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Edward M Wilson Family Foundation

Annual Giving
$1.6M

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $1,609,000 (2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly documented (likely quarterly if following PNC process)
  • Grant Range: Average ~$18,000 per grant (89 grants in 2024)
  • Geographic Focus: Pittsburgh, PA and surrounding areas (with some national reach)

Contact Details

Phone: 412-442-1522 Email: Not publicly available (contact via PNC Bank: charitabletrusts@pnc.com) Website: None Corporate Trustee: PNC Bank N.A.

Overview

The Edward M Wilson Family Foundation is a private foundation established in 1980 with current assets of $36.7 million. The foundation distributes approximately $1.6 million annually through 80-90 grants, primarily supporting organizations in the Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania region. As a PNC Bank-administered trust, the foundation operates without a public website or traditional application process. The foundation's giving focuses on arts and culture, education, children and youth services, social services, and Christian organizations. With PNC Bank serving as corporate trustee alongside committee members Janet C. Chrzan and Judge William Lee, the foundation maintains a professional approach to philanthropy while honoring its founder's charitable intent.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation does not have named grant programs but distributes approximately $1.6 million annually across multiple focus areas. Average grant size is approximately $18,000 based on 89 grants awarded in 2024.

Priority Areas

  • Arts and Culture
  • Education
  • Children and Youth Services
  • Social Services
  • Christian Organizations

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated by the foundation, as a PNC-administered trust, they likely follow PNC's general exclusions:

  • General operating costs
  • Pilot programs
  • Event sponsorships
  • Multi-year commitments
  • For-profit organizations
  • Individuals or other private foundations

Governance and Leadership

Trustees and Committee Members:

  • PNC Bank N.A. (Corporate Trustee) - Responsible for trust administration and receives $247,071 in compensation
  • Janet C. Chrzan (Committee Member) - $1,500 annual compensation
  • Judge William Lee (Committee Member) - $1,500 annual compensation

PNC Bank manages nearly 200 charitable trusts and private foundations, distributing approximately $70 million annually in grants across their portfolio.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This foundation does not have a public application process. As a private foundation administered by PNC Bank, grants are typically awarded through trustee discretion or by invitation only. Organizations interested in seeking support should contact PNC Bank's Charitable Trusts team at charitabletrusts@pnc.com to inquire about eligibility and potential consideration.

Getting on Their Radar

Organizations seeking funding from the Edward M Wilson Family Foundation should:

  • Contact PNC Bank's Charitable Trusts team directly at charitabletrusts@pnc.com to inquire about the foundation's grant-making priorities and process
  • If eligible for PNC's quarterly review process, submissions are due February 1, May 1, August 1, or October 1
  • PNC encourages organizations to send inquiry emails before submitting full applications to their managed trusts

Decision Timeline

Not publicly documented. If following PNC's standard charitable trust processes, reviews occur quarterly with decisions communicated following each review period.

Success Rates

Not publicly available.

Reapplication Policy

If following PNC trust guidelines, organizations typically must wait 18-24 months between applications and complete impact reports for previous grants before reapplying.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's giving patterns and PNC's trust administration approach:

  • Geographic alignment: Strong Pittsburgh or Western Pennsylvania connection increases likelihood of consideration
  • Mission fit: Clear alignment with the foundation's priority areas of arts/culture, education, youth services, or Christian organizations
  • Direct service provision: Projects that directly serve individuals and address specific community needs
  • Measurable outcomes: Clear metrics and evaluation plans demonstrating project impact
  • Sustainability planning: Evidence of long-term viability beyond the grant period
  • Collaborative approach: Partnerships with other organizations to maximize impact
  • Professional presentation: Well-prepared inquiry to PNC Bank demonstrating organizational capacity

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The Edward M Wilson Family Foundation is a substantial funder ($1.6M annually) but operates without a public application process
  • Initial contact should be made through PNC Bank's Charitable Trusts team rather than attempting to reach the foundation directly
  • Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania organizations have the strongest geographic advantage
  • The foundation makes a relatively high volume of grants (89 in 2024), suggesting openness to supporting diverse organizations
  • Average grant size of ~$18,000 indicates the foundation prefers spreading support across many organizations rather than making a few large grants
  • Focus proposals on direct service provision with clear, measurable community impact
  • Allow 18-24 months between applications if following PNC's standard trust guidelines

References

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