The Buhl Foundation
The Buhl Foundation is a private foundation based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It supports community initiatives in the Pittsburgh region, with a place-based commitment to Pittsburgh’s Northside and regional grantmaking in education, youth development, human services, and economic and community development.
The Buhl Foundation at a glance
In short: The Buhl Foundation gave $4.2M across 83 grants in 2025 (avg $51K), mostly in Pennsylvania. 32% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $4,217,228
- +18.5% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 83
- -7.8% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $50,810
- +28.5% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $25,000
- Total assets
- $107,926,743
- +5.9% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 32% first-time grantees (21 of 66, 2025)
- Primary geography
- Pennsylvania (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Buhl Foundation
- Review Cycle
- The 2023 filing states that applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
- Deadline
- The 2023 filing states that applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
- Contact
Application contact: The Buhl Foundation
Mailing address: 650 Smithfield Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone: (412) 566-2711
Website: https://buhlfoundation.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 The Buhl Foundation
Buhl Foundation Grant Program
The Buhl Foundation
Amount
Up to US $25,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Buhl Foundation: McCreery Memorial Fund Grant
The Buhl Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Henry C. Frick Educational Fund Grant
The Buhl Foundation
Amount
US $2,500 - US $25,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who The Buhl Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was A Schools ($255K across 4 grants). Together the top 10 received $2.0M.
Grant Size Distribution
477 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 359 grants of 477 (75%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The Foundation’s website identifies Pittsburgh’s 18 Northside neighborhoods as its primary place-based focus and says the majority of its funds are directed there. It also encourages applications for work benefiting Western Pennsylvania that is similar to One Northside. In filing year 2025, all reported grant dollars went to recipients in Pennsylvania.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 83 itemized grants.
Cities
Is The Buhl Foundation open to new grantees?
32%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 21 of 66 grantees (32%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $45K; repeat grants $73K. How we count
Medians: $50K first-time, $50K repeat.
- 39% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving grew 28% from 2022 to 2025. Method
- In 2025 it paid out 125% of its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990-PF filings (2019–2025). 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 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $3.1M (2021) to $4.2M (2025). In 2025 it made 83 grants totaling $4.2M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Project Destiny Inc Pittsburgh, PA | To support the next phase of the ambitious thrive18 program in partnership with highmark health | $250,000 |
| Riverlife Pittsburgh, PA | To support the completion of a fully restored allegheny landing park on pittsburgh's north shore | $250,000 |
| The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Pittsburgh, PA | To support the transformational 8th street block project, one of three planned capital projects planned to revitalize downtown pittsburgh | $250,000 |
| The Pittsburgh Promise Foundation Pittsburgh, PA | To support the critical last mile of the $265 million promise scholarship capital campaign | $250,000 |
| A Schools Pittsburgh, PA | To support the reimagine perry process and additional northside schools as the one northside "education anchor" | $175,000 |
| Rising Tide Partners Pittsburgh, PA | To support property acquisition through ons homes llc and serve as the one northside "place anchor" | $150,000 |
| Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Pittsburgh, PA | To support a design process for a wellness park at the football field and surrounding amenities in fowler park | $125,000 |
| Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy Pittsburgh, PA | To support a design process for a wellness park at the football field and surrounding amenities in fowler park | $125,000 |
| African American Cultural Center Pittsburgh, PA | To support a substantial re-evaluation of their education programming, to increase both impact and revenue in 2025 | $100,000 |
| Allegheny County Department of Human Services Pittsburgh, PA | To support the 500 units in 500 days campaign, a $6.5 million strategy to move 500 people from shelter to permanent housing in less than 2 years - | $100,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Buhl 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $107,926,743 | $9,021,243 | $7,016,469 | $4,217,228 | 83 | $6,329,026 | $8,452,919 | $5,051,923 |
| 2024 | $101,918,980 | $4,156,233 | $6,320,909 | $3,558,932 | 90 | $5,271,650 | $3,661,032 | $4,811,071 |
| 2023 | $97,756,312 | $4,740,052 | $4,154,641 | $3,192,092 | 102 | $5,842,807 | $4,216,936 | $4,736,710 |
| 2022 | $96,634,667 | $13,373,602 | $5,088,606 | $3,286,616 | 117 | $4,323,161 | $12,929,662 | $5,174,447 |
| 2021 | $109,358,368 | $6,295,875 | $3,430,246 | $3,065,315 | 85 | — | $5,961,937 | $4,783,384 |
| 2020 | $85,094,467 | $4,910,871 | $4,763,807 | $4,206,636 | 126 | — | $4,567,781 | $4,270,250 |
| 2019 | $86,621,850 | $5,683,071 | $7,416,748 | $3,539,051 | 125 | — | $5,233,672 | $4,089,816 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, The Buhl Foundation reported a distributable amount of $5.1M for 2025 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The Foundation’s stated mission is to create community legacies by leveraging its resources to encourage people and organizations to dream, innovate, and take action. Its website says the majority of Foundation funds are directed to Pittsburgh’s Northside through One Northside, whose priorities are education, employment, health, place, and safety. Regionally, it identifies education, youth development, human services, and economic and community development as areas of interest.
Recent grantees illustrate the range of supported work. The Pittsburgh Promise describes its mission as promoting educational aspirations among urban youth, funding post-secondary scholarships, and supporting a prepared and diverse regional workforce. Riverlife says it works to create, activate, and celebrate Pittsburgh’s riverfronts. Project Destiny describes youth enrichment, job readiness and workforce development, financial literacy, and community outreach as parts of its work. Rising Tide Partners focuses on affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization, while Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy works to improve quality of life by enhancing and stewarding Pittsburgh’s parks.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, the Foundation reported 83 grants totaling $4,217,228. Grant amounts ranged from $2,750 to $250,000, with a median of $25,000. Among the largest awards were $250,000 each to Project Destiny for the next phase of its Thrive18 program, Riverlife for Allegheny Landing Park, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust for the 8th Street Block project, and the Pittsburgh Promise Foundation for its scholarship capital campaign. Other notable awards included $175,000 to A Schools for the Reimagine Perry process and additional Northside schools, and $150,000 to Rising Tide Partners for property acquisition through ONS Homes LLC.
The Foundation’s website describes a three-step application process: review grant limitations, submit a letter of inquiry through an online account, and, if invited, complete an application. Its 2023 filing states that applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Eligibility is limited to tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations located in Southwestern Pennsylvania that are not private or operating foundations. The Foundation says grants are not normally made for building funds, overhead, accumulated deficits, general fundraising campaigns, loans, scholarships or fellowships, other foundations, nationally funded organized groups, or individuals. It also excludes support for propaganda, sectarian religious activities, efforts to influence legislation, and political events.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Kim Tillotson Fleming as chairman, Anne Lewis as vice chairman, Carolyn D. Duronio as secretary and treasurer, and Quintin B. Bullock, Lara E. Washington, and Jon Koteski as directors. Diana A. Bucco is listed as president.
The Buhl Foundation is led by Diana A. Bucco, President on every filing since 2019; all 7 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Diana A. Bucco
President
On filings since 2019
48 hrs/week
$243K (2019) → $361K (2025)
Kim Tillotson Fleming
Chairman
Secretary & Treasurer → Chairman, 2022
On filings since 2019
4 hrs/week
$8K (2019) → $8K (2025)
Lara E. Washington
Director
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
$8K (2019) → $8K (2025)
Quintin B. Bullock
Director
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
$8K (2019) → $8K (2025)
Jon Koteski
Director
On filings since 2024
3 hrs/week
$8K (2025)
Anne Lewis
Vice Chairman
Director → Vice Chairman, 2022
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
$8K (2019) → $8K (2025)
Carolyn D. Duronio
Secretary & Treasurer
Director → Secretary & Treasurer, 2022
On filings since 2019
3 hrs/week
$8K (2019) → $8K (2025)
Former officers (3)
- Former: Peter F. Mathieson (2019–2024) — Director
- Former: Saleem H. Ghubril (2019–2024) — Director
- Former: Frederick W. Thieman (2019–2022) — Chair for Civic Leadership
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "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 $361K, to Diana a Bucco (President). 7 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Buhl Foundation
How much does The Buhl Foundation give each year?
The Buhl Foundation gave $4.2M across 83 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2024 it gave $3.6M across 90 grants.
What is The Buhl Foundation's typical grant size?
The Buhl Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $25,000, and its average grant was $50,810, across 83 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Buhl Foundation that year got $45K on average.
Where does The Buhl Foundation give grants?
The Buhl Foundation gives mostly in Pennsylvania: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Pittsburgh, PA (79 grants) and McKeesport, PA (2 grants).
Does The Buhl Foundation give general operating support?
Occasionally: 2% of The Buhl Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (2 of 83) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF.
Who are The Buhl Foundation's largest grantees?
The Buhl Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include A Schools ($255,000 across 4 grants), Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy ($250,000 across 2 grants) and Project Destiny Inc ($250,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. Together they received 18% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Buhl Foundation?
The Buhl Foundation reported $107.9M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $6.3M in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $5.1M (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does The Buhl Foundation fund?
The Foundation’s stated mission is to create community legacies by leveraging its resources to encourage people and organizations to dream, innovate, and take action. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Buhl Foundation?
The Buhl Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check buhlfoundation.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is The Buhl Foundation's EIN?
The Buhl Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 25-0378910. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS February 26, 2020)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS March 4, 2021)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS January 28, 2022)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS January 12, 2023)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS January 15, 2024)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS January 20, 2025)
- Updated Form 990-PF for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS February 26, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2019–2025
Live grants for the work The Buhl Foundation funds
Education Open opportunities, soonest deadline first.
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Buhl Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Buhl Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 17, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-buhl-foundation-morg_532b636e93eb4bfd9df1b5d3061c9acd
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_250378910_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Buhl Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-buhl-foundation-morg_532b636e93eb4bfd9df1b5d3061c9acd},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-17. 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 The Buhl 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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