POISE Foundation’s mission is to assist the Black community in achieving self-sustaining practices, through strategic leadership, collective giving, grantmaking, and advocacy.
The POISE Community Impact Grants program supported nonprofit organizations in the Pittsburgh Region with grants ranging from $1,000-$5,000 for programs within the foundation’s priority areas aimed at empowering and leading to self-sufficiency of the Black community. These grants traditionally lasted one year and favored Black-led, Black serving organizations. The focus areas included Community & Economic Development, Education, Entrepreneurial Activities, Young Ladies, and Strengthening Black Families, each with specific goals such as enhancing educational achievements, fostering economic growth, and supporting the well-being of young ladies and Black families in the region.
Priority will be granted to organizations under Black leadership that meet at least two out of these three criteria: The Executive Director is of Black and/or African American descent; a minimum of 50% of Board members are Black and/or African American; or at least 75% of the community served is Black and/or African American.