Who Can Apply?

Lead organizations should be a community group, or otherwise represent a diverse community in the region. Lead organizations must maintain a physical presence in the Pittsburgh-New Castle-Weirton Combined Statistical Area and have 501(c)3 non-profit status. If an organization does not yet have 501(c)3 status, a partner willing to serve as a fiscal sponsor is acceptable. The majority of funding will be directed to organizations with an annual budget below $1 million.

Selection Process

All applications are screened by staff from Vibrant Pittsburgh and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. Selected proposals are reviewed by the Mini Grant Review Committee comprised of representatives from Vibrant Pittsburgh and the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Community Relations Council.

Funding Criteria

The Mini Grants initiative considers funding requests for both new and continuing initiatives. The term of proposed projects should be one year. Grants generally range from $500 to $7,500. Past Mini Grants funding recipients are encouraged to apply.