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Cahouet Foundation

Annual Giving
$9.0M

Cahouet Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $9,000,000 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available (invitation/trustee-directed grants)
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: Not publicly specified
  • Geographic Focus: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania region
  • Total Assets: $257.2 million (2024)
  • Foundation Type: Private family foundation

Contact Details

Address: One BNY Mellon Center, 500 Grant Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15258

Phone: (412) 234-9805

Trustee: BNY Mellon, N.A.

Note: The foundation does not have a website or public-facing email for grant applications.

Overview

The Cahouet Foundation (also known as The Ann & Frank Cahouet Foundation) was established in July 2009 as a private family foundation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Named for Frank V. Cahouet, the former Chairman and CEO of Mellon Bank Corporation (serving 1987-1998), and his wife Ann, the foundation reflects the couple's deep commitment to Pittsburgh and its institutions. Frank Cahouet passed away in 2017 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease, but the foundation continues his philanthropic legacy. With total assets of $257.2 million as of 2024 and annual charitable disbursements of $9.0 million, the foundation focuses primarily on Catholic charities, healthcare organizations (with particular emphasis on Parkinson's disease care and research), and social service organizations serving vulnerable populations in the Pittsburgh region. The foundation is administered by BNY Mellon as trustee, maintaining strong ties to Frank Cahouet's professional legacy.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The Cahouet Foundation does not operate formal grant programs with published guidelines or application deadlines. Grants are made at the discretion of the trustee, typically to organizations with which the Cahouet family had established relationships.

Priority Areas

Based on Frank Cahouet's documented philanthropic interests and public records, the foundation has supported:

Catholic Institutions and Charities

  • Catholic schools and educational programs
  • Catholic social service organizations
  • Religious institutions serving the Pittsburgh Diocese

Healthcare Organizations

  • Parkinson's disease care and research (Frank Cahouet established the Cahouet Center for Comprehensive Parkinson's Care at Allegheny Health Network in 2016)
  • Healthcare facilities serving uninsured and underserved populations
  • Medical research institutions

Social Service Organizations

  • Organizations serving children and families in need
  • Programs supporting vulnerable populations
  • Community development initiatives

Arts and Culture

  • The Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (The Ann & Frank Cahouet Foundation is listed among major foundation supporters)
  • Other Pittsburgh cultural institutions

Known Beneficiaries (based on Frank Cahouet's documented involvement):

  • Holy Family Institute
  • Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh
  • Little Sisters of the Poor
  • Extra Mile Education Foundation (Catholic school tuition assistance)
  • Allegheny Health Network (Parkinson's care)
  • Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra

What They Don't Fund

Given the foundation's focused approach and trustee-directed grantmaking:

  • Organizations outside the Pittsburgh region
  • Causes unrelated to Catholic faith, healthcare, or social services
  • Projects without established relationships with the trustee or Cahouet family legacy

Governance and Leadership

Trustee: BNY Mellon, N.A. serves as the primary trustee, receiving compensation for administrative duties.

Historical Leadership: Frank V. Cahouet served as co-trustee during his lifetime. Frank held a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard University (1954) and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania (1959).

Frank V. Cahouet's Philanthropic Philosophy

Frank Cahouet was described as "especially generous and effective as a philanthropist – personally, through board service; and as an advisor to others." Beginning in the early 1990s and for much of the next decade, he served on the board of The Heinz Endowments and was elected emeritus trustee of the University of Pittsburgh in 2006.

On Parkinson's Care: After his diagnosis, Frank recognized the need for well-coordinated Parkinson's care. According to Allegheny Health Network, "Thanks to his generosity, the [Cahouet] Center is open to all, regardless of a patient's ability to pay." This commitment to accessibility reflects the foundation's values.

Faith and Service: As a devout Catholic, Cahouet found "deep satisfaction in his commitments to Holy Family Institute, Catholic Charities of Pittsburgh, Little Sisters of the Poor, the Extra Mile Foundation, and other Pittsburgh institutions that serve the needs of people."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

The Cahouet Foundation does not have a public application process. Grants are made at the trustee's discretion, typically to organizations with which the Cahouet family had established relationships or that align closely with Frank and Ann Cahouet's documented philanthropic interests.

The foundation operates as a traditional private family foundation where grantmaking decisions are made internally by BNY Mellon as trustee, likely guided by the family's philanthropic priorities and legacy.

Decision Timeline

Not applicable – grants are trustee-initiated rather than application-driven.

Success Rates

Public data shows the foundation made 43 grants in 2023, but specific application or success rate data is not available as there is no public application process.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable given the invitation-only nature of the foundation's grantmaking.

Application Success Factors

Since the Cahouet Foundation operates without a public application process, organizations seeking support should focus on alignment with the foundation's core values and established priorities:

Mission Alignment is Critical

  • Organizations serving vulnerable populations, particularly through a Catholic social service lens, align most closely with documented giving patterns
  • Healthcare initiatives addressing serious medical conditions, especially those improving access for underserved populations
  • Programs that would have resonated with Frank Cahouet's values: excellence in service delivery, accessibility regardless of ability to pay, and strengthening Pittsburgh's social fabric

Pittsburgh Connection is Essential

  • The Cahouets considered Pittsburgh their hometown and deeply invested in the region
  • Organizations with established track records serving Pittsburgh communities
  • Institutions that were part of Pittsburgh's civic infrastructure

Catholic Identity Matters

  • Frank Cahouet's devout Catholic faith drove significant giving to Catholic institutions
  • Organizations affiliated with the Diocese of Pittsburgh or Catholic social teaching
  • Programs reflecting Catholic values of service, dignity, and care for the vulnerable

Established Reputation and Relationships

  • Organizations where the Cahouets or their associates had direct involvement or knowledge
  • Institutions with strong governance and proven impact
  • Programs recommended by trusted advisors or fellow philanthropists in the Pittsburgh community

Focus on Comprehensive, Accessible Care

  • The Cahouet Center for Comprehensive Parkinson's Care exemplifies the foundation's interest in coordinated, multi-disciplinary approaches
  • Programs that are "open to all, regardless of ability to pay" match documented values
  • Initiatives that address real gaps in service delivery with practical solutions

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • No public application process: This foundation makes grants through trustee discretion, not competitive applications. Direct solicitation is unlikely to be successful.
  • Relationship-driven grantmaking: Focus on building relationships with Pittsburgh philanthropic networks where Cahouet Foundation trustees might become aware of your work.
  • Strong Catholic and healthcare focus: Organizations serving these sectors in Pittsburgh have the strongest alignment with documented priorities.
  • Legacy-based giving: The foundation continues Frank and Ann Cahouet's philanthropic vision, emphasizing accessibility, quality, and service to vulnerable populations.
  • Substantial assets with focused giving: While the foundation has significant resources ($257M in assets), grantmaking is selective and concentrated on established priorities.
  • BNY Mellon administration: The trustee relationship with BNY Mellon reflects Frank Cahouet's professional legacy and suggests a conservative, well-managed approach to philanthropy.
  • Model of comprehensive care: The Cahouet Center demonstrates interest in coordinated, multi-disciplinary approaches that maximize impact and accessibility.

References

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