United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania
Quick Stats
- Annual Giving: $33.6 million (expenses/distributions)
- Success Rate: Not publicly available
- Decision Time: Not publicly available
- Grant Range: Varies by program
- Geographic Focus: Southwestern Pennsylvania (Allegheny, Butler, Westmoreland, Fayette, and Armstrong counties)
Contact Details
- Website: https://www.unitedwayswpa.org
- Phone: (412) 261-6010
- Email: Not publicly listed
- Address: 1250 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Overview
Founded in 1957, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania is a major regional philanthropic organization with total assets of $83.6 million and annual revenue of $36.4 million. The organization mobilizes community resources to address critical needs across five counties in Southwestern Pennsylvania. During the COVID-19 pandemic alone, they distributed over $1.3 million in emergency grants and coordinated a massive relief effort delivering over 1.3 million meals and essential supplies. Their mission focuses on leading and mobilizing the caring power of individuals, businesses, and organizations to measurably improve lives in the community.
Funding Priorities
Grant Programs
- Impact Awards: Funding for partner agencies (amounts vary)
- Community Food Solutions Mini-Grants: Support for food security initiatives
- Emergency Basic Needs Grants: Crisis support for housing and utilities ($1.3+ million distributed during COVID)
- Students and Families Food Relief Fund: Educational and nutritional support
Priority Areas
- Youth Opportunity (Early Childhood Education, Literacy, College and Career Readiness)
- Healthy Community (Healthcare Access, Food Security, Mental Health, Family Caregiving)
- Financial Security (Financial Resources, Tax Assistance, Homelessness Prevention, Job Training)
- Community Resiliency (211 Services, Disaster Preparedness and Relief, Long-Term Recovery)
What They Don't Fund
Specific exclusions not publicly documented
Governance and Leadership
President & CEO: Bobbi Watt Geer (Compensation: $292,811) SVP & Secretary: Linda Jones (Compensation: $170,626) CFO & Treasurer: Leonard Hawkins (Compensation: $155,083)
The organization maintains multiple board members who serve without compensation and focuses on strategic goals including impacting 450,000+ people in Southwest Pennsylvania and increasing operational effectiveness while maintaining local community focus.
Application Process & Timeline
How to Apply
Application processes are not publicly detailed on available resources. Organizations seeking funding should contact United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania directly at (412) 261-6010 to inquire about current grant opportunities, eligibility requirements, and application procedures.
Decision Timeline
Not publicly available
Success Rates
Not publicly available
Reapplication Policy
Not publicly documented
Application Success Factors
Based on their strategic priorities and past funding patterns:
- Alignment with one of their four key impact areas is essential
- Demonstrated ability to address systemic community issues
- Focus on measurable outcomes and community impact
- Collaboration with other organizations in their network
- Programs serving the five-county region they support
Key Takeaways for Grant Writers
- United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania operates multiple grant programs but does not publicize detailed application processes
- Direct contact with the organization is necessary to learn about current funding opportunities
- They prioritize systemic change and measurable community impact across four key areas
- Strong track record of emergency response funding during crises
- Part of a network supporting 21+ regional agencies
- Focus proposals on their specific geographic area: Allegheny, Butler, Westmoreland, Fayette, and Armstrong counties
- Emphasize collaborative approaches and community mobilization in proposals
References
- Charity Navigator Organization Profile (accessed December 2024)
- GuideStar Organization Profile (accessed December 2024)
- ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Form 990 Data (accessed December 2024)
- United Way National Directory (accessed December 2024)
- United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania COVID-19 Response Documentation