POISE Foundation - Funder Overview

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $4,084,203 (2023)
• Success Rate: Competitive (50 awards in 2023)
• Decision Time: 2-4 months
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $25,000
• Geographic Focus: Pittsburgh Region (primarily Allegheny County, PA)

Contact Details

Website: https://poisefoundation.org/
Phone: 412-281-4967
Email: grants@poisefdn.org
Pre-Application Support: Contact grants@poisefdn.org with questions about eligibility or program fit

Overview

Founded in 1980, POISE Foundation has grown to become Pittsburgh's leading Black-led community foundation with current assets exceeding $15 million. Over its 44-year history, POISE has distributed more than $15.5 million in grants and scholarships to Black-led organizations throughout the Pittsburgh region. The foundation's mission is to "amplify the power of Black communities to fuel transformative change and uplift pathways to self-determination and shared success." In early 2025, POISE's Board approved an ambitious 10-year strategic plan targeting $100 million in endowed funds. The foundation maintains a perfect 100% score and 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, reflecting strong financial health and accountability.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Community Impact Grants: $1,000-$5,000 (up to $6,500 for Strengthening Black Families projects) - Two-stage process via online portal, Spring and Fall cycles
• Urban Youth Action Grants: Up to $10,000 - Annual cycle, deadline July 25
• Critical Community Needs Fund: $5,000-$25,000 - Emergency response, currently inactive but ready for crisis activation

Priority Areas

• Strengthening Black Families (higher grant amounts available)
• Educational Achievement
• Black Economic Development
• Civic Engagement
• Young Ladies Empowerment

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations not Black-led or not primarily serving Black community
• Organizations outside Pittsburgh Region
• Organizations without 1+ year operating history
• Grants exceeding 50% of organization's budget
• General operating support for first-time applicants

Governance and Leadership

Mark S. Lewis, CEO since 2002, now focusing on strategy and asset growth. Lewis emphasizes: "We build our assets so that future generations can take those dollars and invest them in ways that make sense during their time."

Karris M. Jackson, President & COO, manages day-to-day operations

Board Chair: Darrell Smalley

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

1. Submit Letter of Inquiry during open periods
2. If invited, submit full proposal
3. Possible interview
4. Board decision

Spring Cycle: February 1 - April 12 applications → June decisions
Fall Cycle: Through September 19 → November/December decisions

Decision Timeline

2-4 months from application deadline to notification

Success Rates

Highly competitive - 50 awards made in 2023 from larger applicant pool

Reapplication Policy

Organizations receiving funding for 3 consecutive years must take 1 year off before reapplying

Application Success Factors

Black Leadership Required: Organizations must be both Black-led AND primarily serve Black community - this dual requirement is non-negotiable.

Prioritize Strengthening Black Families: This focus area receives up to $6,500 vs $5,000 for other priorities - a 30% funding premium signaling foundation commitment.

Budget Proportionality: Grants cannot exceed 50% of annual budget. A $5,000 request requires at least $10,000 organizational budget.

Pittsburgh Specificity: Emphasize exact neighborhoods served and deep community roots. Recent grantees include Hill Dance Academy Theatre, Melanin Mommies Pittsburgh, and Black Urban Gardeners and Farmers of Pittsburgh Co-op.

Youth Programs Get Larger Grants: Urban Youth Action grants offer up to $10,000 (double Community Impact maximum) for middle/high school programs.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Black-led AND Black-serving is mandatory - both criteria must be met
• Target Strengthening Black Families priority for 30% higher funding potential
• Youth-serving organizations should pursue Urban Youth Action grants ($10K) over Community Impact ($5K)
• First-time applicants: request program support, not operating funds
• Complete applications only - no extensions granted on deadlines
• Plan for 3-year maximum funding cycle before mandatory break
• Use strategic plan language: "move the needle," "transformative change," "self-determination"

References

1. POISE Foundation Official Website, https://poisefoundation.org/, accessed February 25, 2026
2. POISE Community Impact Grants, https://poisefoundation.org/poise-community-impact-grants/, accessed February 25, 2026
3. Urban Youth Action Grants, https://poisefoundation.org/urban-youth-action-grants/, accessed February 25, 2026
4. "POISE Foundation approves 10-year Strategic Plan," New Pittsburgh Courier, February 4, 2025
5. Charity Navigator Rating, https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/251393426, accessed February 25, 2026
6. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer, https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/251393426, accessed February 25, 2026
7. Candid Foundation Directory, https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=POIS003, accessed February 25, 2026