Café Momentum Pittsburgh: (Awarded $5,000 through the Community Impact Grants) to support its Restaurant Internship Program for 75 justice-impacted youth in Allegheny County. This initiative provides culinary training, mentorship, academic support, and job placement, fostering pathways to stability, independence, and long-term success.
Neighborhood Allies: (Awarded $5,000 through the Community Impact Grants) to support the HomeBase + Succession Planning initiative, which empowers Black entrepreneurs and small businesses in underserved Pittsburgh neighborhoods with flexible funding, expert guidance, and capacity-building resources to drive economic opportunity and equity.
The King’s Community Center: (Awarded $5,000 through the Community Impact Grants) in general operating support to enhance its Business and Organizational Development Program, which serves youth, families, and entrepreneurs in Garfield and surrounding Pittsburgh communities through career, leadership, and entrepreneurial development initiatives.
Faith Vision, Inc.: (Awarded $6,500 through the Community Impact Grants) to support the Family Strong Initiative, which promotes family bonding and enrichment through twice-monthly activities such as cooking, STEAM, game nights, and recreational events. This initiative strengthens Black families in western Allegheny County, Beaver County, and surrounding areas through holistic, faith-based programming.
BTC Center, Inc.: (Awarded $5,000 through the Community Impact Grants) Awarded $5,000 in general operating support to enhance its capacity through strategic planning, board development, and succession planning. This funding will strengthen BTC Center’s efforts to address food insecurity, public health disparities, and digital literacy for seniors in Homewood and surrounding communities.
Western Penn Hills Community Action Inc.: (Awarded $5,000 through the Community Impact Grants) Awarded $5,000 to support the Reset Entrepreneurial Training Program, which empowers African American teen entrepreneurs through mentorship, workshops, business plan evaluations, and skill development. This initiative addresses workforce readiness and entrepreneurship for underserved youth in Penn Hills and Allegheny County.
Workforce Development Global Alliance (WDGA): (Awarded $5,000 through the Community Impact Grants) to support general operations and the redevelopment of the 3Steps2Work Program. This initiative equips Black youth (ages 14-25) and their families with tools for workforce readiness, family engagement, and conflict resolution through workshops on financial literacy, anger management, and mental health, fostering holistic growth and stronger communities in Steel Valley and surrounding areas.
Small Seeds Development Inc.: (Awarded $3,654 through the Community Impact Grants) to support its Mother To Son Program, which serves single mothers, female guardians, and their male children (ages 10-18). The program provides social-emotional and educational support through resource coordination, Mom Circles, and Teen Discovery strategies, fostering stronger family bonds and life-changing transformations.
Professional Women’s Network (PWN): (Awarded $3,654 through the Community Impact Grants) to support capacity-building opportunities for its board and leadership in 2025. This funding will enhance leadership and business development for PWN staff and board members, ensuring continued support for women, particularly women of color, in Pittsburgh’s workplaces and business communities.
RRR Educational System: (Awarded $2,624 through the Community Impact Grants) to support its Be Healthy and Smart (BHS) Initiative, which promotes health and wellness among underserved Black communities in Allegheny County. This program combines wellness education, fitness activities, and healthy food access, partnering with the City of Pittsburgh Farmers Market and Chef’s Outreach Association. Participants will attend fitness and nutrition classes and receive tokens to purchase fresh produce at the Farmers Market, fostering clean eating and healthier lifestyles. RRR Educational System also provides academic support and college readiness programs, empowering individuals and families to achieve long-term success.
The Future is Black: fiscally sponsored by Xliberator Network Inc: (Awarded $3,000 through the Community Impact Grants) to support “The Creative Fellowship,” an 8-month incubator/accelerator program designed to empower emerging designers and visual artists in Pittsburgh. This initiative focuses on skill development, capacity building, and networking through monthly design labs, human-centered design approaches, and personalized technical assistance. Participants will gain tools to enhance marketability, boost sales, and secure opportunities, culminating in an art showcase and creating a community of alumni artists. The program strengthens community engagement and visibility for creatives, contributing to a thriving and inclusive artistic ecosystem.
Helping Ourselves Produce Excellence for Tomorrow, Inc. (HOPE for Tomorrow): (Awarded $4,943 through the Community Impact Grants) to support the 2024 HOPE for Tomorrow Summer Camp. This seven-week, full-time program serves approximately 60 children in grades 1-8 and 15-20 high school and college students in Pittsburgh’s West End. Campers will engage in enrichment activities such as dance, mental health education, cooking, STEAM, civics, and tutoring, while teenage participants will focus on financial literacy, leadership, and relationship-building. The funding will cover program supplies, field-trip transportation, and provide employment opportunities for teens, ensuring a safe and enriching environment for the community.
All About the Youth Community Center (AAYCC): (Awarded $2,500 through the Community Impact Grants) to support the AAYCC Education and Mentoring Program, which serves Black, disadvantaged, and at-risk students at Pittsburgh Public Schools Faison and Lincoln K-5 Elementary Schools in Homewood, PA.
Pittsburgh Hardball Academy: (Awarded $3,557 through the Community Impact Grants) to support the Facilitating Opportunities for College and Universal Success (FOCUS) Program, including the 2024 National Urban Sports Classic trip to Boston, MA. This program uses baseball as a platform for academic, social, and professional development, with a strategic focus on increasing Black participation in baseball and softball.
Balafon West African Dance Ensemble: (Awarded $3,500 through the Community Impact Grants) to advance its 2-year strategic plan, including initiatives such as conversation circles with peer arts organizations. These efforts aim to foster community solidarity, sustainable collaborations, and culturally enriching programs that enhance the lives of Black communities through cultural and educational outlets.
The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI): (Awarded $5,000 through the Community Impact Grants) to fund staffing and operational expenses, supporting programs that cultivate Black executive leadership. TALI combines education, mentoring, and networking to strengthen companies, institutions, and communities, expanding its impact from Pittsburgh to a national audience.
The Citizen Science Lab (TCSL): (Awarded $4,500 through the Community Impact Grants) to preserve and celebrate the legacy of the MLK Reading and Cultural Center through an oral history project. This initiative will document the center’s history and TCSL’s future vision, culminating in a community-wide event. TCSL creates hands-on STEM experiences for underrepresented communities, fostering diversity and inclusion in STEM fields through innovative programs like biofabrication, robotics, and workforce development.
Focus On Renewal: (Awarded $5,000 through the Community Impact Grants) to sustain programs that focus on education and strengthening Black and Brown families. Focus On Renewal provides holistic services addressing mental health, wellness, family dynamics, and violence prevention. Founded in 1969, Focus On Renewal continues to empower communities through family-based supports, educational initiatives, and therapeutic practices, fostering resilience and promoting healthy, thriving communities.
I Dream a World of Hope, Inc.: (Awarded $5,000 through the Community Impact Grants) to provide a safe and transformative learning environment for Black families. The organization offers holistic programming that empowers individuals to overcome barriers and achieve personal and professional growth.
North Side Partnership Project: (Awarded $5,000 through the Community Impact Grants) to sustain its efforts in providing critical resources and services to families in the North Side and surrounding areas. Established in 2011, the organization offers a “one-stop shop” for community needs, including STEAM programs, skill development, and resource distributions addressing food and clothing insecurities. Through partnerships with organizations like the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank and Toys for Tots, the project supports over 3,000 residents annually.
Ruth’s Way, Inc.: (Awarded $5,000 through the Community Impact Grants) to empower adolescent girls aged 10-17 in Allegheny County. Through its Blueprint-To-Achievement process and Fabulous Forums, Ruth’s Way provides individualized support and group learning focused on overcoming barriers, reducing behavioral health issues, and fostering self-reliance.
YouthPlaces: (Awarded $5,000 through the Community Impact Grants) to support the YP Safe Ignite Summer Programs, providing safe spaces for youth to learn, grow, and engage in meaningful activities.
United Utopia: (Awarded $5,000 through the Community Impact Grants) to support the Mellonated Celebrity Game series. The event series features six teams, including city officials, Pittsburgh Police, and local celebrities, at Mellon Park. This initiative harnesses the transformative power of sports, politics, and entertainment to promote social change, non-violence, and sustainability while creating inclusive spaces for individuals from diverse backgrounds to come together and engage in positive dialogue.
Allegheny Youth Development (AYD): (Awarded $10,000 through the Urban Youth Action Grants) to expand the role of its Middle School Program Coordinator to 40 hours per week. This funding will support academic and behavioral monitoring, develop individualized materials, and lead activities for students in grades K-8. It will benefit 40 middle school students by improving grades, building emotional skills, and enhancing afterschool and summer programs with activities like Judo, golf, and STEM experiments.
The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP): (Awarded $10,000 through the Urban Youth Action Grants) to sponsor 40 Pittsburgh youth in the 2025 Aerospace Career Education (ACE) Academy. This program introduces Black youth ages 13-18 to careers in aviation and aerospace through hands-on experiences, field trips, and classroom instruction. Participants will also receive OBAP student memberships, offering access to additional programs, scholarships, and career opportunities.
Bible Center Church -The Oasis Project: (Awarded $10,000 through the Urban Youth Action Grants) to support its Field 2 Fork initiative, offering urban farming education for youth ages 14-18 in Pittsburgh’s Homewood neighborhood. The program provides hands-on experience and mentorship in sustainable farming, food justice, and farm management, with funding allocated for planning, equipment, materials, and transportation during the 2025 grant year.
TOYZSTEAM: (Awarded $10,000 through the Urban Youth Action Grants) to provide culturally relevant STEAM workforce and entrepreneurship training to diverse youth in Pittsburgh. Using its Dah-Varsity app and superhero-themed curriculum, students engage in storytelling, game design, and AI-powered tools to develop interactive portfolios and explore career paths. This year, the program will work with 100 students to refine its curriculum and inspire them toward STEAM careers.
A’s Vision: (Awarded $10,000 through the Urban Youth Action Grants) to expand its driving program for Black high school students in Pittsburgh. Founded in memory of Aaron Wade Jr., A’s Vision equips youth ages 16-22 with critical life skills through driver’s education and financial literacy. This initiative will provide behind-the-wheel training and parking practice, helping participants gain their driver’s licenses while fostering confidence, independence, and workforce readiness. The program also includes financial fundamentals, enabling teens to open savings accounts and build a strong foundation for adulthood.
POISE FOUNDATION, Two Gateway Center, Suite 1700, 603 Stanwix Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222