What is the Public Service Grant?

Public Service Grants are federally-funded grants made to local nonprofit organizations serving Pittsburgh residents with low and moderate incomes. Awarded projects will provide direct services to vulnerable populations.

The Public Service grant has funded projects such as food pantries, youth programs, job training, career counseling, literacy programs, senior activity programs, and more.

How do I apply?

If you represent a 501(c)(3) nonprofit which meets all eligibility criteria, you may fill out the application at the bottom of this page. Only electronic submissions via this page will be accepted.

Community Development held two virtual Q and A sessions about the application process, on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 and Wednesday, March 29, 2023.

An document of questions and answers from these sessions has been compiled here.

The Community Development team has created a video explaining the application process and giving an overview of program updates for the 2023 program year.

What organizations are eligible?

Organizations seeking Public Service funds must:

  • Be a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with
    • A Board of Directors
    • Articles of Incorporation
    • Written bylaws
    • A mission that supports City of Pittsburgh residents
  • Demonstrate financial management capacity
  • Have filed an IRS Form 990 (990-N, 990-EZ, or 990) last year
  • Have a SAM.gov profile with a Unique Entity ID (UEI)*
    • Additional information on getting a UEI can be found in this video or at this link
  • Have no outstanding financial liabilities with the City of Pittsburgh, or demonstrate an approved payment plan
  • Have current general liability insurance
  • Have current worker's compensation insurance (only required if organization has paid staff)

Application Submitted. What's Next?

The Office of Management and Budget – Community Development team will review all applications for eligibility, then send the applications to the Mayor’s Office for their review.

The Mayor’s Office have their own review process for applications and make award decisions based on their criteria. The Community Development office expects that elected officials will make and officially legislate their grant determinations over the summer. Due to programmatic changes, contracts will not begin until January 2024. This means your organization will not be able to request reimbursement for 2023 expenses.

Applicants should keep visiting this webpage for updates on the review process.