Community Foundation of Westmoreland - Visionaries Grant

Their Visionaries initiative engages young leaders to address local challenges like mental health and food insecurity, especially highlighted during the pandemic. Through workshops and grantmaking, they empower participants to enhance their philanthropic efforts, culminating in a Pitch-In Party where finalists present their proposals. This program aims to create a lasting impact in Westmoreland County by fostering a culture of giving and community support.

Merging with The Pittsburgh Foundation in 2010, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County continues to work with county residents to encourage that spirit of giving and investment in community organizations and residents. Our mission is to encourage residents to become PHILANTHROPISTS, to provide GRANTS that support a wide variety of nonprofit organizations and serve as a COMMUNITY LEADER.
Visionaries is an initiative of The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County... a fresh approach to philanthropy. Our mission is to nurture philanthropic leadership among young people through engagement, education, grant making and the development of a permanent endowment to support initiatives throughout the county.
The Visionaries participate in a series of workshops to learn about challenges, needs and opportunities in Westmoreland County. They also participate in exercises to demonstrate how they can develop their personal philanthropy and give back to the community. With this knowledge, the group selects a focus for grantmaking and issues guidelines to solicit proposals from the nonprofit community. Ultimately, three applicants are selected as finalists, receive a grant and attend a “Pitch-In Party” where they present their case for funding from attendees made up of organization partners, board members, former visionaries and members of the community.
Statement of Need
Among them are two key areas of concern among youth living in Westmoreland County – mental health and food insecurity. The Visionaries have identified both as their areas of focus for the 2025 RFP.