POISE Foundation Community Impact Grants

The POISE Foundation’s Community Impact Grants program supports Black-led and Black-serving nonprofit organizations in the Pittsburgh Region with funding to implement programs that empower the local Black community. Founded on a mission to assist the Black community in achieving self-sustaining practices, POISE Foundation provides leadership, advocacy, and financial resources to drive systemic change and support community development. The Community Impact Grants are one of the Foundation’s key funding streams and are awarded twice a year through competitive application cycles. For the Fall grant cycle, the Foundation offers grants typically ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. These awards are intended for nonprofit projects that align with POISE’s priority areas, which include Community and Economic Development, Education, Entrepreneurial Activities, Initiatives for Young Ladies, and Strengthening Black Families. Projects must take place within the Pittsburgh Region and contribute meaningfully to improving conditions for the Black community through civic engagement, economic empowerment, and family support initiatives. Grants are awarded for a one-year period and are not automatically renewable. The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI), which is mandatory for consideration. For the Fall 2025 cycle, LOIs open on June 23 and must be submitted online by 11:59 PM on July 25. An optional information session is offered on July 9 to help prospective applicants understand the grant process and expectations. After reviewing submitted LOIs, selected applicants will be invited to participate in a 30–45-minute Zoom interview between July 28 and August 15 to discuss their proposed projects in greater depth. Based on these interviews and internal evaluations, a select group of organizations will be invited to submit full proposals. These invitations will be issued by August 18. The deadline for submission of full proposals is September 19. All proposals undergo a thorough review process led by POISE Foundation staff and ultimately the Board of Directors, who make the final funding decisions. Grant awards are announced in November. Successful applicants must complete a grant agreement and submit a W-9 form to receive funds. POISE Foundation emphasizes strategic alignment with its mission throughout the evaluation process. Applicants must demonstrate how their proposed work supports Black community empowerment and self-sufficiency. The Foundation values programs that foster local leadership, promote economic resilience, and strengthen family structures. All communication regarding the grant should be directed to grants@poisefdn.org. The Foundation’s office is located at Two Gateway Center, Suite 1700, 603 Stanwix Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222, and the phone number is 412-281-4967.

Attend the July 9 information session for application guidance and clarification.