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Rossin Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.9M
Grant Range
$10K - $0.1M
Decision Time
3mo

Rossin Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,863,395 (2023)
  • Average Grant: $56,467
  • Total Grants: 33 awards (2023)
  • Total Assets: $43.7 million
  • Geographic Focus: Southwestern Pennsylvania, primarily Pittsburgh region
  • Decision Time: Semi-annual review cycle

Contact Details

Mailing Address: PO Box 12790, Pittsburgh, PA 15241

Contact: Gina DeIuliis
Email: gadeiuliis@rossinfoundation.org

Website: https://rossinfoundation.org

Overview

The Rossin Foundation was established in 1989 by Peter C. Rossin (1923-2003), a Lehigh University engineering graduate and WWII veteran who founded Dynamet Inc., a titanium manufacturing company, and his wife Ada E. Rossin. Peter Rossin sold his company in 1997 and committed his philanthropic resources to supporting communities that contributed to his success. The foundation is now multi-generational, chaired by the founders' daughter Joan Rossin Stephans, and continues to support qualified nonprofit organizations serving children and families in Southwestern Pennsylvania. The foundation's core values center on family, faith, and community, with a mission to "give back to those that made our success possible." In 2023, the foundation distributed approximately $1.9 million across 33 grants.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Rossin Foundation operates a semi-annual grant review process but accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. The foundation made 33 grants in 2023 with an average award of $56,467, though grant sizes vary considerably based on project scope.

Application Method: Rolling applications reviewed semi-annually

Priority Areas

The foundation focuses its giving on five core areas:

  1. Sharp Minds (Education): Improving educational institutions, promoting academic excellence, and supporting STEM education initiatives
  2. Healthy Bodies (Healthcare): Supporting medical research, patient care services, children's health, and hospital programs
  3. Vibrant Spirits (Arts & Culture): Encouraging spiritual connections, supporting arts organizations, museums, and cultural institutions
  4. Religion: Faith-based initiatives and religious organizations
  5. Service Opportunities: Programs that provide community service and support

Geographic Focus: Southwestern Pennsylvania region, with particular emphasis on the Pittsburgh area and surrounding communities

Target Beneficiaries: Programs that meet the needs of children and families

Recent Grant Examples

  • Carnegie Science Center: Funded the Joan Rossin Stephans Discovery Suite, a STEM education hub focusing on coding, digital animation, and 3D printing; supported the "Mars: The Next Giant Leap" exhibit (2023)
  • UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh: Established the Peter and Ada Rossin Endowed Chair in Pediatric Cardiology (2012); funded the Dream Big Studio, a television and radio station for the hospital's Creative and Expressive Arts Therapy Program (2020)
  • Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh: Major donor supporting arts and cultural programming

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated, the foundation:

  • Focuses exclusively on Southwestern Pennsylvania region
  • Requires 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
  • Prioritizes programs serving children and families

Governance and Leadership

Current Leadership (Multi-generational family foundation):

  • Joan Rossin Stephans: Chair and Trustee (daughter of founders)
  • Peter N. Stephans: Officer and Trustee
  • Elizabeth Stephans Baker: Trustee
  • Katherine Stephans Dec: Trustee

Joan Rossin Stephans also serves as a board member for UPMC Children's Hospital Foundation, demonstrating the foundation's ongoing commitment to healthcare philanthropy.

Founder's Philosophy: Peter C. Rossin stated, "I feel you owe a debt to society and to the institutions that were fundamental to your success." This principle continues to guide the foundation's grantmaking, emphasizing support for organizations that enhance quality of life in Western Pennsylvania.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Eligibility: Organizations must be qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code.

Application Requirements (submitted in this order):

  1. Cover Letter
  2. Grant Application (downloadable from foundation website)
  3. Program Budget and Grant Application Summary
  4. IRS 501(c)(3) Determination Letter
  5. Board of Directors List
  6. Current Audited Financial Statement
  7. List of Contributors
  8. Organizational Conflict of Interest Policy

Submission: Applications may be submitted at any time to Gina DeIuliis at gadeiuliis@rossinfoundation.org

Decision Timeline

Grants are reviewed and considered on a semi-annual basis (twice per year), though applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Specific decision dates and notification timelines are not publicly disclosed. Organizations should expect the review process to align with the semi-annual cycle.

Success Rates

Specific success rates and application numbers are not publicly disclosed. In 2023, the foundation made 33 grants totaling $1,863,395.

Reapplication Policy

The foundation does not publicly disclose a specific reapplication policy for unsuccessful applicants. Organizations interested in reapplying should contact Gina DeIuliis for guidance.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's funding history and stated priorities, successful applications typically demonstrate:

Alignment with Founder's Values: The foundation's mission reflects Peter C. Rossin's belief in "giving back to those that made our success possible." Applications that demonstrate how they strengthen communities in Southwestern Pennsylvania align with this core value.

Multi-Generational Impact: Projects supporting children and families are central to the foundation's mission. The Dream Big Studio at UPMC Children's Hospital exemplifies the foundation's interest in programs that serve young people with innovative, engaging approaches.

STEM and Innovation: The Joan Rossin Stephans Discovery Suite at Carnegie Science Center demonstrates strong interest in technology education, coding, digital skills, and hands-on learning—reflecting the founder's background in engineering and technology.

Community Enhancement: The foundation values organizations that "enhance the quality of life for the people of Western Pennsylvania and Pittsburgh's three rivers," suggesting preference for programs with broad community impact.

Long-Term Partnerships: Major grants like the endowed chair at UPMC (established 2012) and ongoing support to Carnegie Museums suggest the foundation values sustained relationships with organizations demonstrating consistent impact.

Institutional Excellence: Peter C. Rossin's career achievements and support for academic institutions suggest the foundation values operational excellence, innovation, and measurable outcomes.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Geographic specificity is essential: The foundation explicitly focuses on Southwestern Pennsylvania; applications from outside this region will not be considered
  • Family and children are central: Programs serving children and families are the priority population; demonstrate how your work impacts these groups
  • STEM education resonates strongly: Given the founder's engineering background and recent grants, technology and science education projects align well
  • Think long-term impact: Major grants like endowed chairs and capital projects suggest interest in sustainable, lasting community benefit
  • Complete documentation matters: The foundation requires specific materials in a particular order; follow application guidelines precisely
  • Rolling applications work in your favor: Unlike many foundations with annual deadlines, you can submit when your organization is ready
  • Build relationships: Board member Joan Rossin Stephans serves on UPMC Children's Hospital Foundation, suggesting the value of cross-organizational connections in the Pittsburgh nonprofit community

References

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