Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $912,002 (2023)
• Success Rate: 50%
• Decision Time: 2 weeks after board meeting
• Grant Range: Up to $10,000 (first-time) / Up to $20,000 (returning applicants)
• Geographic Focus: Southwestern Pennsylvania (priority), then broader PA and US

Contact Details

Website: https://www.snee-reinhardt.org/

Phone: 412-884-3626

Email: info@snee-reinhardt.org

Address: 470 Streets Run Road, Suite 401, Pittsburgh, PA 15236

Overview

The Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation was established in 1983 by Katherine Reinhardt-Snee to continue the philanthropic legacy she began with her husband William Snee. The foundation was formally renamed in 1988 when bylaws were revised to expand its grant-giving capacity. Based in Pittsburgh, this family foundation distributes approximately $912,002 annually in grants, having provided continuous support since 1987. The foundation's philanthropic approach is rooted in Bill and Katherine's original vision of responding to community needs in the Mon-Valley area of southwestern Pennsylvania. Their legacy of supporting humanitarian programs, disaster relief, fine arts, medical research, and educational programming continues today, with the foundation maintaining their tradition of focusing on tangible community benefits rather than seeking public recognition.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• First-Time Applicants: Maximum $10,000 (tangible items only, two annual cycles)
• Returning Applicants: Maximum $20,000 (tangible items only, two annual cycles)
• Applications accepted for May cycle (April 1 deadline) and September cycle (August 1 deadline)

Priority Areas

• Arts and Culture: Performing arts, humanities, museums, public broadcasting
• Education: Elementary through graduate programs, libraries, theological education
• Environmental: Natural resources, beautification programs, pollution control
• Health and Medical: Rural health care, crisis intervention, disease prevention, medical research
• Human Services: Youth development, disaster relief, employment training, abuse prevention, food/clothing assistance
• Religion: Mission work of churches, synagogues, and religious charities
• Miscellaneous: Animal welfare, camps, community development, fire and police departments

What They Don't Fund

• Salaries, stipends, or wages
• Vehicle purchases and all vehicle-related expenses
• Fellowships, honorariums, and scholarships
• Fundraising support
• Operating expenses (insurance, office supplies, rent, utilities)
• Advertising, marketing, and promotional materials
• Endowments

Governance and Leadership

The foundation is governed by a Board of Directors that meets on the second Tuesday in May and September to review grant applications. The board conducts monthly preliminary screening reviews of Grant Request Summaries throughout the year. The foundation was founded by William Snee and Katherine Reinhardt-Snee, whose values of community-focused philanthropy without seeking public recognition continue to guide the foundation's operations today.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via email to info@snee-reinhardt.org. The foundation operates two annual grant cycles with deadlines on April 1st (May cycle) and August 1st (September cycle). If deadlines fall on a weekend, proposals are due by the preceding Friday at 4:00 PM. The foundation strongly recommends submitting applications at least three weeks before deadlines.

Required materials include:

• Cover letter (one page maximum) stating amount requested
• Completed foundation grant application form
• Complete project description with itemized budget and estimates
• Cost breakdowns, timelines, and photos/drawings of tangible items
• Supporting materials (not to exceed five pages)

Decision Timeline

Board meetings occur on the second Tuesday of May and September. Organizations receive official notification letters within two weeks after the funding cycle meeting.

Success Rates

Approximately 50% of applicants receive funding. The foundation consistently receives more grant requests than available funding. Recent distribution: $912,002 in 2023, with 91 awards in 2020 and 93 awards in 2019.

Reapplication Policy

Organizations can reapply in future cycles. However, those with outstanding final reports from previous grants cannot apply until reports are submitted.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's explicit criteria and funding patterns, successful applications demonstrate:

Tangible Focus: The foundation repeatedly emphasizes funding "tangible items that serve the community." Applications must clearly specify concrete items or equipment needed, with detailed cost breakdowns, timelines, and visual documentation. Avoid requests for personnel, operations, or abstract program costs.

Community Impact Quantification: The foundation values programs serving "a higher number of individuals within the community." Successful applications quantify beneficiaries and demonstrate broad community benefit rather than narrow focus.

Established Track Record: Programs must operate for at least 2 years before applying, with 3-year nonprofit status required. Include three reference letters from community leaders attesting to program merit and sustainability.

Geographic Alignment: With strong preference for southwestern Pennsylvania (especially Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland counties), organizations should clearly articulate regional connections.

Early Submission: The foundation's recommendation to submit three weeks early suggests they value well-prepared, complete applications. Monthly preliminary screening means incomplete applications may be eliminated before full review.

Appropriate Funding Requests: Respect the $10,000 limit for first-time applicants and $20,000 for returning applicants. Requests above these thresholds likely face automatic rejection.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Tangible items are non-negotiable: Every successful request must be for specific, physical items or equipment—never for salaries, operations, or intangible programs
• Competition is significant: With 50% success rate, applications must be exceptionally aligned with priorities and geography
• Pittsburgh-area organizations have major advantage: Those outside southwestern Pennsylvania face severely limited funding availability
• Build relationships over time: Start with smaller requests ($10,000 max) to establish track record before requesting up to $20,000
• Submit early and complete: Three-week advance submission recommended; incomplete applications eliminated at preliminary screening
• Final reports unlock future funding: Outstanding reports block all future applications—maintain meticulous documentation
• Two annual opportunities only: May and September cycles require strategic timing and thorough preparation

References

• Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation official website: https://www.snee-reinhardt.org/ (accessed February 2024)
• Grant Request Process: https://www.snee-reinhardt.org/grant-request-process (accessed February 2024)
• First-Time Applicants Guidelines: https://www.snee-reinhardt.org/first-time-applicants (accessed February 2024)
• FAQs: https://www.snee-reinhardt.org/faqs (accessed February 2024)
• Limitations and Restrictions: https://www.snee-reinhardt.org/limitations-restrictions (accessed February 2024)
• Geographic Areas: https://www.snee-reinhardt.org/geographic-areas (accessed February 2024)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/256292908 (accessed February 2024)
• Cause IQ Profile: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/snee-reinhardt-charitable-foundation,256292908/ (accessed February 2024)