POISE Foundation: Critical Community Needs Fund

About

Established by the Board of Trustees as an emergency fund to provide operation and program support to small to mid sized Black led organizations and businesses that were disproportionately impacted by the Coronavirus Pandemic in 2020. The grants will aid their work providing assistance to the most vulnerable neighborhoods and residents in Allegheny and Beaver counties impacted by the Pandemic.

The purpose of the CCNF is to provide support to small, Black Led Organizations (BLOs) responding to critical needs in the Black community resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. BLOs in the region are rising to the challenge to serve as anchors and hubs for much needed services and support to our region’s most vulnerable populations. Many organizations have found themselves pivoting to address emerging critical needs and their resources are severely strained as they aggressively work to bring hope and support during these challenging times.

About the Host

Created in the format of a Community Foundation, POISE receives funds from a variety of donors. These funds may be unrestricted, and used to support our grantmaking strategy, or donor-directed for specific charitable purposes. We envision a Pittsburgh Region in which all members of the Black Community are empowered and self-sufficient. Our mission is to assist the Black community in achieving self-sustaining practices, through strategic leadership, collective giving, grantmaking and advocacy.