Two new grants from The Pittsburgh Foundation will help residents across Allegheny County build financial stability and find trusted mental health support.
The Foundation awarded $200,000 in operating support to Neighborhood Allies and $100,000 over two years to Steel Smiling. These investments will strengthen programs and partnerships that help residents pursue their goals, with community voices guiding the work.
$200K to Neighborhood Allies to help residents build financial stability
Support for Neighborhood Allies will sustain our work connecting residents to financial counseling, safe and affordable banking, children’s savings opportunities, and small business resources.
Through the Financial Empowerment Center, residents work with counselors to reduce debt, improve credit, build savings, and reach their financial goals.
We are strengthening connections among these resources so residents can build on their progress, whether they are saving for a child’s education, growing a business, or preparing to buy a home. We will also track changes in household finances and business stability to better understand what is working and where more support is needed.
$100K to Steel Smiling to connect communities to trusted mental health care
Steel Smiling’s grant will support a community-led effort to identify and connect the people, organizations, and resources supporting 
Black mental health across Allegheny County.
At least 200 community members will share their experiences through workshops, interviews, focus groups, and conversations. An advisory committee of at least 30 stakeholders and at least 10 Beams to Bridges alumni will help guide and facilitate the work.
Their input will shape a community report and action plan to help residents find trusted, culturally responsive care and strengthen collaboration among providers, healers, and community organizations.
We are grateful to The Pittsburgh Foundation for its continued partnership and to the residents and community partners helping shape this work.
