The FISA Foundation is a private philanthropic organization based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It supports nonprofit initiatives that improve the lives of women, girls, and people with disabilities in southwestern Pennsylvania. The foundation's mission is grounded in a commitment to countering ableism, promoting gender equity, and addressing systemic racism. FISA seeks to remove barriers and increase inclusion and access for marginalized populations through its strategic grantmaking, partnerships, and advocacy efforts.
The foundation's grantmaking focuses on three strategic priority areas: improving health and well-being, preventing domestic and sexual violence, and removing societal barriers to promote equitable opportunities. Projects that improve access to healthcare and dental care, address healthcare bias, support vulnerable victims of violence, and advocate for disability rights and the inclusion of marginalized women and girls are prioritized. FISA also funds initiatives targeting systemic change, particularly those addressing the needs of people with multiple marginalized identities.
FISA Foundation offers grants for general operating support, ongoing and new program initiatives, advocacy, and capacity building. Proposals must have clear objectives and evaluation plans. However, it does not fund individuals, religious or political campaigns, biomedical research, programs outside its geographic scope, or initiatives primarily focused on mental health or aging-related disabilities. Additionally, it does not support renovations for accessibility, travel, or scholarship costs.
Grant applications begin with a letter of inquiry, which can be submitted electronically at any time and is reviewed monthly. If the inquiry is approved, applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal. The full proposal must include a cover letter, executive summary, a detailed narrative, a project budget, and several attachments including board demographics, key staff bios, organizational budget, and financial statements. Applicants may use the Common Grant Application Format but must submit materials in a specified Word document format.
The proposal review process typically takes four months from the initial inquiry to a final decision. Proposals undergo a two-step review by staff and the Grant Review Committee, followed by consideration from the board of directors. Funded applicants are required to submit a post-award evaluation and report as directed by the foundation.
For more information, applicants can contact the foundation via email at info@fisafoundation.org or by phone at 412-456-5550. The foundation is located at 535 Smithfield Street, Suite 710, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Letters of inquiry and proposals must be submitted electronically, and physical copies are not accepted.
