Catalytic Grant Program

Neighborhood Allies' flagship grant program offering innovative, creative and inspiring ideas that make neighborhoods healthier, safer and stronger. The organization allocates significant funding directly into neighborhood investments through this program.

Geographic Scope

Target neighborhoods in Pittsburgh, PA and surrounding suburbs:

• Larimer
• Homewood
• Hill District
• Hilltop cluster (southern neighborhoods)
• Millvale
• Wilkinsburg

Focus Areas

• Neighborhood leadership and resident engagement
• Wealth building and economic mobility
• Access to healthy foods
• Blight removal
• Workforce development and job placement
• Environmental sustainability
• Technology and digital access
• Public health
• Education
• Transportation
• Entrepreneurship

Eligibility

• Community organizations, nonprofits, residents
• Groups working in or serving target neighborhoods
• Projects addressing neighborhood-based or system-based issues
• Preference for collaborative, resident-driven initiatives

Award Details

• Individual awards range from $25,000 to $75,000
• Total allocated per round: Up to $1.5 million (as of 2014)
• Approximately 10-15 awards per funding round
• Grant decisions presented at Board of Directors meeting

Contact

Program Manager: Talia Piazza (talia@neighborhoodallies.org)
Address: 429 Fourth Avenue, Suite 1900, Pittsburgh, PA 15219
FAX: 412.471.3746

Background

Neighborhood Allies (formerly Pittsburgh Partnership for Neighborhood Development) launched in 2013 with restructured mission to streamline impact. Funding comes from local foundations, banks, and governmental organizations.

Step 1: Idea Paper Submission

1. Submit idea paper to grants@neighborhoodallies.org with subject line "Catalytic Idea"
2. Idea paper should address:
   • What is your idea, project, or program?
   • What change/impact do you want to see as a result?
   • What is the approximate financial scope?
   • Who are the partners who will help make it reality?
3. Format: Bare-bones sketch acceptable; no formal grant application required at this stage
4. Deadline: Varies by funding round (e.g., February 20 for Spring 2015 round)
5. Note: Previously submitted idea papers can be resubmitted as-is or updated

Step 2: In-Person Idea Presentation

1. Selected applicants invited to present ideas in-person to Neighborhood Allies program staff
2. Timing: Scheduled within specified dates (e.g., February 25 – March 6 for Spring 2015)
3. Purpose: Staff works with applicants to:
   • Build upon and strengthen original ideas
   • Make important connections
   • Create and build powerful partnerships
   • Foster innovation, creativity, and collective impact
4. Outcome: Applicants notified of advancement to next step (e.g., by March 9)

Step 3: Full Application & Award Decision

1. Selected applicants complete full application form
2. Deadline: Specified date at close of business, 5pm (e.g., March 31 for Spring 2015)
3. Review: Recommendations for funding awards presented at Board of Directors meeting
4. Notification: Applicants informed of decision within seven days following Board action

Full Proposal Guidelines

Available upon request; contact program manager for details.