Grantmakers of Western PA

11/04/2025

As part of GWP Gives Back—our service-based initiative that fosters community engagement and collaboration through volunteerism—we are proud to partner once again with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to support our neighbors across the region.

There are two ways to give this year:

🟩 Due to the recent delay and cancellation of SNAP benefits because of the government shutdown, GWP has agreed to offer an additional opportunity for individual members to support through the online giving page:
🔗 https://secure.qgiv.com/event/grantmakersofwesternpafoodfunddrive/

🟩 Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable foods and other most-needed items to donate at the GWP 40th Anniversary Luncheon and Annual Meeting on December 3rd.

Ongoing donations can also be dropped off at our main office:
Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania
Three Gateway Center
401 Liberty Avenue, Suite 2325
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Together, we’re celebrating through collective giving—strengthening our community one act of generosity at a time. 💚

10/31/2025

We were delighted to welcome foundation finance leaders to our office last week for the launch of GWP’s new CFO Learning Network!

This inaugural mixer brought together Chief Financial Officers, Controllers, and senior finance professionals for an evening of connection and lively conversations about trends shaping the sector. The gathering also marked the beginning of ongoing discussions about what the CFO Learning Network could become — a space for shared learning, collaboration, and collective insight.

A heartfelt thank-you to our network co-chairs, Ray Lombardi (Colcom Foundation) and Lindsay Crum (Eden Hall Foundation), for their leadership in creating a dedicated space for CFOs to learn from and support one another.

We’re excited to continue offering spaces and resources for like-minded professionals to connect through GWP’s Learning Networks — including this new community for CFOs and others across our membership and beyond.

10/30/2025

We’re excited to share the agenda for GWP’s 40th Anniversary Luncheon and Annual Business Meeting — a celebration of four decades of shared progress in philanthropy.

Join us for an inspiring afternoon of reflection, connection, and forward-looking dialogue as we honor our past and envision what’s next for our region’s philanthropic community.

If you haven’t registered yet, please secure your spot soon — registration closes November 14.

✉️ GWP Members: Check your inbox (including your “Other” or spam folders) for registration details in our recent email. If you’re not receiving GWP updates, contact [email protected].

Thank you for being an essential part of GWP’s legacy — we look forward to celebrating this milestone with you!

10/27/2025

Wish there was still a Common Grant Application?

Next month, Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania invites members to explore how the Philanthropy Data Commons (PDC) is reimagining the future of grant applications—making funding processes more efficient, transparent, and equitable.

Nonprofits spend an average of 15 hours per application and submit 10–15 applications for every grant secured, diverting critical time from mission-driven work. The PDC is challenging these barriers by creating a shared data infrastructure that connects existing systems—like Foundant, Blackbaud, and Fluxx—to streamline information flow between funders and grantees.

During this virtual session, members will learn how this sector-wide initiative is transforming data governance and collaboration, and see a live demo from the team leading the effort.

📅 Friday, November 14, 2025 | 3:00–4:30 PM EST

✉️ GWP Members: Check your inbox (including “Other” or spam folders) for registration details in our recent emails. If you’re not receiving GWP updates, contact [email protected].

10/24/2025

Sharing a few more group photos from our 40th Anniversary Happy Hour! Thank you to our members and partners for celebrating this milestone and the shared commitment that continues to strengthen philanthropy in our region.

10/23/2025

The United Philanthropy Forum has released a comprehensive resource addressing the Presidential Memorandum on Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence and its implications for philanthropy-infrastructure organizations.

This resource offers actionable insight into:
-Expanded federal oversight of tax-exempt organizations, including boards, staff, and grantmaking practices
-Compliance and risk management strategies for foundations and philanthropic operations
-Documentation, transparency, and legal guidance to safeguard missions and mitigate exposure
-Practical talking points to support peer organizations and boards

Federal agencies are increasingly scrutinizing tax-exempt organizations. Accessing this guidance helps organizations proactively strengthen compliance, ensure transparency, and protect their missions in a shifting regulatory landscape.

🔗 Explore the full resource and download talking points: https://www.unitedphilforum.org/resources/executive-actions-impacting-philanthropic-nonprofit-sectors

United Philanthropy Forum developed this resource page to inform our network of philanthropy-infrastructure organizations about executive actions impacting the sector and the communities we work with and in. This page also serves as a call to action and mobilization for our members, foundation leade...

10/22/2025

GWP members, registration is open for our 40th Anniversary Luncheon and Annual Meeting on December 3, 2025, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM!

Join us for an inspiring afternoon of celebration, reflection, and dialogue as we honor four decades of philanthropy in our region and look ahead to the future.

✉️ GWP Members: Check your inbox (including “Other” or spam folders) for registration details in our emails. If you’re not receiving GWP updates, contact [email protected].

Thank you for being an essential part of GWP’s legacy—we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

10/21/2025

What does Pittsburgh want to be when it grows up?

Next week, Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania invites members to join a conversation exploring how the Pittsburgh 2050 Comprehensive Plan is shaping a collective vision for an equitable, resilient, and inclusive future.

Unlike traditional top-down planning models, this community-driven process engaged more than 18,500 residents, business leaders, and stakeholders to define clear actions and policies around housing, climate resilience, and economic growth.

During this in-person session, members will hear directly from the city’s core planning team about key findings, next steps, and opportunities for philanthropy to stay engaged as this work advances.

📅 Thursday, October 30, 2025 | 9:30–11:30 AM

✉️ GWP Members: Check your inbox (including “Other” or spam folders) for registration details in our recent emails. If you’re not receiving GWP updates, contact [email protected].

10/14/2025

Last week, Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania hosted Scoring for the Region: Leveraging the NFL Draft at the US Steel Building, providing GWP members with a unique opportunity to explore how Pittsburgh’s hosting of the 2026 NFL Draft can translate into tangible community benefits. Our panelists shared insights on fostering civic pride, creating cross-sector partnerships, and leveraging national attention to support lasting economic and social impact in the region.

We extend sincere thanks to our panelists for sharing their expertise: Blayre Holmes-Davis, Senior Director of Community Relations, Pittsburgh Steelers; Caily Grube, Executive Director, Allegheny Cleanways; Jerad Bacher, President & CEO, Visit Pittsburgh; and Jeremy Waldrup, President & CEO, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.

The program highlighted the kinds of conversations and learning experiences we aim to offer GWP members — connecting local initiatives, philanthropic strategy, and community engagement in ways that are actionable and meaningful.

We are especially grateful to Eden Hall Foundation for facilitating this event and for their continued partnership. Their support made it possible to offer this in-depth, member-focused learning experience, connecting GWP members directly with local leaders and strategies that advance community impact.

10/13/2025

GWP is excited to offer two back-to-back virtual programs this week, designed to strengthen your philanthropic practice and provide actionable insights:

📅 Wednesday, October 15 | Balancing Purpose, Payout, and Lifespan
Led by Tony Macklin, independent philanthropic advisor and nationally recognized thought leader, this session will explore a range of approaches to payout strategies and lifespan planning. Learn how purpose, stewardship, and adaptability can guide decisions that align mission, resources, and long-term impact.

📅 Thursday, October 16 | Leveraging Candid’s Insights to Strengthen Funding
Join Brian Schultz, Director of Partnerships at Candid, to see how Candid’s data and tools can support more strategic, data-driven grantmaking. Discover ways to simplify due diligence, uncover trends, and foster stronger collaboration across the sector.

These sessions provide GWP members with exclusive access to leading expertise and practical strategies for effective philanthropic decision-making.

✉️ GWP Members: Check your inboxes—including “Other” or spam folders—for registration details. If you’re not receiving GWP emails, contact [email protected].

10/10/2025

We are so grateful to our members who joined us at our happy hour to celebrate Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania’s 40th Anniversary at The Pittsburgh Foundation’s stunning rooftop. The evening was a chance to unwind, connect with colleagues, and reflect on the collaborative work and shared vision that have strengthened philanthropy across our region.

Members contributed to our 40th Anniversary rug with Rugs N’ Stuff, each adding a personal touch to a piece that celebrates four decades of community. Work on the rug will continue at our Annual Meeting on December 3, 2025, creating a lasting symbol of our shared impact.

A special thank you to The Pittsburgh Foundation team for their support, and to Roxanne’s Catering for the delicious spread.

We want to raise a glass to everyone in the GWP community for forty years of generosity, partnership, and meaningful impact. Your dedication strengthens philanthropy in Western Pennsylvania, and we are honored to continue this work together! 🥂

10/07/2025

🚨 Emergent Briefing for GWP Members: Federal & State Budget Impasse and Its Impact on DHS

Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania is convening an urgent virtual session with Erin Dalton, Director of the Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS), to discuss how the ongoing budget impasse may disrupt funding to DHS providers and impact critical human services across our region.

Funders will gain real-time insights and explore strategies to sustain essential programs amid uncertainty.

📅 Monday, October 20, 2025 | 10:00–11:30 AM | Virtual via Zoom

✉️ GWP Members: Check your inboxes—including “Other” or spam folders—for registration details in our recent emails, including this morning’s Weekly Program Update. If you’re not receiving GWP emails, contact [email protected].