Buhl Foundation Grant Program

Buhl Foundation Grant Program

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Buhl Foundation
Amount: Up to US $25,000
Last Updated: August 31, 2025

Summary

The Buhl Foundation Grant Program supports initiatives in Southwestern Pennsylvania that enhance community vitality and foster economic development. The foundation prioritizes projects in education, health, and employment, particularly those benefiting Pittsburgh's Northside neighborhoods. By focusing on resident-led initiatives, the foundation aims to empower local communities and ensure sustainable growth. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations, with funding preferences for projects that revitalize neighborhoods and improve access to vital resources.

Overview

Background The Buhl Foundation’s first year of grants were made in support of the areas of economic development, education, recreation, and social research. One of the significant grants in that first year was used to establish a pension fund for the employees of Boggs and Buhl, continuing Henry Buhl, Jr.’s legacy of care. In 1937, the Foundation provided an initial grant to the Pittsburgh Symphony Society to support the establishment of a symphony orchestra for the city. In more recent years, a grant was provided to revitalize the Harris Theater, creating a lively cultural attraction in the heart of the Cultural District. Transformational Impact As a regional foundation with a strategic geographic focus, the Buhl Foundation’s history of success and thought leadership continues in the entrepreneurial spirit of our giving. Pittsburgh’s Northside The Buhl Foundation has committed to a place-based strategy to invest in the lives and futures of the residents of Mr. Buhl’s beloved Northside. The majority of Foundation funds are directed towards Pittsburgh’s 18 Northside neighborhoods that some 40,000 residents call home. The resident-driven initiative birthed from this commitment, One Northside, catalyzes and supports long-term sustainable change with particular emphasis on resourcing community members, young and old, to lead and create tangible change from within. The success of One Northside will be found in the value of relationships and respect given to each individual and neighborhood. Working with thousands of Northside residents and community members, the One Northside strategy is grounded in five key pillars: Education –Initiatives that foster learning environments critical to building a knowledgeable and talented population. Support for our Children from Cradle to Adulthood To look to a better future, we invest in our children today. With stronger professional training and increased Pre-K access, all of our children will be school ready by age 5. Joining together as a community, we will invest in state-of-the-art resources to encourage and enhance learning both in and out of the classroom. So, our Northside children will be ready to embrace the path before them. Employment A Community of Growth & Opportunity Access to opportunities with the ability to grow are key for our community to flourish. Our continued partnership with companies will provide youth and adults with the programs, jobs and training needed to pursue well-paying careers. Additionally, attracting and retaining entrepreneurs and emerging leaders will encourage the growth we desire for our community. Health Access to Tools for Wellness Residents thrive through healthy lifestyles and seamless access to beneficial services. Better coordination of health and human services will simplify the care for physical as well as social and emotional health needs. And, by improving food access and providing education on nutrition, our residents will have a greater ability to maintain healthy lifestyles. Ultimately, we will build a resilient community. Place Quality Living for All The Northside is our home. It is where we live, grow, and thrive together. As a community, we will work to ensure that all of our residents have access to quality, affordable housing. Simultaneously, we will proudly participate in building and maintaining a litter-free and green environment for all to share. Growing together, we invite organizational partners to join us in creating resource centers that foster ongoing collaboration and innovation. Safety Safe & Welcoming Communities Police are the Community. And the Community are the Police. Our officers and residents will value collaborative relationships to build trust and prevent crime. Neighborhood watch organizations and accessible safety centers will provide residents with the training and services that support safe communities. Regional Endowed with a sense of curiosity and flexibility, the vision for the Buhl Foundation was, and remains, one of transformational impact for the whole community of Pittsburgh. In addition to our commitment to the Northside of Pittsburgh, the Foundation remains sensitive to four major areas in our region: Education Initiatives that foster learning environments critical to building a knowledgeable and talented population Youth Development Projects that provide opportunities for our young people to thrive, to be safe and to live in a nurturing environment. Human Services Strategies where our resources make a difference in addressing persistent community challenges or unmet needs of at-risk neighborhoods. Economic & Community Development Efforts that encourage innovation and entrepreneurial solutions to improve quality of life.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Grants are limited to organizations that are located in Southwestern Pennsylvania and are defined as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and which are not private or operating foundations as defined in section 509(a) of the Code.

Ineligibility

Grants are not normally made for building funds, overhead costs, accumulated deficits, ordinary operating expenses, general fundraising campaigns, loans, scholarships and fellowships, other foundations, nationally funded organized groups or individuals. Grants are not made for support of propaganda, sectarian religious activities, or efforts to influence legislation.The Foundation does not contribute to political events.Support is not provided for charity events or fundraising benefits, nor does the Foundation purchase tables at such events.Conferences or seminars are not normally funded.