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PwC Foundation Inc

Annual Giving
$12.5M
Grant Range
$10K - $6.0M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $10-15 million
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: Not publicly disclosed
  • Grant Range: $10,000 - $6,000,000 (varies by program)
  • Geographic Focus: National (United States)
  • Total Assets: $77.1 million (FY 2024)

Contact Details

Website: https://www.pwccharitablefoundation.org/

Address: 300 Madison Ave, New York City, NY 10017-6232

Phone: (646) 471-4000

Contact Form: Available on website (foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals)

Note: Prospective grantees with connections to PwC may reach out to partners and principals regarding Reimagine Grants. Other inquiries may be directed to the foundation's executive director via the online contact form.

Overview

Founded in 2001, the PwC Foundation Inc (formerly PricewaterhouseCoopers Charitable Foundation, Inc.) is a Section 501(c)(3) organization formed under the nonprofit laws of the State of New York. Operating as a separate public charity independent from PwC US, the foundation has invested over $250 million since its inception to support access to education, community resilience, and humanitarian causes. With total assets of $77.1 million as of fiscal year 2024, the foundation distributes $10-15 million annually in grants and contributions. The foundation's mission centers on three pillars: supporting the people of PwC during financial hardship ($72 million since 2001), investing in innovative education and career pathways ($136 million since 2001), and advancing community preparedness and disaster recovery ($46 million since 2001). The foundation's strategic approach emphasizes multi-year partnerships with transformative organizations while mobilizing PwC employees to drive societal impact.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Reimagine Grants: Since launching in 2018, this program has invested over $63 million in 800+ nonprofit organizations across the United States. Active PwC US partners and principals nominate charitable organizations whose missions align with the foundation's focus areas. In the past year alone, these grants were projected to reach 500,000 individuals. Grant amounts vary by organization size and program scope.

Education Grants: Major strategic investments in educational initiatives, with grants ranging from multi-million dollar commitments to smaller organizational support. Recent examples include the $6 million grant to Jobs for the Future (the foundation's largest education grant ever) and the $2 million grant to iMentor.

Humanitarian Grants: Supports disaster preparedness, relief organizations, and cutting-edge humanitarian ventures. Recent grants include $1.75 million to Team Rubicon, $1 million to American Red Cross, and support to World Central Kitchen.

Veterans Commitment: Has contributed more than $26 million since 2015 to support veterans and their families transitioning from active duty to civilian careers, with investments expected to impact more than 400,000 veterans.

People Who Care Fund: Provides emergency, tax-free financial assistance directly to PwC employees following a financial needs assessment (internal program, not available to external organizations).

Priority Areas

  • Education: Closing the opportunity gap, middle-skills gap, equitable access to education, career exploration and social capital building, college and career pathways, accounting education
  • Humanitarianism: Community preparedness, disaster relief, humanitarian aid, long-term community recovery
  • Veterans Support: Career services for transitioning veterans, employment pathways
  • Financial Capability: Access to financial capability and technology skills
  • Equity and Inclusion: Supporting underrepresented populations, particularly Black and Latino/Hispanic workers in high-wage, high-growth industries

What They Don't Fund

The foundation does not publicly disclose a comprehensive list of exclusions. However, based on their stated focus areas, they prioritize education, humanitarianism, and veterans causes. The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals and focuses on organizations that align with their specific mission areas and strategic commitments.

Governance and Leadership

Board of Trustees (15 members)

Tracee Jones (President): Assurance partner focused on Asset & Wealth Management

Vanessa Salinas Beckstrom (People Who Care Fund Chair): Advisory partner specializing in investigations

Jenn Rivera (Executive Director): Brings two decades of leadership experience in social impact for global Fortune 500 companies; formerly Global Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Moody's

Maria: Audit partner with more than 25 years of experience at PwC who previously served as Chief Diversity Officer and Vice-Chair, Mexico & US Assurance Leader

Jeanelle: Principal in PwC's Deals practice specializing in valuation

Stacey: Chicago-based PwC Health Industries Advisory principal, appointed to the Charitable Foundation Board in 2020

Kayvan: Retired PwC Principal with experience in growth strategies and innovation practices

Leadership Team

Allison Dorf-Ferrandis: Leads Foundation's people programs, including Reimagine grants

Colin Gerner: Manages humanitarian portfolio and People Who Care Fund

Rhoda Tamakloe: Leads education and veterans initiatives

Board Committees

  • Humanitarian Committee
  • Education Committee
  • Communications Committee
  • Governance Committee

Mission Statement

"For over two decades, The PwC Foundation has been a catalyst for change, advancing bold initiatives that expand opportunities and strengthen communities."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. The PwC Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals. Instead, grants are awarded through the following mechanisms:

Reimagine Grants: Active PwC US partners and principals nominate charitable organizations whose philanthropic missions align with the foundation's focus areas. Organizations interested in Reimagine Grants should connect with PwC partners or principals who can nominate them.

Strategic Partnerships: The foundation identifies organizations and opportunities that align with their mission, cause areas, and commitments through their own research and network.

Contact for Inquiries: Organizations may reach out via the foundation's online contact form to introduce their work to the executive director, though this does not constitute an application.

Decision Timeline

The foundation has not publicly disclosed typical timeframes for grant decisions. Since grants are awarded through partner/principal nominations and strategic partnerships rather than open application cycles, decision timelines likely vary significantly by opportunity and program.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. With over $63 million distributed to 800+ organizations through Reimagine Grants since 2018, and the foundation engaging 900+ PwC partners and principals, there are multiple pathways for aligned organizations to receive funding.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly disclosed. Given the multi-year nature of many grants and the nomination-based process, reapplication policies would likely be discussed on a case-by-case basis with foundation staff.

Application Success Factors

Since the PwC Foundation operates through a nomination-based model rather than open applications, success factors differ from traditional grantmaking:

Build Relationships with PwC Partners and Principals: The Reimagine Grants program requires nomination by active PwC US partners and principals. Organizations should identify and cultivate relationships with PwC professionals in their geographic area or field of work.

Alignment with Foundation Priorities: The foundation invests in organizations "committed to addressing root causes of societal challenges, advancing systems-level change and fostering sustainable impact." Demonstrated commitment to these principles increases likelihood of foundation interest.

National Reach and Established Track Record: The foundation "tends to provide multi-year support to large, well-established organizations with national operations in the U.S." While smaller organizations can receive Reimagine Grants, major strategic grants typically go to well-known national organizations.

Focus on Education and Humanitarianism: Organizations working in the foundation's two primary cause areas have the strongest alignment. Within education, emphasis on closing opportunity gaps, career pathways, and supporting underrepresented populations is particularly valued.

Evidence of Innovation and Scalability: Recent major grants highlight the foundation's interest in "innovative work" and programs that can reach significant numbers of beneficiaries. The Jobs for the Future grant, for example, aimed to reach 3,000+ students across 10 community colleges.

Demonstrated Impact: The foundation seeks measurable outcomes. Recent press releases highlight specific metrics like "improved academic achievement and enhanced college and career readiness" (Reimagine Grants) and "500,000 individuals reached" (annual impact).

Equity Focus: Several recent grants specifically address racial equity and representation, including the Jobs for the Future grant targeting "the stark underrepresentation of Black and Latino/Hispanic workers in high-wage, high-growth industries."

Multi-Year Potential: The foundation notes that grants "often represent multi-year commitments to grantee-partners," suggesting they prefer sustained partnerships over one-time grants.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • This is a nomination-based funder: You cannot submit an unsolicited application. Success requires networking with PwC partners and principals who can nominate your organization for Reimagine Grants.
  • Think big and multi-year: The foundation's largest grants ($2-6 million) support major initiatives over multiple years. Smaller Reimagine Grants average around $78,750 but can vary significantly.
  • Emphasize systems-level change: The foundation prioritizes organizations addressing "root causes of societal challenges" and "advancing systems-level change" rather than direct service alone.
  • Demonstrate scalability and reach: Recent grants highlight impact numbers (500,000 individuals reached, 3,000+ students served). Show how your work can reach significant populations.
  • Focus on education equity or disaster preparedness: These two cause areas represent the foundation's primary external grantmaking. Within education, career pathways and closing opportunity gaps for underrepresented populations are key themes.
  • Consider veterans programming: With $26 million committed since 2015 and impact on 400,000+ veterans, this is a sustained priority area with significant funding.
  • National presence helps but isn't required: While major grants go to national organizations, the Reimagine Grants program has supported 800+ organizations including smaller local nonprofits expanding educational opportunities in their communities.

References

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