Poise Foundation
POISE Foundation is a public charity based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, formed in 1980. It supports organizations and programs that strengthen the Black community, with grantmaking focused on the Pittsburgh region. Its activities include grants, scholarships, grants administration for other organizations, and fiscal sponsorship.
Poise Foundation at a glance
In short: Poise Foundation gave $1.1M across 46 grants in 2025 (avg $24K), mostly in Pennsylvania. 50% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,107,440
- -79.6% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 46
- -58.6% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $24,075
- -50.7% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $10,000
- Total assets
- $14,522,018
- +0.6% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 50% first-time grantees (23 of 46, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (91% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Poise Foundation
- Contact
Mailing address: Two Gateway Center 603 Stanwix St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: (412) 281-4967
Website: https://poisefoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
3 open opportunities from Poise Foundation
Critical Community Needs Fund Grant
Poise Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
POISE Community Impact Grants
Poise Foundation
Amount
US $1,000 - US $5,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Urban Youth Action Grant
Poise Foundation
Amount
Up to US $10,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Poise Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was New Sun Rising ($106K). Together the top 10 received $704K.
Organizations only. It also paid 1 individual scholarship ($5,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
417 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 316 grants of 417 (76%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
POISE describes its grantmaking as focused on the Pittsburgh region and identifies Allegheny County in its community grant information. In 2025, Pennsylvania organizations received 91% of reported grant dollars; New York received 3%, Maryland 2%, and the District of Columbia and Alabama 1% each.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 46 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Poise Foundation open to new grantees?
50%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 23 of 46 grantees (50%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $22K; repeat grants $26K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $10K repeat.
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). 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 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.1M (2025) to $10.1M (2022). In 2025 it made 46 grants totaling $1.1M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| New Sun Rising Millvale, PA | Scholarships | $106,000 |
| Poise Foundation Pittsburgh, PA | Program Support | $94,077 |
| Attack Theatre Inc Pittsburgh, PA | Program Support | $75,000 |
| Hill District Federal Credit Union Pittsburgh, PA | Program Support | $74,400 |
| Alumni Theatre Company Pittsburgh, PA | Program Support | $70,000 |
| Young Black Motivated Kings and Queens Pittsburgh, PA | Program Support | $65,000 |
| Beaver County Foundation Beaver, PA | Program Support | $55,000 |
| The Citizen Science Lab Philadelphia, PA | Program Support | $55,000 |
| Touchstone Center for Crafts Farmington, PA | Program Support | $55,000 |
| Alliance for Police Accountability Pittsburgh, PA | Program Support | $54,474 |
Ready to take the next step with Poise Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $14,522,018 | $3,897,929 | $3,988,582 | $1,107,440 | 46 | $584,408 |
| 2024 | $14,434,642 | $5,688,735 | $8,898,352 | $5,423,297 | 111 | $864,640 |
| 2023 | $17,244,018 | $11,325,031 | $8,668,528 | $3,919,976 | 50 | $316,324 |
| 2022 | $13,933,027 | $9,083,941 | $12,593,865 | $10,092,439 | 121 | $460,275 |
| 2021 | $17,239,498 | $10,674,894 | $5,615,153 | $2,811,982 | 89 | $498,452 |
| 2020 | $11,577,521 | $7,196,615 | $3,739,682 | $1,710,585 | 106 | $235,061 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
POISE’s mission is to amplify the power of Black communities to fuel transformative change and uplift pathways to self-determination and shared success. Its stated funding interests include arts and culture, education, community and economic development, entrepreneurial activities, strengthening Black families, women and girls, and youth development. It also awards post-secondary scholarships and provides scholarships through Pennsylvania’s Education Improvement Tax Credit program for families with children attending private schools from pre-kindergarten through grade 12.
POISE says its Community Impact Grants generally support nonprofit organizations in the Pittsburgh region that seek to empower the Black community and promote self-sufficiency. Its website identifies community and economic development among the program’s priority areas. The foundation also provides grants from endowment funds and administers grant programs on behalf of others.
Among the 2025 grantees, New Sun Rising describes its mission as building vibrant communities through culture, sustainability, and opportunity. Attack Theatre says it uses dance and interdisciplinary artistic partnerships to connect with communities and provide creative learning opportunities. The Citizen Science Lab describes its work as creating science pipelines for diverse and marginalized communities through hands-on STEM experiences. Pittsburgh Hardball Academy says it mentors youth through baseball and softball, while working to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in those sports.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, POISE reported 46 grants totaling $1,107,440. Grants ranged from $5,000 to $106,000, with a median of $10,000. The largest reported awards included $106,000 to New Sun Rising for scholarships; $75,000 to Attack Theatre for program support; $74,400 to Hill District Federal Credit Union for program support; and $70,000 to Alumni Theatre Company for program support. Other large awards included $65,000 to Young Black Motivated Kings and Queens, $55,000 each to Beaver County Foundation, The Citizen Science Lab, and Touchstone Center for Crafts, and $54,474 to Alliance for Police Accountability, all for program support.
POISE Community Impact Grants are typically $1,000–$5,000 and generally last one year. The foundation accepts online applications twice a year, in spring and fall, for activities in the Pittsburgh region. The process starts with a letter of intent (LOI); selected organizations are invited to a 30–45-minute Zoom interview, and a select number are then invited to submit a full proposal. Final decisions are made by the Board of Directors, with decisions communicated in June or December. Grants are awarded after the signed grant agreement and completed W-9 are received.
The Urban Youth Action Grant offers up to $10,000 to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations providing educational and enrichment services for Black middle and high school students; support may be for general operations or specific programs. The listed LOI dates of June 23 and July 14, 2025, are past. The Critical Community Needs Fund is described as not presently open for support. POISE also says that grantees must sign grant compliance agreements before funds are released and that staff and the Board’s Distribution Committee monitor grants through reports.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Mark Lewis as chief executive officer. Officers and directors listed on that filing are Darrell E. Smalley, chair; Ron Lawrence, vice chair; Samantha Clancy, secretary; Michael Crawford, treasurer; and members Lucille Dabney, Annette Gillcrese, Rhonda Fischer, Rev. Cornell Jones, and Morton Stanfield. The foundation’s website identifies Bernard H. Jones Sr. as its founder.
Poise Foundation is led by Mark Lewis, Chief Executive Officer since 2024 (on filings since 2020); 3 of 12 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Mark Lewis
Chief Executive Officer
President → Chief Executive Officer, 2024
On filings since 2020
50 hrs/week
$115K (2020) → $157K (2025)
Darrell Smalley Jr.
Chair
Treasurer → Chair, 2025
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Shemariah Little
Managing Director of Black Equity Coalition
New on the 2025 filing
45 hrs/week
$130K (2025)
Karris Jackson
Chief Operating Officer
Cheif Opearting Officer → Chief Operating Officer, 2021
On filings since 2020
45 hrs/week
$108K (2020) → $142K (2025)
Annette C. Gillcrese
Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cornell Jones
Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lucille Dabney
Member
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ron Lawrence
Vice Chair
Member → Vice Chair, 2022
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Samantha Clancy
Secretary
Member → Secretary, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Rhonda Fischer
Member
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Michael Crawford
Treasurer
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Morton Stanfield
Member
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (9)
- Former: Dale C. Perdue (2020–2024) — Secretary
- Former: Gregory R. Spencer (2021–2024) — Chair
- Former: Maryum Lee (2023) — Director Bec
- Former: Edward E. Guy (2021–2022) — Member
- Former: Derrick Wilson (2020–2021) — Member
- Former: Paul G. Patton (2020–2021) — Member
- Former: Ed Guy (2020) — Vice Chair
- Former: Greg Spencer (2020) — Board Chair
- Former: Lennie Henry (2020) — Member
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $157K, to Mark Lewis (Chief Executive Officer). 3 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Poise Foundation
How much does Poise Foundation give each year?
Poise Foundation gave $1.1M across 46 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $5.4M across 111 grants.
What is Poise Foundation's typical grant size?
Poise Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $10,000, and its average grant was $24,075, across 46 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Poise Foundation that year got $22K on average.
Where does Poise Foundation give grants?
Poise Foundation gives mostly in Pennsylvania: 91% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Pittsburgh, PA (26 grants) and Philadelphia, PA (5 grants).
Does Poise Foundation give general operating support?
Not in 2025: none of the 46 grants with a stated purpose on Poise Foundation's 2025 IRS Form 990 were described as general or operating support. Recurring purposes include "Program Support" (34 grants) and "Scholarships" (12 grants).
Who are Poise Foundation's largest grantees?
Poise Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include New Sun Rising ($106,000), Poise Foundation ($94,077) and Attack Theatre Inc ($75,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. It also paid 1 individual scholarship ($5,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 25% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Poise Foundation?
Poise Foundation reported $14.5M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $3.9M.
What does Poise Foundation fund?
POISE’s mission is to amplify the power of Black communities to fuel transformative change and uplift pathways to self-determination and shared success. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Poise Foundation?
Poise Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check poisefoundation.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Poise Foundation's EIN?
Poise Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 25-1393426. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
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 2020 (received by the IRS November 12, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS November 7, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS July 12, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS September 12, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS September 11, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS August 26, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Poise Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Poise Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 6, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/poise-foundation-morg_df208713a83b41d1ac436f1a4c740a1e
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_251393426_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Poise Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/poise-foundation-morg_df208713a83b41d1ac436f1a4c740a1e},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-06. 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 Poise 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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