Funding Amount

$2,500 - $10,000

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Deadline history & next window

Cycle
Annual
Tracked since
April 2026

Source: the cycle recorded on this listing. Confirm dates with the funder.

Overview

GBU Foundation Community Grant Awards

Funder: GBU Foundation Inc, Pittsburgh, PA

Background: The GBU Foundation, established in 1963, awards grants to nonprofit organizations through its annual Community Grant Awards ceremony. The foundation is dedicated to helping donors achieve their philanthropic goals and enhance the positive impact of donors and GBU members.

Geographic Scope: Primarily United States, with recent awards to organizations in PA, OH, MI, MN, and IL

Focus Areas: Grants are awarded in four Community Pillars:

  • Wellness: Health and wellness-focused nonprofits

  • Education: Educational and youth development organizations

  • Charitable Giving: Food banks and community support services

  • Hometown Hero Support: Veterans support, first responders, and volunteer fire departments
  • Award Structure:

  • First prize: $10,000

  • Second prize: $5,000

  • Third prize: $2,500

  • Special awards may include Community Builders Award ($10,000), Young Philanthropists Award ($2,500), and other recognition categories
  • Recent Funding Cycles:

  • 2025 (April 3): $92,500 awarded to 15 nonprofits

  • 2024 (April 11): $75,000 awarded to 13 nonprofits
  • Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations nominated by GBU members, donors, and supporters. Organizations must align with one of GBU's four Community Pillars.

    Selection Process: Member and public nominations followed by finalists selection and voting (approximately 7,000 votes cast annually)

    Contact: GBU Foundation, 4254 Saw Mill Run Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15227; 800.765.4428

    How to Apply

    Application Process

    1. Nomination: Charitable organizations are nominated by GBU members, donors, and supporters
    2. Selection: Finalists are selected from nominations
    3. Voting: Public voting determines winners (approximately 7,000 votes cast annually)
    4. Awards Ceremony: Winners are celebrated at the annual Community Grant Awards ceremony (typically held in April)

    Required Information

    Nominations must identify:

  • Nonprofit organization name and location

  • Community Pillar alignment (Wellness, Education, Charitable Giving, or Hometown Hero Support)

  • Organization's mission and impact
  • Submission Details

    • Nomination period varies annually
    • Voting conducted by GBU members, donors, and supporters
    • Results announced at Community Grant Awards ceremony

    What GBU Foundation Inc actually gave

    Source: IRS Form 990, 2025

    Grants in 2025
    11
    Total given
    $136K
    Median grant
    $10K
    Range
    $5,000–$40K
    • By dollars: Pennsylvania 56%, Ohio 33%, Michigan 7%. Top recipient cities: Pittsburgh, PA; Oregon, OH; Bethel Park, PA.
    • 0% of grants with a stated purpose were for general or operating support.

    Example grants

    • German American Festival · Oregon, OH

      Program support

      $40K

    • The Education Partnership · Pittsburgh, PA

      Program support

      $26K

    • Casey's Clubhouse · Bethel Park, PA

      Program support

      $10K

    • Children's Advocacy Center of Kent County · Grand Rapids, MI

      Program support

      $10K

    • Women's Help Center Inc · Johnstown, PA

      Program support

      $10K

    IRS Form 990, 2025. Amounts as reported by the funder. Full 990 history →

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    nonprofitswellnesseducationyouth-programsveteransfirst-respondersfood-security

    Categories

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