Jefferson Regional Foundation

08/19/2026

We welcomed our partners at The Grable Foundation who hosted the Education Funders Meeting at the Jefferson Regional Foundation office. This meeting brought together philanthropy partners who are committed to strengthening educational opportunities and supporting student success throughout our communities.

Thank you, Dr. James Doyle, for leading this meaningful conversation. We look forward to continuing this important work together.

08/18/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our second Shared Grounds gathering! It was a wonderful morning of conversation, collaboration, and connection with nonprofit partners from across our service area.

We appreciate everyone who took the time to engage with Kelleigh Boland, Director of Grantmaking and Strategy, and Steve Ankney, Grants, Evaluation, and Data Manager, as they shared insights into the Jefferson Regional Foundation's grantmaking process, answered questions, and discussed opportunities to strengthen partnerships.

Thank you for being a part of the conversation.

08/13/2026

As a new school year begins, we wish every student, educator, school staff member, and family a successful year filled with learning, growth, and opportunity.

As part of our mission to improve the health and well-being of the communities served by AHN Jefferson Hospital, we support initiatives and partnerships that help create healthier futures for children and families across our region.

Here's to a safe, healthy, and successful school year for all!

Baldwin-Whitehall School District, Bethel Park Schools, Clairton Middle/High School, Duquesne City School District, Elizabeth Forward School District, McKeesport Area School District, South Allegheny Gladiators, South Park School District, West Jefferson Hills School District, West Mifflin Area School District

08/11/2026

Exciting things are happening in three school districts within the Jefferson Regional Foundation service area!

Steel Valley School District recently unveiled its new elementary school, bringing pre-K-5 students together in a modern learning environment designed to support future generations. Nearby, Bethel Park School District is preparing to welcome students to its new elementary center, while Brentwood Borough School District continues construction on its new building, scheduled to open later this school year.

These investments reflect a shared commitment to creating safe, innovative spaces where students can learn, grow, and thrive.

Read the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette article to learn more:
https://www.post-gazette.com/news/education/2026/08/05/steel-valley-elementary-school/stories/202608050049



Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Steel Valley Elementary School, Brentwood Borough School District, Bethel Park Schools

The new Steel Valley Elementary School stands tall next to the district’s high school, its bright blue, orange and purple aesthetic a far cry from...

08/06/2026

The Jefferson Regional Foundation staff and Board Chair Rich Talarico recently participated in an informative presentation on ransomware led by cybersecurity expert Summer Fowler, Corporate Vice President and Principal at Exponent. Joe Schneider, Account Manager at Wolf Consulting LLC, also joined the discussion, providing valuable insights into today's evolving cybersecurity landscape.

As organizations increasingly rely on technology to serve their communities, protecting sensitive information is more important than ever. We are committed to responsible stewardship of the resources and information entrusted to us.

Thank you to Summer Fowler and our IT provider, Wolf Consulting, for visiting the Foundation and sharing your expertise.

Isaiah Warfield, Wolf Consulting, LLC, Trisha Mason Gadson

08/04/2026

☕ Shared Grounds is Back!

Shared Grounds is JRF's morning coffee conversation session where nonprofit partners connect with Foundation staff, gain insights into our grantmaking process, and build meaningful relationships.

Hosted by Kelleigh Boland, Director of Grantmaking and Strategy, and Steve Ankney, Grants, Evaluation, and Data Manager, this interactive session will cover the Foundation's grant process and key dates.

📅 Tuesday, August 18, 2026
🕛 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
📍 Attend via Zoom or in person. In-person is limited to 20 participants (based off time of registration)

Register today: https://sharedgrounds2026.rsvpify.com/

07/30/2026

Morning Star Baptist Church is hosting a FREE Farmers Market in partnership with Highmark Wholecare, Clairton City School District, and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.

Access to fresh, nutritious food is essential to building healthier communities. Everyone in the Mon Valley and surrounding communities is welcome to receive FREE fresh produce.

📅 Friday, August 7, 2026
🕛 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Morning Star Baptist Church
307 Shaw Avenue, Clairton, PA 15025

There are no income guidelines, no ID requirements, and no registration needed.

For more information, contact Evelyn Hunter at 412-415-5250.

Morning Star Baptist Church, Clairton Cares, Clairton Middle/High School, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Highmark Wholecare

07/28/2026

Steve Ankney, Grants, Evaluation, and Data Manager, represented the Jefferson Regional Foundation at the EMPOWERED akoyaGO User Conference!

This event convened grantmaking professionals from across the country for expert-led sessions, hands-on learning, and opportunities to exchange ideas and best practices with peers using akoyaGO.

Steve returned with new strategies and insights that will help the Foundation maximize capabilities, strengthen data-informed decision-making, streamline grantmaking processes, and continue advancing equitable, impactful investments in the communities we serve.

akoyaGO

07/23/2026

We’re still celebrating an unforgettable day at the 2026 Jefferson Regional Foundation Conference! ✨

We were honored to have Emmy-nominated actress, producer, director, and BEYOND THE GATES star Tamara Tunie as our keynote speaker.

From the moment she stepped on stage, Tunie brought energy, authenticity, and inspiration to our nonprofit partners.

Thank you, Tamara Tunie, for inspiring us with your powerful reminder that 𝗪𝗘 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗗 𝗕𝗬 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘. Thank you to everyone for helping make this year's Jefferson Regional Foundation Conference a memorable celebration of progress, partnerships, and purpose.



Beyond The Gates, Tamara Tunie

07/20/2026

Congratulations to Global Links and Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank, winners of the inaugural Jefferson Regional Foundation Unified Voices Award! The decision was voted on by their peers of grantee partners.

Through their partnership, the organizations hosted public drive-through diaper distributions in Clairton and McKeesport. They provided families with a month's supply of diapers for their babies. Together, they have served 300-400 families, helping to address an essential need for parents and caregivers throughout our communities.

The recipients of the Unified Voices Award, along with all of this year's nominees, demonstrate the power of collaboration to strengthen communities, improve lives, and create lasting impact.

Thank you for your outstanding work!



Global Links, Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank