2026: Spring grant cycle application deadline (due by 5 p.m.) - July 15, 2026: Fall grant cycle application deadline (due by 5 p.m.) *All dates apply to Foundation-Directed Grants; if program-specific deadlines differ, they are listed on the relevant program page. Dates may be subject to change.* --- ## Funding Amount - Typical grant awards range from **$25,000 to $75,000**. - Both project-specific and general operating support are available. - Funding duration and specific amounts may vary by program area and organizational need. --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be nonprofit organizations (typically 501(c)(3)) serving the Pittsburgh region, particularly Allegheny County. - Programs must primarily serve low-income individuals and families. - Strong preference for organizations addressing systemic barriers and advancing equity, especially for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. - See the [Grant Guidelines](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/grantguidelines) for detailed eligibility and funding priorities. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted through the Foundation’s [online grant application portal](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/howtoapplyforgrants). - Review the [Grant Guidelines](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/grantguidelines) before applying. - Applicants may contact the relevant program officer for guidance (see contact section below). - Application deadlines are strict; late submissions are not accepted. --- ## Additional Information - The Foundation prioritizes comprehensive, collaborative, and innovative approaches. - Programs that address multiple basic needs or fill critical service gaps are encouraged. - Past grantees and examples by focus area are available on the Foundation’s website. - For specialized programs (e.g., Small and Mighty Grants), check for additional or differing eligibility and deadlines. --- ## External Links - [Program Overview](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/basicneeds) - [Grant Guidelines](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/grantguidelines) - [How to Apply](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/howtoapplyforgrants) - [Past Grantees](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/our-grants?f[0]=focus_strategy%3ABasic%20Needs) - [Food Access](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/foodaccess) - [Housing](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/housing) - [Child Care](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/childcare) - [Education](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/education) - [Physical Health](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/physicalhealth) - [Mental Health](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/mentalhealth) - [Employment](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/employment) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role/Area | Email | Phone | |-----------------------------|----------------------------------|------------------------------------------|-----------------| | Joshua Devine | Economic Mobility Officer | [devinej@pghfdn.org](mailto:devinej@pghfdn.org) | | | Sarah Byrne-Houser | Program Officer, Healthy Children and Adults | [byrnehousers@pghfdn.org](mailto:byrnehousers@pghfdn.org) | 412-391-5155 | | Traci Johnson, MPM | Director of Grantmaking | [johnsontr@pghfdn.org](mailto:johnsontr@pghfdn.org) | 412-394-2642 | | Tika Good | Program Associate | [goodc@pghfdn.org](mailto:goodc@pghfdn.org) | 412-394-4293 | | Jamillia Kamara Covington | Senior Program Officer for Education | [kamaraj@pghfdn.org](mailto:kamaraj@pghfdn.org) | 412-394-2634 | | General Inquiries | | [Contact Form](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/contact-us) | 412-391-5122 |

Basic Needs

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