PNC Grow Up Great Grant

The PNC Foundation operates as the philanthropic arm of the PNC Financial Services Group, focusing on strengthening and enriching the lives of residents in communities where the bank maintains a presence. Its mission is to partner with community-based nonprofit organizations to expand educational opportunities—particularly early childhood education—and to promote economic development that serves low- to moderate-income populations. Through both direct grantmaking and long-term initiatives, the foundation supports sustainable programming that improves quality of life and supports inclusive community growth. PNC Grow Up Great is the foundation’s flagship early childhood education initiative. Since its launch in 2004, this bilingual, $500 million multi-year effort has supported educational programs for children from birth to age five, particularly those from low- to moderate-income families. Grant funding under this program prioritizes classroom and community programs, professional development for educators, and family engagement activities, with eligible focus areas including literacy, math, science, vocabulary building, the arts, financial education, and social-emotional learning. Eligibility for PNC Grow Up Great grants requires that the funded initiative benefit children from birth to age five and serve a majority of children (over 51%) from low- to moderate-income families. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and be based in, or directly serve, a community where PNC operates. Grants must not be used for operating expenses, capital campaigns, curriculum purchases, or health/wellness initiatives, among other excluded categories. Applications must demonstrate LMI alignment through documentation such as Head Start data, Free and Reduced Meal stats, or similar records. Beyond early childhood education, the PNC Foundation supports economic development initiatives focused on affordable housing, community revitalization, and support for small businesses and essential services. These efforts aim to stabilize low-income neighborhoods, promote financial empowerment, and increase access to housing and employment services. Grants are also extended to arts and cultural organizations whose programming benefits low- and moderate-income communities. Applications must be submitted via the CyberGrants portal following completion of an eligibility quiz. While no explicit deadlines are published, applicants are encouraged to consult the Foundation’s online resources and to prepare a detailed application, including a breakdown of budget categories and metrics demonstrating LMI service alignment. Grants are reviewed on a rolling basis. For those interested in pursuing a grant, PNC provides reference documents and application guidance online, including required LMI documentation and budget templates. The foundation does not fund religious activities, political advocacy, or general operating costs for United Way-funded agencies.

Ensure 51%+ LMI compliance is clearly documented; align program to birth–5; use PNC volunteer integration; avoid prohibited expenses.