In February, FISA Foundation awarded over $490,000 in grants to 9 organizations serving women, girls, and people with disabilities in southwestern Pennsylvania.
Grants this cycle remove barriers to opportunity and promote the health and well-being of women, girls, and people with disabilities. From protecting the rights of incarcerated people with disabilities to providing housing support to trans women of color, the February 2025 grantees are advancing critical work. Kristy Trautmann, Executive Director of FISA Foundation, shares, “In a rapidly changing legal and political landscape, FISA remains committed to championing equity for women, girls, and people with disabilities in southwestern PA. These grants will allow organizations to remain nimble as they continue to provide direct services, implement advocacy work, and engage communities to meet the needs of individuals in our region.”
Grants investing in women and girls include:
- $25,000 to MAYA Organization to eliminate racial disparities in birth outcomes and experiences through civic engagement and advocacy.
- $25,000 in operating support to SisTer’s PGH to provide transitional housing and services for transgender women of color.
- $120,000 over two years to Standing FIRM at Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh to enhance financial stability and security of survivors of partner violence.
- $35,000 in operating support to Women’s Law Project to defend and advance the rights of women, girls, and LGBTQ+ people in Pennsylvania.
Grants supporting people with disabilities include:
- $50,000 in operating support to Abolitionist Law Center to carry out their evolving work in legal support, community organizing, and narrative change to address conditions of people with disabilities in criminal courts, county jails, and state prisons.
- $94,090 over two years to Autism Connection of Pennsylvania to continue advocating for autistic people in the criminal legal system through the Disability Justice Initiative.
- $66,000 to Keystone Progress Education Fund to increase civic engagement of people with disabilities in southwestern PA through community organizing and education.
- $30,000 to Pennsylvania Prison Society to promote the health, safety, and dignity of people with disabilities in prisons and jails in southwestern Pennsylvania.
- $45,000 to Ryan Shazier Fund for Spinal Rehabilitation to evaluate the Spinal Cord Injury Resource Connector pilot, a platform to help improve access to care and services to individuals with Spinal Cord Injuries (SCIs).
FISA Foundation commends these organizations for their efforts to improve 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.