WGHF awards $100,000 to 23 area nonprofits
The Washington Greene Health Foundation (WGHF) announces the launch of its Pilot Community Grantmaking Cycle, awarding a total of over $100,000 to 23 nonprofit organizations serving residents across Washington and Greene Counties.
Since its founding in 1992, the Washington Greene Health Foundation (WGHF), previously Washington Health System Foundation, has played a vital role in strengthening healthcare across the region through philanthropy. As part of that commitment, WGHF launched its Community Grantmaking program this year to support local organizations working to improve health and well-being across Washington and Greene counties.
Long recognized for its strong partnership with and support of UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene, WGHF expanded its impact by investing directly in community-based health and wellness initiatives.
The milestone initiative marks WGHF’s first direct investment into community-based organizations as part of its transition to an independent, community-focused health foundation. The funded projects address a wide range of needs including food insecurity, mental and behavioral health, maternal and family health, disability services, and access to essential resources.
“This inaugural grant cycle represents a defining moment for WGHF,” said board Chairman Jana Phillis Grimm. “We are proud to partner with 23 organizations whose work is improving health and well-being across our communities.”
The grantmaking process included a multi-step review consisting of an eligibility screening, full application submission, and a competitive evaluation by a committee comprised of volunteers, WGHF board members, and community members using a standardized scoring rubric.
“We designed this process to center equity, transparency, and community voice,” said Executive Director Sara Schumacher. “These investments reflect both immediate needs and long-term opportunities to strengthen health and wellness locally.”
Grants were funded in three focus areas.
Access to Care
Pennsylvania Elks Major Projects Inc. – $5,000 to deliver free, community-based care coordination and family support services for children, youth, and adults with development disabilities.
Rainbow’s End Learning Center – $5,000 for integrating Early Intervention services with social-emotional learning curriculum.
The Washington City Mission – $2,500 for essential materials for clinical and basic healthcare needs provided through their residential services.
Community Health and Wellness
412 Food Rescue – $5,000 for the Increasing Food Access in Washington County program, which ensures equitable access to fresh, healthy food.
Always B Smiling – $5,000 to expand its Adaptive Sports Program.
Blueprints – $9,000 to acquire a basic trauma informed training model to certify and/or train a trainer to provide a basic understanding of trauma, trauma response, and trauma informed care.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh Inc. – $5,000 for its Washington and Greene County Mental Wellness Program.
Connect Inc. received funding for a new health and safety initiative that will allow staff to be better prepared to meet the needs of the homeless and housing insecure.
Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania – $9,000 to support the salaries and benefits of two full-time therapists who provide critical, trauma-informed therapy to survivors of domestic violence.
Food Helpers – $9,000 for its Little Moochi Snack Pack Program.
Nurture PA – $2,250 for its Nurturing the Village for Washington & Greene Moms program, a peer mentorship program for moms with young children.
Presbyterian SeniorCare Network – $5,000 for its Senior Community Health Outreach Program, which is designed to improve health outcomes and quality of life for older adults.
Special Olympics Pennsylvania Inc. – $9,000 for its inclusive sport and health programming for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Center for Excellence at SPHS CARE Center – $3,000 to provide essential hygiene and clothing items to clients without financial resources.
The Arc of Washington County – $5,000 for a twice-weekly, inclusive wellness class.
Vision Services of Washington-Greene – $9,000 for equipment for its optical program project to conduct low vision exams at its office.
Washington County Gay Straight Alliance Inc. – $5,000 for continuing LGBTQA+ Community Health, Wellness & Support Programming.
Healthcare Workforce Development
Dress for Success Pittsburgh – $3,000 to provide= uniforms and footwear to women entering healthcare fields.
As part of its trust-based approach, WGHF awarded smaller grants to additional nonprofit partners in appreciation of the time, insight, and thoughtful engagement they contributed, helping to inform and strengthen this pilot cycle.