Buhl Regional Health Foundation
Buhl Regional Health Foundation is a private foundation based in Hermitage, Pennsylvania. It supports nonprofit organizations working to improve the health and well-being of Mercer County residents, with a current strategic focus on children and youth.
Buhl Regional Health Foundation at a glance
In short: Buhl Regional Health Foundation gave $2.5M across 48 grants in 2024 (avg $53K), mostly in Pennsylvania. 54% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $2,532,013
- +83.8% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 48
- +41.2% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $52,750
- +30.2% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $6,180
- Total assets
- $43,501,240
- -4.9% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 54% first-time grantees (26 of 48, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (97% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Buhl Regional Health Foundation
- How to Apply
-
Applications are submitted through the online grants portal. For RFPs, the process begins with eligibility questions; selected organizations may then submit a full proposal. Mini-grant requests are also submitted through the portal.
- Review Cycle
- The foundation’s RFP page says the 2026 application cycle is closed and the next RFP application will open in January 2027. Mini-grants are reviewed at board meetings in February, May, September, and November.
- Deadline
- The foundation’s RFP page says the 2026 application cycle is closed and the next RFP application will open in January…
- Contact
Application contact: Kimberly Porsch
Mailing address: 1955 Shenango Valley Freeway, Hermitage, PA 16145
Phone: (724) 301-3645
Email: kimberly@buhlrhf.org
Website: https://buhlregionalhealthfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
5 open opportunities from Buhl Regional Health Foundation
Basic Health & Safety Needs Grants
Buhl Regional Health Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
BRHF Mini-Grants
Buhl Regional Health Foundation
Amount
Up to $5K
Deadline
Deadline not published
Buhl Regional Health Foundation Scholarships Grant
Buhl Regional Health Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Buhl Regional Health Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Shenango Valley Foundation - Shenango Valley Health Improvement ($1.5M). Together the top 10 received $2.3M.
Grant Size Distribution
189 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 162 grants of 189 (86%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation identifies Mercer County, Pennsylvania, as its service area. In 2024, 97% of its grant dollars went to recipients in Pennsylvania; the remaining reported shares were Ohio 1%, Virginia 0%, California 0%, and Georgia 0%.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 48 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Buhl Regional Health Foundation open to new grantees?
54%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 26 of 48 grantees (54%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $63K; repeat grants $40K. How we count
Medians: $5K first-time, $9K repeat.
- 31% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 696% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 151% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2024). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $318K (2021) to $2.5M (2024). In 2024 it made 48 grants totaling $2.5M.
*2022: Covers 18 months (fiscal year-end changed).
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Shenango Valley Foundation - Shenango Valley Health Improvement Sharon, PA | To Improve the Overall Health of the Community. | $1,500,000 |
| Buhl Community Recreation Center Sharon, PA | General Operating Expenses | $543,718 |
| Community Recreation of Northern Mercer County Greenville, PA | To equip three additional classrooms for infants, preschoolers, and school-aged children, hire qualified staff, and procure necessary educational materials, curriculum, and resources to ensure a high-quality childcare environment. | $75,000 |
| Zion Education Center Farrell, PA | To operate sjca for 6 months: facility setup, licensing, equipment, supplies, staffing, training, and digital marketing to provide a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment for children to learn and grow. | $69,975 |
| Buhl Park Corporation Hermitage, PA | To purchase a new ada accessible chair lift to enter and exit the buhl park outdoor pool. To improve the health of our community through outdoor recreational opportunities. To provide transportation for individuals with a physical handicap during buhl day. | $31,000 |
| Building Blocks Child Center Inc Hermitage, PA | To prepare for our facility expansion by providing additional staff members in our classrooms during key learning and transitional times of the day to enhance learning and provide needed support for our students and teachers, especially with the increase in special needs that we continue to see. | $25,000 |
| Slippery Rock University Slippery Rock, PA | Scholarships | $25,000 |
| Westminster College New Wilmington, PA | Scholarships | $25,000 |
| University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh, PA | Scholarships | $20,000 |
| Thiel College Greenville, PA | Scholarships | $15,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Buhl Regional Health Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $43,501,240 | $2,165,530 | $3,938,254 | $2,532,013 | 48 | $3,711,524 | $1,933,800 | $2,452,507 |
| 2023 | $45,718,964 | $134,654 | $2,757,825 | $1,377,685 | 34 | $2,493,235 | $321,114 | $2,329,024 |
| 2022* | $47,895,651 | $2,007,969 | $3,845,161 | $2,326,871 | 69 | $3,533,454 | $2,501,492 | $3,535,232 |
| 2021 | $43,846,986 | $5,063,637 | $1,065,537 | $317,996 | 14 | — | $4,974,429 | — |
| 2020 | $36,552,606 | $2,161,645 | $3,328,014 | $962,583 | 24 | — | $2,046,258 | — |
| 2019 | $36,509,445 | $2,169,961 | $1,055,138 | $557,578 | 18 | — | $1,981,245 | — |
*2022: Covers 18 months (fiscal year-end changed).
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Buhl Regional Health Foundation reported a distributable amount of $2.5M for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
BRHF says it is committed to improving regional well-being through community-driven initiatives, partnerships, education, and grantmaking. Its current strategic focus is improving the health and well-being of youth in Mercer County; it also identifies optimizing children’s health as its top priority for RFP funding.
Its grants have supported organizations with varied missions. For example, Buhl Community Recreation Center says it provides recreation, social wellness, and education programs for people of all ages. Zion Education Center describes its work as supporting the social, cognitive, and physical development of youth ages 1–13 and their families. Building Blocks Child Center says it provides an appropriate learning environment for children while enabling parents to remain employed. The foundation has also funded scholarships at colleges and universities.
Grantmaking
BRHF reported 48 grants totaling $2,532,013 in 2024. Individual grants ranged from $200 to $1,500,000, with a median of $6,180. Its largest 2024 awards included $1,500,000 to Shenango Valley Foundation for Shenango Valley Health Improvement to improve overall community health, and $543,718 to Buhl Community Recreation Center for general operating expenses. Other notable awards included $75,000 to Community Recreation of Northern Mercer County for childcare classrooms, staffing, and educational resources; $69,975 to Zion Education Center to operate its program for six months; and $31,000 to Buhl Park Corporation for an accessible pool chair lift and related community activities.
The foundation accepts applications through rolling mini-grants and through RFPs issued as community needs are identified. Mini-grants are for requests up to $5,000 to support initiatives improving children’s access to health and well-being or quality holistic healthcare; youth-focused requests are preferred. The foundation says mini-grants are reviewed at board meetings in February, May, September, and November, and funds are available until exhausted for the current budget year. It also lists scholarship funding for Mercer County high school seniors pursuing education in a healthcare field.
For its RFP process, BRHF says organizations first answer eligibility questions through the grants portal; a committee determines which organizations may submit a full proposal, which includes additional questions. A grant committee determines funding. Applicants must be tax-exempt nonprofit organizations under Section 501(c)(3), located in Mercer County, and serve Mercer County residents aged 18 or younger. Faith-based applicants must welcome all faiths and make participation in religious activities clearly optional. Previous grantees must complete reporting, return unused funds, and fulfill the required 18-month waiting period before applying again. Mini-grant applicants may be 501(c)(3) organizations or operate under a tax-exempt nonprofit’s fiscal sponsorship; schools, churches, and public organizations are included. Mini-grant exclusions include individuals, for-profit entities, addiction treatment, lobbying or political campaigns, debt reduction, and fundraising event sponsorship.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Angela Palumbo as chair; James Feeney as vice chair/treasurer; Autumn Johnson as secretary; and Joanne Bisson, Mary Ann Daniels, William Dungee, Mark Ferrara, George Garrow, John Hudson, and Lew Kachulis as directors.
Buhl Regional Health Foundation is led by Jennifer Barborak, Executive Director & Acting CFO since 2024 (on filings since 2021); 1 of 15 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Jennifer Barborak
Executive Director & Acting CFO
Executive Director → Executive Director & Acting CFO, 2024
On filings since 2021
40 hrs/week
$31K (2021) → $104K (2024)
Angela Palumbo
Chair
Secretary → Board Chair, 2020
Board Chair → Chair, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
George Garrow
Director
Board Member → Director, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Joanne Bisson
Director
Board Member → Director, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John Hudson
Director
Board Member → Director, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lew Kachulis
Director
Board Member → Director, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lizette Olsen
Director
Board Member → Director, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mark Ferrara
Director
Board Member → Director, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Wright
Director
Board Member → Director, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Riley Smoot
Director
Board Member → Director, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
William Dungee
Director
Board Member → Director, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mary Ann Daniels
Director
Board Member → Director, 2022
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mary Katherine Sternthal
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Autumn Johnson
Secretary
Board Member → Secretary, 2020
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
James Feeney
Vice Chair & Treasurer
Alternative Vice Chair → Vice Chair & Treasurer, 2022
On filings since 2019
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (10)
- Former: James Epstein (2019–2022) — Director
- Former: Stephen Gurgovits (2019–2022) — Director
- Former: Riley Atterholt (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Glen Hink (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Kenneth James (2019–2021) — Treasurer
- Former: Michaelene Gula (2019–2021) — Executive Director
- Former: Rebecca Hanigosky DO (2019–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Marykatherine Sternthal (2020–2021) — Board Member
- Former: Mary Ann Odem (2019–2020) — Board Member
- Former: Ruthanne Beighley (2019) — Board Chair
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $104K, to Jennifer Barborak (Executive Director and Acting CFO).
Frequently asked questions about Buhl Regional Health Foundation
How much does Buhl Regional Health Foundation give each year?
Buhl Regional Health Foundation gave $2.5M across 48 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $1.4M across 34 grants.
What is Buhl Regional Health Foundation's typical grant size?
Buhl Regional Health Foundation's median grant in 2024 was $6,180, and its average grant was $52,750, across 48 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Buhl Regional Health Foundation that year got $63K on average.
Where does Buhl Regional Health Foundation give grants?
Buhl Regional Health Foundation gives mostly in Pennsylvania: 97% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Sharon, PA (9 grants), Hermitage, PA (7 grants), Farrell, PA (4 grants) and Pittsburgh, PA (4 grants).
Does Buhl Regional Health Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 31% of Buhl Regional Health Foundation's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (15 of 48) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Recurring purposes include "Scholarship" (16 grants) and "Scholarships" (4 grants).
Who are Buhl Regional Health Foundation's largest grantees?
Buhl Regional Health Foundation's largest 2024 grantees include Shenango Valley Foundation - Shenango Valley Health Improvement ($1,500,000), Buhl Community Recreation Center ($543,718) and Community Recreation of Northern Mercer County ($75,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 84% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Buhl Regional Health Foundation?
Buhl Regional Health Foundation reported $43.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $3.7M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $2.5M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Buhl Regional Health Foundation fund?
BRHF says it is committed to improving regional well-being through community-driven initiatives, partnerships, education, and grantmaking. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Buhl Regional Health Foundation?
Applications are submitted through the online grants portal. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Buhl Regional Health Foundation's EIN?
Buhl Regional Health Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 45-5247666. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2024.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS March 16, 2020)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS February 17, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS March 8, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 14, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS November 7, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS September 17, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Buhl Regional Health Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Buhl Regional Health Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 5, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/buhl-regional-health-foundation-morg_6556f45f45b745c5a3838a4a855a70b7
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_455247666_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Buhl Regional Health Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/buhl-regional-health-foundation-morg_6556f45f45b745c5a3838a4a855a70b7},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-05. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Buhl Regional Health Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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