Elsie H. Hillman Foundation Grant Program

The Elsie H. Hillman Foundation, administered by the Hillman Family Foundations, was established in 2006 to carry forward the legacy of Elsie Hillman, a prominent civic leader and philanthropist. The foundation focuses on supporting causes and organizations that reflect her lifelong commitment to community empowerment, equity, and civic engagement. Particular emphasis is placed on initiatives that benefit women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ individuals within the southwestern Pennsylvania region. This grant program prioritizes investments that promote regional well-being and inclusivity, particularly through community-based initiatives in arts and culture, economic development, health equity, and civic leadership. The foundation supports projects that build understanding across diverse populations, create inclusive cultural spaces, and address social determinants of health, especially for at-risk mothers and children. It also seeks to engage youth from diverse backgrounds in leadership and public affairs, helping foster a more equitable and vibrant regional community. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code or be a government entity that is federally tax-exempt. The foundation does not support individuals directly or projects based outside the United States, and it avoids funding conference sponsorships, endowments, film projects, debt reduction, and annual appeals. Fiscal sponsorships are only considered under specific, rigorous oversight conditions. The application process begins with a letter of intent (LOI) submitted through the Fluxx Grant Portal, outlining the project's goals and alignment with the foundation's priorities. If the LOI is approved, applicants may be invited to submit a full application. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with initial responses typically issued within a few weeks. Full review and decision-making can take between two to three months depending on the time of year. The foundation's Board of Trustees meets at least annually, and sometimes quarterly, to approve grant awards. Although there is no fixed deadline, applicants are encouraged to submit proposals well in advance of intended start dates to allow sufficient time for review. The grant program is recurring, with new funding opportunities available year-round, making it accessible for a wide range of community organizations operating within the ten counties of southwestern Pennsylvania, including Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland. There is no specified funding ceiling or floor, and the foundation does not require matching funds.

Review the foundation’s priorities page to ensure alignment before applying; use only approved browsers for portal access.