In February, FISA Foundation awarded nearly $300,000 in grants to nine organizations working to expand access, safety, and opportunity for women, girls, and people with disabilities in southwestern Pennsylvania. These investments reflect FISA’s long-standing commitment to reaching communities that have too often been overlooked or underserved, and to addressing the conditions that make it harder for some people to thrive.
This cycle’s grantees bring deep, community-rooted expertise to groups that continue to face significant barriers—including former foster youth with disabilities navigating adulthood, immigrant women rebuilding their lives after domestic violence, mothers experiencing homelessness, people with disabilities in the carceral system, and women in recovery working toward stable employment. Their work strengthens pathways to safety, stability, and dignity while also improving the systems that shape people’s everyday lives.
“Our mission is grounded in fairness and in listening closely to the experiences of women, girls, and people with disabilities,” said Kristy Trautmann, Executive Director of FISA Foundation. “These grants support organizations that are removing obstacles, expanding choices, and ensuring that people have what they need to build healthy, safe, and empowered lives.”
Grants impacting people with disabilities include:
$35,000 to Evolve Coaching to support individualized coaching, programs, and services for disabled, autistic, and neurodiverse adults as they seek employment, college, and independent living.
$30,000 to KidsVoice to provide legal advocacy and support in addressing barriers to independent living, such as healthcare access, education, and housing, for current and former foster youth with disabilities.
$66,000 to Keystone Progress Education Fund to increase civic engagement of people with disabilities, particularly individuals in long-term care facilities.
$50,000 to the Abolitionist Law Center to work toward more just outcomes for people with intellectual and cognitive disabilities who encounter the criminal courts, county jails, and state prisons.
Grants impacting women and girls include:
$25,000 to Pennsylvania Women Work to empower job-seeking women in recovery through trauma-informed career coaching and skill-building.
$20,000 to the Christian Immigration Advocacy Center to provide legal support to immigrant and refugee women who are survivors of domestic violence.
$25,000 to HEARTH for transitional housing and supportive services for mothers who are experiencing homelessness and are survivors of domestic violence.
$10,000 to the Bhutanese Community Association of Pittsburgh for culturally grounded health and social support for Bhutanese women.
Grants impacting women, girls, and people with disabilities include:
$25,000 to Pittsburgh’s Public Source for reporting and first-person stories on gender, race, disability, and other facets of identity.
FISA Foundation commends these partner organizations for their dedication to supporting women, girls, and people with disabilities who too often go without the resources they need. Their work ensures that more individuals can access meaningful support, safety, and opportunities to thrive.
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.