In October, FISA Foundation awarded $490,000 in grants to 11 organizations serving women, girls, and people with disabilities in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Focusing on the intersection of race, disability, and other identities, FISA strives to meet the unique needs of women, girls, and people with disabilities who face the greatest marginalization. The grants awarded will help provide essential direct services and programs for these populations, including Black girls, former foster youth with disabilities, Latino children with disabilities, and women experiencing homelessness. Kristy Trautmann, Executive Director of FISA Foundation, states, “These grants reflect a strong commitment to advancing gender equity, improving health care access for people with disabilities, and creating opportunities for social and economic mobility for women of color in our region. FISA Foundation is honored to support organizations that help ensure communities and individuals have the resources they need to lead healthy, empowered lives.” Read the full list of grants awarded below.
Grants investing in women and girls include:
- $80,000 over two years to Center for Innovative Research on Gender Health Equity (CONVERGE) at the University of Pittsburgh to translate research findings and build community partnerships that advance sexual and reproductive health equity.
- $150,000 over two years to Gwen’s Girls to facilitate leadership programs and advocacy for Black girls.
- $30,000 to Healthy Start, Inc. to implement its policy and advocacy platform to improve maternal health outcomes for Black women in Allegheny County.
- $25,000 to Professional Women’s Network to expand a professional career coaching program geared toward helping women of color increase their social capital and economic mobility.
- $30,000 in operating support to Sisters Place for case management services, support groups, life skills classes, and household supplies for mothers experiencing homelessness and their children.
- $30,000 in operating support to Sojourner House for its programs and services that support women with substance use disorder and their children.
Grants supporting people with disabilities include:
- $25,000 to Achieva for the Disability Healthcare Initiative’s (DHI) health communication Project to deliver critical health information to people with disabilities and their families.
- $25,000 to Autism Urban Connections to serve Black families with autistic children through parent/caregiver support and training.
- $40,000 to Casa San Jose to grow the Steps for Autism Family Education (S.A.F.E.) Program that addresses the needs of Latino families of children with autism and other intellectual disabilities.
- $15,000 to KidsVoice to provide legal advocacy and support to former foster youth and young people with disabilities transitioning to adulthood.
- $30,000 to PublicSource to develop and publish reported pieces and first-person stories that address gender, race, disability, and other facets of identity.
FISA Foundation applauds these organizations for their tireless commitment to improving the lives of women, girls, and people with disabilities in southwestern Pennsylvania.
FISA Foundation accepts letters of inquiry at any time, and awards grants three times per year. Learn more about FISA’s priorities and how to submit a letter of inquiry.