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

February 3, 2026 | July 15, 2026

Up to $40,000 over two years for project or operating support; typical award period is two years.

Supports small nonprofits in Allegheny County addressing basic needs, with funding for operating or project support.

2026 cycle is invitation-only and limited to 2024 grantees not transitioning to the Foundation's discretionary grantmaking program (FDG).

--- ## Description The Small and Mighty Grants program, established by the Pittsburgh Foundation, is designed to strengthen the capacity and impact of small nonprofits serving high-need communities in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. The program provides both operating and project support to organizations focused on meeting basic needs, such as food, housing, health care, and other essential services. Since its inception in 2016, the program has awarded over $3.3 million to 85 organizations, helping grassroots nonprofits enhance their ability to address critical community challenges. --- ## Due Dates - February 3, 2026: Spring grant cycle application deadline (by 5 p.m.) - July 15, 2026: Fall grant cycle application deadline (by 5 p.m.) **All dates are invitation-only for eligible organizations in 2026.** --- ## Funding Amount - Grants of up to $40,000 are available, typically awarded for a two-year period. - Funding may be used for either operating or project support, depending on organizational needs and eligibility. - The program has historically supported organizations with annual budgets under $600,000. --- ## Eligibility - **Invitation-Only for 2026:** Only 2024 Small and Mighty grantees who are not transitioning to the Foundation's discretionary grantmaking program (FDG) are eligible to apply in 2026. - **Organization Type:** Must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or have a fiscal sponsor. - **Location:** Must serve communities in Allegheny County, PA. - **Budget Size:** Organizations generally must have an annual budget under $600,000. - **Community Focus:** Must primarily serve high to extreme need communities (per the Allegheny County Community Need Index). - **Commitment to Social Justice:** Must have a demonstrated commitment to advancing social justice, as shown in mission and core programs. - **Community Representation:** Leadership and staff should be representative of the communities served, with lived experience relevant to the issues addressed. - **Limited Philanthropic Support:** Preference for organizations with limited prior foundation funding. - **History and Engagement:** Should have an established track record in the community and meaningfully involve community perspectives in programs and strategy. --- ## Application Process - **2026 Cycle:** Application is by invitation only for eligible organizations. - **Preparation:** Review the [eligibility criteria](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/small-mighty-eligibility) and [steps to apply](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/small-mighty-apply). - **Financial Documentation:** New nonprofits without audited financials must submit proof of 990 or 990EZ submission and final financial statements for the last completed fiscal year. - **Application Submission:** Complete the online application by the stated deadline (5 p.m. on February 3 or July 15, 2026). - **Decision Timeline:** Spring decisions made after May 13; fall decisions after October 28. --- ## Additional Information - The program does not fund private non-operating foundations. - Organizations may apply for operating or project support, including funding for program staff. - The Foundation encourages organizations that are not eligible for Small and Mighty in 2026 to explore the [Foundation-Directed Grants (FDG) Basic Needs program](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/basicneeds). --- ## External Links - [Small and Mighty Grants Program Page](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/small-and-mighty-grants) - [Eligibility Criteria](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/small-mighty-eligibility) - [Steps to Apply](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/small-mighty-apply) - [Frequently Asked Questions](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/small-mighty-questions) - [Pittsburgh Foundation Grant Opportunities](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/grant-opps) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | Phone | |----------------|--------------------|---------------------------------|--------------| | Tika Good | Program Associate | [goodc@pghfdn.org](mailto:goodc@pghfdn.org) | 412-394-4293 | | Jill Ritchie | Grants Portal Support | [ritchiej@pghfdn.org](mailto:ritchiej@pghfdn.org) | 412-394-2611 | For general inquiries, see the [Pittsburgh Foundation contact page](https://pittsburghfoundation.org/contact-us).

Small and Mighty Grants

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