Elsie H. Hillman Foundation Grant Program

The Elsie H. Hillman Foundation, administered by the Hillman Family Foundations, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents of southwestern Pennsylvania. Its strategic grantmaking efforts focus on strengthening neighborhoods, fostering young civic leadership, and addressing community needs across diverse sectors. The Foundation directs its funding toward initiatives in community development, health, education, human services, the arts, and environmental sustainability. With a deeply rooted commitment to equity and regional advancement, the Foundation plays a critical role in fostering civic engagement and addressing social challenges in the Pittsburgh region. Grant funding from the Foundation is typically initiated by its program staff and Board of Trustees, though applications are accepted via an online portal. The Foundation maintains a strategic focus, encouraging applicants to align proposals with its defined priorities. Only applications submitted through the official portal, which is optimized for Chrome, Safari, and Firefox browsers, are considered. While requests can be made from a variety of eligible entities, alignment with the Foundation’s geographic and programmatic focus is essential for consideration. Applicants must be classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and must also qualify as public charities under Section 509(a). Government entities that are federally tax-exempt are also eligible to apply. However, the Foundation does not typically support individuals, organizations requiring fiscal sponsorship (except in specific qualifying cases), or proposals for conferences, events, training sponsorships, documentary or film projects, endowments, debt reduction, or annual appeals. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. An initial response is generally provided within a few weeks of submission, but the full grant review process can take two to three months, depending on the submission timing. The Board of Trustees, responsible for final funding approvals, meets at least annually and potentially as often as quarterly. Therefore, applicants should plan accordingly when submitting proposals. Examples of recent grantees and projects include Global Minds Initiative, which received $50,000 to enhance its cross-cultural after-school programming; YWCA Greater Pittsburgh, awarded $25,000 for its 150th Anniversary Campaign supporting women’s empowerment; and Gwen's Girls, which received $75,000 for its mentoring initiative aimed at reducing juvenile justice system involvement. Another notable grant was $75,000 to In Our BackYards Inc. (ioby) to support neighborhood-level COVID-19 response projects through matching funds and coaching. The Foundation’s work is inspired by the legacy of civic leader Elsie H. Hillman, with an enduring mission to build equitable, empowered communities. For more information or to apply, applicants are encouraged to visit the Foundation’s grant portal. Specific contact details were not provided in the source, so applicants should refer to the Hillman Family Foundations’ website for further communication guidance.