PNC Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $82.9 million (2023)
• Total Assets: $76.1 million (2023)
• Grant Range: Varies by programme
• Geographic Focus: Communities where PNC has significant presence
• Decision Time: Contact regional representative

Contact Details

Website: https://www.pnc.com/en/about-pnc/corporate-responsibility/philanthropy/pnc-foundation.html Email: pnc.growupgreat@pnc.com (for Grow Up Great programme) Address: The Tower at PNC Plaza, 300 Fifth Avenue, 29th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Overview

Established in 1970, the PNC Foundation is the philanthropic arm of PNC Financial Services Group. The foundation partners with community-based nonprofit organisations to enhance educational opportunities and promote community growth through economic development initiatives. With a strategic focus on low-and moderate-income communities, the foundation analyses opportunities for community impact and sometimes brings together multiple organisations to drive strategic outcomes in the communities where PNC operates.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

PNC Grow Up Great

• $500 million multi-year, bilingual initiative (since 2004)
• Focus: Early childhood education for children from birth to age 5
• Requirements: Must serve majority (>51%) low-to-moderate income families
• Emphasis on maths, science, reading, vocabulary, and arts
• Must incorporate volunteer opportunities

Economic Development Grants

• Supports affordable housing initiatives
• Small business development
• Community services
• Arts and culture programmes
• Neighbourhood revitalisation efforts

Priority Areas

• Early childhood education
• Arts & culture
• Economic development
• Health and social services
• Education

What They Don't Fund

• Religious organisations (except for non-sectarian community activities)
• Advocacy or lobbying groups
• Individuals or private foundations
• Annual funds for hospitals or universities
• Conferences and seminars
• Organisations that discriminate based on protected characteristics

Governance and Leadership

Sally McCrady - Chairwoman and President, PNC Foundation Michael A. Labriola - Chief Operating Officer/Secretary John J. Matthews - Treasurer

The foundation emphasises that they "will not provide support for organisations that discriminate" and prioritises partnerships that strengthen and enrich the lives of neighbours in communities where PNC operates.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

• Complete the online Eligibility Quiz as the first step
• Contact regional representative for your area
• Regional contacts available for each state where PNC operates
• No universal application portal; process varies by region and programme

Decision Timeline

Decision timelines vary by region and programme. Contact your regional representative for specific timeframes.

Application Success Factors

Based on PNC Foundation's stated criteria and funding patterns:

• Demonstrate clear service to low-to-moderate income communities (>51% of beneficiaries)
• Show measurable community impact potential
• Align with PNC's three core focus areas: early education, arts & culture, or economic development
• Incorporate volunteer engagement opportunities, particularly for PNC employees
• Operate in communities where PNC has a significant business presence
• For early childhood programmes, emphasise maths, science, reading, vocabulary, and arts components
• Consider collaborative approaches that bring together multiple community organisations

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• PNC Foundation has substantial resources with $82.9 million in annual grants paid (2023) and focuses on communities where PNC has business operations
• The flagship Grow Up Great programme represents a major long-term commitment to early childhood education with specific criteria for low-income family service
• Regional approach means building relationships with local PNC representatives is essential
• Foundation explicitly values collaboration and may fund initiatives that bring multiple organisations together
• Strong emphasis on volunteer engagement opportunities should be incorporated into proposals
• Economic development grants cover a broad range including affordable housing, small business development, and neighbourhood revitalisation
• Complete the eligibility quiz before investing time in a full application

References

• PNC Foundation Overview Page. PNC.com. Accessed January 2025. https://www.pnc.com/en/about-pnc/corporate-responsibility/philanthropy/pnc-foundation.html
• PNC Corporate Philanthropy. PNC.com. Accessed January 2025. https://www.pnc.com/en/about-pnc/corporate-responsibility/philanthropy.html
• PNC Grow Up Great Programme. PNC.com. Accessed January 2025. https://www.pnc.com/en/about-pnc/corporate-responsibility/grow-up-great.html
• PNC Foundation IRS Form 990-PF (2023). ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Accessed January 2025. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/251202255
• About PNC. PNC.com. Accessed January 2025. https://www.pnc.com/en/about-pnc.html