Buhl Foundation Grant Program

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.

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.
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

A Community of Growth & Opportunity
Our continued partnership with companies will provide youth and adults with the programs, jobs and training needed to pursue well-paying careers.
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.
Quality Living for All
As a community, we will work to ensure that all of our residents have access to quality, affordable housing. Growing together, we invite organizational partners to join us in creating resource centers that foster ongoing collaboration and innovation.
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.

• 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

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.