In February, FISA Foundation awarded $429,000 in grants to 14 organizations serving women, girls, and people with disabilities in southwestern Pennsylvania.
The grantees represent a variety of direct services and social issues. Kristy Trautmann, Executive Director of FISA Foundation, stated, “We need strong partnerships between philanthropy and nonprofits to create real change. FISA aims to be a supportive partner to our grantees. We want to make sure they have what they need to best serve women, girls, and people with disabilities and advocate for lasting change.”
FISA Foundation remains dedicated to advancing its mission and to addressing systemic racism in its work. Nearly two-thirds of the grants awarded include an intentional focus on intersectionality between gender, disability, and/or race. FISA believes it is critical to address the needs of women of color and people of color with disabilities.
Grants supporting people with disabilities include:
- $25,000 to the Western PA Disability and History Action Consortium (via fiscal sponsor Achieva) to support a communications plan to tell the stories of people with disabilities more broadly.
- $25,000 to Autism Employment Network to increase employment of autistic adults through coaching and workforce development training.
- $21,000 to Open Up to create advocacy training modules about the experiences of people of color with disabilities.
- $12,000 in operating support to the Imagine Different Coalition (via fiscal sponsor PEAL Center) to expand family living options for children with disabilities.
- $30,000 to Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit for the Youth Advocacy Clinic that provides legal aid for students of color with disabilities.
- $40,000 to 412 Justice to support its education justice initiative in Allegheny County, advocating for students of color with disabilities.
- $66,000 to Keystone Progress Education Fund to support civic engagement and voting rights for people with disabilities in so
Grants investing in women and girls include:
- $35,000 in operating support to Black Women’s Policy Center for advocacy, direct services, and programs that promote equity for Black women.
- $20,000 to Christian Immigration Advocacy Center to support legal aid for domestic violence survivors who are immigrants and refugees.
- $25,000 to Hello Neighbor for the Smart Start Program, a support program for immigrant and refugee pregnant people and their babies.
- $60,000 to Women’s Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh to support STANDING FIRM. This grant will help involve employers in creating strong workplace support for survivors of intimate partner violence.
- $25,000 in operating support to Strong Women, Strong Girls to implement mentorship and skill-building programs for girls.
- $20,000 to Sisters Saving Ourselves Now (via fiscal sponsor The Pittsburgh Contingency, Inc.) to support a leadership and self-development program for Black women and girls in southwestern PA.
- $25,000 to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Allegheny County to support advocacy for children with disabilities and girls of color who have been abused or neglected.
FISA Foundation applauds these partner organizations for their commitment to inclusion, equity, and justice 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.