Bartko Foundation

Bartko Foundation The Bartko Foundation is a private non-profit organization whose mission is to invest in self-sufficiency goals of single minority mothers in Greater Pgh.

The Mission:

The Bartko Foundation is a private non-profit organization whose mission is to invest in the self-sufficiency of single minority mothers. The Purpose:

Our purpose is to assist these women in achieving goals they have set for themselves and to help them continue positive progress in their life’s journey. We generally focus our support on goals related to education, transportation, ho

using and employment. We believe these areas have the most profound impact in the lives of our recipients and, therefore, our investments. We seek to help these individuals reinforce their own sense of accomplishment with their self-sufficiency goals. The How:

Desiring not to duplicate efforts, the Bartko Foundation partners with others to find and fund eligible applicants. Our partners are sponsoring agencies and organizations that work with women whose needs may “fall through the cracks,” side-tracking them from becoming self-sufficient. The sponsoring agency or person aids the applicant with completing an application and telling her story. Successful applicants are those who are participating or have participated in one of the sponsor’s programs and who are taking active steps in their journey to self-sufficiency.

04/23/2026

We’re thrilled to announce the winners of our 2026 Donors’ raffle. They are:
Laura Vassamillet-watch (which Laura resonated to Cooking for a Cure)
Ilona Tassone-bourbon basket and glasses
Gina Villi-Caraway food storage system
Beth Zeanchock- Pearl Peddler necklace

Many thanks to all those who donated and helped make the 2026 Irene’s Dream Luncheon a success.

And another Irene’s Dream Luncheon is in the books. The grand ball room was filled with supporters celebrating the achie...
04/14/2026

And another Irene’s Dream Luncheon is in the books. The grand ball room was filled with supporters celebrating the achievements of Faith Ndigu, the 2026 IOB grantee whose perseverance is truly emblematic of the Bartko mission. We were also thrilled to honor Barbara Cooley-Shaw as the IOB 2026 volunteer for her long time support. Rev. Dr Patrice Fowler-Searcy served as this year’s Mistress of Ceremonies and Dr. Dina Clark was honorary chair. Many thanks to all who made this fund raiser so very special. Donations are greyfully received through the website at https://bartkofoundation.org/

What a great day! We loved having First Lady Katie O’Connor join us!
04/12/2026

What a great day! We loved having First Lady Katie O’Connor join us!

You are invited to join us for Irene’s Dream Luncheon & Boutique Shopping on April 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m...
03/13/2026

You are invited to join us for Irene’s Dream Luncheon & Boutique Shopping on April 11, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at the DoubleTree Hotel in Pittsburgh.

This gathering brings together community members, supporters, and partners for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and purpose. Through lunch and boutique shopping, we come together in support of efforts that assist single women of color with children as they work toward self‑sufficiency, rooted in the belief that we are strongest when we lift one another up.

We hope you will join us for this meaningful event. Kindly RSVP by April 1, 2026.

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of the foundation’s executive director, Carl Ellis Perkins. Carl was our bel...
12/20/2025

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of the foundation’s executive director, Carl Ellis Perkins. Carl was our beloved husband, brother-in-law and uncle. His memory is a blessing to all who knew him. Well done, good and faithful servant.
His obituary follows.

Age 68, born and raised in Florence, SC, and later of Pittsburgh, passed away Thursday, December 18, 2025, following a heroic health battle. Beloved husband of Nedra L. (Bartko) Perkins; devoted father of Stephen Perkins; cherished grandfather of Shi-ann and Samir; loving brother of Roswell Perkins and Celeste Perkins; son of the late Carl Ellis and Sarah Perkins; also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was loved by many.
Carl was known as a gentle, patient, caring, and kind man. He lived a life defined by service and empathy, dedicating himself to helping those in need in his community. For the past 24 years, he served faithfully as the Executive Director of the Bartko Foundation, where his quiet leadership, compassion, and dedication made a lasting impact on countless lives. Carl’s work was never about recognition, but about kindness, dignity, and making a meaningful difference for others. His legacy lives on through the people he helped, the community he strengthened, and the family he loved so deeply. His steady presence, warm heart, and generous spirit will be remembered always.
Friends and family will be received Tuesday, December 23, 2025, from 10 a.m. until the time of Funeral Service at 11 a.m. at WILLIAM F. GROSS FUNERAL HOME, LTD., 11735 Frankstown Rd. (at Rodi Rd.), Penn Hills.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bartko Foundation through the “Donate” link on the Foundation’s website at https://www.bartkofoundation.org/.

🌟 We are thrilled that the Bartko Foundation was honored with two prestigious awards! 🌟✨ YW Equity Ally Award�This award...
11/17/2025

🌟 We are thrilled that the Bartko Foundation was honored with two prestigious awards! 🌟

✨ YW Equity Ally Award�This award celebrates our unwavering commitment to advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion. We believe in a world where everyone has equal access to opportunities and support, and we’re proud to stand with those working toward creating a more just society.
✨ AFP-WPC Philanthropy Award�The AFP-WPC Philanthropy Award recognizes our dedication to making a meaningful impact through philanthropy. By collaborating with incredible organizations, we’re helping drive positive change and elevate communities in need.

These honors belong not only to the Bartko Foundation, but to every donor, volunteer, partner, and advocate who believes in our mission. Thank you for helping us create a stronger, more equitable future for women and families across the region.

11/12/2025

It's a big week for the Bartko Foundation! We are deeply honored to be recognized twice this week for work supporting women in Western Pennsylvania.

On November 13th, the Western PA Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals will present the Bartko Foundation with the "Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation Award", recognizing our ongoing commitment to empowering women and their families to achieve self-sufficiency and independence.

Then, on November 14th, the YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh will honor us with the "Ally Award", celebrating our shared mission to advance equity, opportunity, and lasting change in our community.

These recognitions reflect not only the work of our foundation, but the strength, resilience, and determination of the women we serve. We're proud to stand alongside our partners and supporters in building a community where all women have the opportunity to thrive.

We are both honored and humbled by this recognition of our work.
09/24/2025

We are both honored and humbled by this recognition of our work.

Address

Pittsburgh, PA

Telephone

(412) 371-1142

Website

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