Oliver L. Johnson and William A. Lester Families Fund Grant

Oliver L. Johnson and William A. Lester Families Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Pittsburgh Foundation
Amount: Up to US $20,000
Last Updated: February 11, 2026

Summary

The Oliver L. Johnson and William A. Lester Families Fund, established by the Pittsburgh Foundation, aims to empower students facing financial hardships, particularly those affected by systemic barriers to education. This fund supports high school seniors from Allegheny County and surrounding areas who demonstrate academic potential and leadership. With a focus on furthering education beyond high school, it seeks to foster a diverse range of opportunities for deserving individuals to contribute positively to society.

Overview

Pittsburgh Foundation The The Pittsburgh Foundation was founded in 1945 by Charles McKinley, a civic leader who envisioned a permanent charitable institution that could pool resources from individuals, families, and organizations to address the evolving needs of the Pittsburgh region. His founding vision emphasized local stewardship, donor intent, and long-term community impact, creating a flexible philanthropic model that could respond to both immediate challenges and future opportunities. Today, the Foundation continues to honor McKinley’s legacy by strengthening communities through grantmaking, civic leadership, and partnerships that promote equity, opportunity, and quality of life across southwestern Pennsylvania. Oliver L. Johnson and William A. Lester Families Fund The Oliver L. Johnson & William A. Lester Families Fund of the Pittsburgh Foundation was created to provide educational opportunities for deserving students with financial need with a preference for students who have been disproportionately affected by systemic barriers to educational achievement, who are committed to pursuing formal education beyond the twelfth grade in high school. The donors, themselves African-American, seek to encourage and support students who have already displayed academic ability and leadership skills and who recognize that a solid educational foundation is a necessary prerequisite to making a positive contribution to society.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Attend high school in Allegheny County, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Washington, or Westmoreland Counties as a graduating senior.Demonstrate financial need.Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.Plan to attend an accredited vocational or technical trade school OR 2- or 4-year college or university.Preference will be given to applicants who have been disproportionately affected by systemic barriers to educational achievement.