Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh
The Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh is a private foundation based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1963 to support charitable causes in the Pittsburgh region, it now invests in organizations in Pittsburgh and around the world to address social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh at a glance
In short: Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh gave $25.4M across 113 grants in 2024 (avg $225K), top state Pennsylvania. 34% of 2024 grantees were new. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $25,443,473
- +48.9% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 113
- +50.7% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $225,163
- -1.2% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $100,000
- Total assets
- $175,451,066
- -3.3% vs 2023
- New grantees (estimate)
- 34% first-time grantees (38 of 113, 2024)
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (36% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- No
- How to Apply
-
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. The 2024 filing describes written request materials, but the foundation’s website says it does not accept unsolicited proposals.
- Review Cycle
- None listed on the 2024 filing.
- Deadline
- None listed on the 2024 filing.
- Contact
Application contact: Anne Marie Toccket
Mailing address: 535 Smithfield Street Suite 960, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: (412) 928-7701
Email: info@posnerfoundation.org
Website: https://posnerfoundation.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was Carnegie Mellon University ($3.0M). Together the top 10 received $12.2M.
Grant Size Distribution
412 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 128 grants of 412 (31%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation says it invests in organizations around the world and in its Pittsburgh community. In 2024, 36% of grant dollars went to recipients in Pennsylvania, 21% to New York, 12% to the District of Columbia, 5% to Massachusetts, and 5% to Connecticut.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 113 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh open to new grantees?
34%
first-time grantees, 2024
In 2024, 38 of 113 grantees (34%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $93K; repeat grants $292K. How we count
Medians: $50K first-time, $150K repeat.
- 59% of 2024 grantees were also funded in 2023. Method
- Giving grew 84% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out 170% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2020–2024). 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 2020 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $13.1M (2020) to $25.4M (2024). In 2024 it made 113 grants totaling $25.4M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA | Unrestricted/ General Use | $3,050,000 |
| ACLU Foundation New York, NY | Unrestricted/ General Use | $2,000,000 |
| Refed Inc Long Island City, NY | Unrestricted/ General Use | $1,250,000 |
| Union for Reform Judaism Washington, DC | Unrestricted/ General Use | $1,075,000 |
| Primary Care Health Services Inc Pittsburgh, PA | Unrestricted/ General Use | $1,000,000 |
| Save the Children Fairfield, CT | Unrestricted/ General Use | $1,000,000 |
| Simmons University Boston, MA | Unrestricted/ General Use | $1,000,000 |
| Village Capital Houston, TX | Unrestricted/ General Use | $800,000 |
| American Jewish World Service New York, NY | Unrestricted/ General Use | $500,000 |
| Global Foodbanking Network Chicago, IL | Unrestricted/ General Use | $500,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh?
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 | $175,451,066 | $23,484,494 | $29,659,320 | $25,443,473 | 113 | $26,409,944 | $20,564,871 | $15,525,191 |
| 2023 | $181,408,264 | $19,658,594 | $20,703,667 | $17,092,753 | 75 | $17,860,006 | $17,058,519 | $13,864,219 |
| 2022 | $182,613,119 | $30,133,798 | $21,695,625 | $18,030,717 | 81 | $18,637,508 | $27,316,499 | $14,512,947 |
| 2021 | $174,236,576 | $21,112,098 | $17,243,410 | $13,858,180 | 70 | $14,290,290 | $17,048,718 | $16,678,493 |
| 2020 | $170,500,037 | $20,216,193 | $15,997,523 | $13,070,536 | 73 | — | $17,678,717 | $12,917,767 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh reported a distributable amount of $15.5M 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
The foundation’s stated aim is to advance long-term structural solutions to social, economic, and environmental challenges. Its priority areas are education, environment, civil society, global initiatives, Jewish life, and incubators.
Education includes support for student success, including efforts to help first-generation students access, afford, thrive in, and complete college; education for displaced youth; and regional literacy. Environment work includes preventing food waste, climate resiliency, climate-smart agriculture, and landfill diversion. Civil society initiatives include support for immigrant and refugee neighbors, journalism, gun-violence prevention, and voting rights. The foundation also describes its Global Initiatives program as supporting leaders and ideas addressing global issues.
Its 2024 grantees illustrate the range of organizations it supports. Carnegie Mellon University received a grant; the university describes its mission as providing a transformative educational experience and cultivating a collaborative university community. Primary Care Health Services Inc., which received a grant, says it provides primary and preventive care to medically underserved and indigent people in Allegheny County regardless of ability to pay. American Jewish World Service, another grantee, says it works to realize human rights and end poverty in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. NPR describes its work as producing and distributing noncommercial journalism and cultural programming, while Spotlight PA says it conducts investigative and public-service journalism to hold powerful public and private forces accountable.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2024, the foundation reported 113 grants totaling $25,443,473. Grant amounts ranged from $1,140 to $3,050,000, with a median of $100,000. The largest awards included $3,050,000 to Carnegie Mellon University, $2,000,000 to the ACLU Foundation, $1,250,000 to ReFED Inc., $1,075,000 to the Union for Reform Judaism, and $1,000,000 each to Primary Care Health Services Inc., Save the Children, and Simmons University. These grants were listed as unrestricted/general use.
The foundation’s website says it does not accept unsolicited proposals. The 2024 filing lists a process for requests: submit a brief written statement describing the purpose of the requested funds and the applicant’s activities, accompanied by the applicant’s determination letter and financial data. The filing lists no deadline and says awards reflect the foundation’s legacy giving and emerging interests, with a focus on environment, human rights, education, Jewish life, and civil society.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The foundation’s website identifies Henry Posner III as chairman of the board of trustees, with Paul Posner, Anne Molloy, John Hensler, and Ida Posner also serving as trustees. Its 2024 filing lists Henry Posner III, Paul M. Posner, Anne M. Molloy, and John F. Hensler as trustees.
The website identifies Anne Marie Toccket as executive director, Hana Uman as senior program officer, and Naomi Morris as program officer.
Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh's 2024 filing lists 4 officers; none of the 4 officers listed in 2024 report compensation.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Anne M. Molloy
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Henry Posner III
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
John F. Hensler
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Paul M. Posner
Trustee
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Frequently asked questions about Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh
How much does Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh give each year?
Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh gave $25.4M across 113 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $17.1M across 75 grants.
What is Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh's typical grant size?
Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh's median grant in 2024 was $100,000, and its average grant was $225,163, across 113 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh that year got $93K on average.
Where does Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh give grants?
Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh's top state is Pennsylvania, with 36% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. The next largest states were New York (21%) and District of Columbia (12%). The most frequent recipient cities were Pittsburgh, PA (46 grants), New York, NY (12 grants), Washington, DC (11 grants) and Princeton, NJ (3 grants).
Does Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh's 2024 grants with a stated purpose (113 of 113) were for general or operating support, per its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh's largest grantees?
Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh's largest 2024 grantees include Carnegie Mellon University ($3,050,000), ACLU Foundation ($2,000,000) and Refed Inc ($1,250,000), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 25% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh?
Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh reported $175.5M in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $26.4M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $15.5M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh fund?
The foundation’s stated aim is to advance long-term structural solutions to social, economic, and environmental challenges. Its priority areas are education, environment, civil society, global initiatives, Jewish life, and incubators. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh?
The foundation does not accept unsolicited requests. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh's EIN?
Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 25-6055022. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2024.
Does Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh accept unsolicited proposals?
No, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Other open foundation grants in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh's focus areas in our free grants database
Similar Funders
Funders that support many of the same organizations
The Benter Foundation
Pittsburgh, PA
The Benter Foundation supports Pittsburgh’s livability, especially downtown and the urban core, along with transportation, arts, parks, education and career opportunities, and some regional work. Its 2025 grants ranged from $1,500 to $800,000, with a median of $27,500; grants focused on Pennsylvania. It does not accept unsolicited funding requests, though it may consider a brief email inquiry.
Assets
$179K
Grants
50
Total Given
$3.4M
McCune Foundation PNC Bank NA
Pittsburgh, PA
The McCune Foundation funds nonprofit work in education, human services, humanities, and civic life, with a focus on community vitality and economic growth in southwestern Pennsylvania. Its 2025 grants ranged from $15,000 to $9 million, with a median of $150,000. It does not restrict giving to preselected organizations; applicants are directed to contact the foundation and consult McCune.org for application materials.
Assets
$90.9M
Grants
81
Total Given
$41.8M
Richard King Mellon Foundation
Ligonier, PA
The Richard King Mellon Foundation funds conservation across the United States and work advancing economic opportunity, health, and organizational capacity in Southwestern Pennsylvania, with regional programs focused on Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. In 2024, grants ranged from $2,000 to $10 million, with a median of $220,000. It accepts online applications through general applications with no deadlines.
Assets
$2.7B
Grants
296
Total Given
$116.7M
The Grable Foundation
Pittsburgh, PA
The Grable Foundation funds early learning, public education, out-of-school programs, and community resources that improve children’s lives, primarily in the Pittsburgh region. Its 2024 grants ranged from $2,000 to $1 million, with a median of $20,000. It accepts proposals by letter and has no special application form; requests should align with its fields of interest.
Assets
$350.4M
Grants
361
Total Given
$13.3M
The Pittsburgh Foundation
Pittsburgh, PA
The Pittsburgh Foundation funds nonprofits working in basic needs, equity and social justice, environmental action, arts and culture, and economic mobility, with most opportunities for organizations in Allegheny County or primarily serving its residents. Its 2024 grants had a median amount of about $18,600, though awards varied widely. The profile does not state whether it accepts unsolicited requests.
Assets
$1.5B
Grants
1,132
Total Given
$64.0M
Hillman Family Foundations
Pittsburgh, PA
The 18 independently operated foundations support projects in areas such as arts and culture, health, education, economic development, and community improvement, with a preference for Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania; each foundation has its own geographic focus. In 2024, grants ranged from $75 to $5 million, with a median of $20,000. The 2024 filing says unsolicited requests are accepted, beginning with a brief letter of intent through the online portal.
Assets
$1.9B
Grants
814
Total Given
$88.8M
More similar funders
More Funders in Pennsylvania
Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/posner-foundation-of-pittsburgh-morg_1e525d6440e940b0b393255c61e10596
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_256055022_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/posner-foundation-of-pittsburgh-morg_1e525d6440e940b0b393255c61e10596},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-24. 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 Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh'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.
Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh down — hundreds of funders to go?