Aj and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust
The A.J. and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust is a private family foundation established in 1974 in Pennsylvania. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, the trust operates as a 501(c)(3) private foundation with a focus on philanthropic giving in Western Pennsylvania. The foundation was created to perpetuate the legacy of Antonio J. Palumbo, who believed that investing in young people and their futures represented the greatest investment a society could make.
Financial Overview
From 2024 IRS Form 990-PF · View filing
Total Assets
$52.3M
-0.3% YoY
Annual Giving
$2.7M
+18.8% YoY
Grant Count
109
+39.7% YoY
Avg Grant Size
$24K
-15.0% YoY
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Aj and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust reported a distributable amount of $2.9M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Mission & Focus Areas
Mission Statement: It is the mission of the A.J. and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust to make Western Pennsylvania a better place by providing hope for the future and improving the quality of life for those who need our help and support.
Primary Funding Priorities:
- St. Marys Charities
- Catholic Education
- Health Related Issues
- Social Services Affecting Youth
Grantmaking
The trust is an active grantmaker, distributing approximately $2.6 million annually. Recent grant activity includes:
Ready to take the next step with Aj and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust?
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The trust focuses its grantmaking on Western Pennsylvania, with particular emphasis on the Pittsburgh region and surrounding areas.
Grant Distribution by State
States
Cities
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
As of Fiscal Year Ending March 2024:
- Total assets: $52,327,860
- Total revenues: $3,115,109
- Total expenses: $3,364,979
- Investment income and dividends: $1,352,902
- Number of employees: 3
| Metric | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Assets | $52,327,860 | $52,489,886 | $49,066,141 |
| Revenue | $3,115,109 | $6,434,828 | $2,733,548 |
| Expenses | $3,364,979 | $2,895,830 | $3,461,356 |
| Qualifying Distributions | $3,008,071 | $2,525,445 | $3,014,264 |
| Net Investment Income | $2,610,539 | $4,774,347 | $2,370,438 |
| Distributable Amount | $2,857,103 | $2,686,712 | $3,162,519 |
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
Grant Insights
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
Grant Size Distribution
250 grants across all recorded years
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from Aj and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust
Giving History
Grant recipients and amounts by year
Among its reported 2024 grants, the largest include Dickinson Center Inc ($205,000), Elk Regional Health Center Inc ($150,000), Dubois Area Catholic School Inc ($98,000).
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| OUR LADY OF THE SACRED HEART CORAOPOLIS, PA | GENERAL SUPPORT | $15,000 |
| CASA OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY PITTSBURGH, PA | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $10,000 |
| GREATER PITTSBURGH COMMUNITY DUQUESNE, PA | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $7,500 |
| TICKETS FOR KIDS FOUNDATION PITTSBURGH, PA | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $5,000 |
| SAMARITAN COUNSELING CENTER OF SEWICKLEY, PA | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $5,000 |
| SALVATION ARMY CARNEGIE, PA | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $15,000 |
| PINE VALLEY BIBLE CONFERENCE ELWOOD CITY, PA | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $5,000 |
| LIGHT OF LIFE MINISTRIES PITTSBURGH, PA | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $10,000 |
| CRAY YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES NEW CASTLE, PA | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $10,000 |
| BUHL PARK CORPORATION HERMITAGE, PA | PROGRAM SUPPORT | $65,000 |
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
Board of Trustees:
- Rex W. Knisley (Chairman)
- Robert A. Ordiway (Vice Chairman)
- Robert O'Leary (Treasurer)
- JoAnne Ryan (Secretary)
- John W. Kowach
- Joseph L. Palumbo
- Karin R. Pfingstler
- John Anke, PNC Bank (Corporate Trustee)
- Pasquale J. Palumbo, M.D. (Trustee Emeritus)
Staff:
- John W. Kowach (Executive Director)
- Mary Rae Kowach
Founder: Antonio J. Palumbo (1906-2002) established the trust with a philosophy centered on youth development and community investment. He passed away on December 16, 2002.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
From 2024 filing
| Name | Title | Hours | Compensation |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAVID A RICCHUITO | TRUSTEE | 1 | $2,000 |
| JOHN W KOWACH | TRUSTEE | 1 | $2,000 |
| JOSEPH PALUMBO | TRUSTEE | 1 | $2,000 |
| PNC BANK N A | TRUSTEE | 40 | $177,099 |
| REX KNISLEY | TRUSTEE | 1 | $2,000 |
| ROBERT ORDIWAY | TRUSTEE | 1 | $2,000 |
| ROBERT Y KOPF JR | TRUSTEE | 1 | $2,000 |
| KARIN R PFINGSTLER | TRUSTEE | 1 | $2,000 |
| JOANNE RYAN | TRUSTEE | 1 | $2,000 |
| DONALD W FLEMING | TRUSTEE | 1 | $2,000 |
Contact Information
- Website: www.palumbocharitabletrust.org
- Phone: 724-778-9984
- Address: 500 1st Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219-3128
- EIN: 25-6168159
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Aj and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust fund?
**Mission Statement:** It is the mission of the A.J. and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust to make Western Pennsylvania a better place by providing hope for the future and improving the quality of life for those who need our help and support. **Primary Funding Priorities:** • St. Marys Charities • Catholic Education • Health Related Issues • Social Services Affecting Youth
How do I apply for a grant from Aj and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust?
The trust is an active grantmaker, distributing approximately $2.6 million annually. Recent grant activity includes: • **Total giving (2024):** $2,656,285 • **Number of grants (2024):** 85 grants • **Recent grant examples:** • Dickinson Center: $205,000 (Program Support) • Penn Highlands Healthcare: $150,000 (General Support) • Penn Highlands Healthcare: $150,000 (Program Support) The foundation has supported educational institutions, hospitals, and charitable organizations aligned with its mis…
Where does Aj and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust make grants?
The trust focuses its grantmaking on Western Pennsylvania, with particular emphasis on the Pittsburgh region and surrounding areas.
What size grants does Aj and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust award?
In 2024, Aj and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust awarded 109 grants totaling $2.7M — an average of about $24K per grant, based on its IRS Form 990 filings.
How much is Aj and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust required to give away each year?
Private foundations must generally distribute about 5% of their assets annually. For 2024, Aj and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust reported a distributable amount of $2.9M on its IRS Form 990-PF — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
What is Aj and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust's EIN?
Aj and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 25-6168159. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Aj and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust's focus areas in our free grants database
Related Funders
Similar funders by location and focus area
The Wolf Creek Operating Foundation
WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA
Assets
$7.1M
Grants
0
Total Given
—
The Best Little Cat House in PA
HARRISBURG, PA
Assets
$281K
Grants
0
Total Given
—
Willis and Elsie Shenk Foundation
LANCASTER, PA
Assets
$9.4M
Grants
35
Total Given
$304K
The Irene P Sorbara Charitable Foundation
PITTSBURGH, PA
Assets
$2.5M
Grants
2
Total Given
$131K
Howmet Aerospace Foundation
PITTSBURGH, PA
Assets
$141.5M
Grants
209
Total Given
$8.4M
Penn and Lisa Seiple Conservancy
SUNBURY, PA
Assets
$1.5M
Grants
0
Total Given
—
Data last updated June 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated April 2026.
What could you do with Aj and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust on Grantable?
- Assess strategic fit with your organization
- Draft a tailored letter of inquiry
- Find open RFPs from this funder
- Monitor for new funding opportunities
Go from researching Aj and Sigismunda Palumbo Charitable Trust to a real strategy.