RISE HIGH Grant Partnership Program

APPLICATIONS OPEN JANUARY 19, 2026

*Please read all application details below before completing the application.*

Description

RISE HIGH is a staff-led initiative that reflects Neighborhood Allies’ commitment to fostering a workplace culture grounded in access, belonging, and opportunity. The program supports a learning environment where restoration, curiosity, and collaboration are prioritized; diverse perspectives are valued; and new approaches are explored. 

Through RISE HIGH, we make intentional investments in organizations and firms that are rooted in communities historically under-resourced and excluded from access to capital, networks, and decision-making. We also track and learn from the outcomes of these investments to strengthen our practices over time. 

Program Goal

The goal of the RISE HIGH Grant Partnership (RHGP) Program is to provide applicants with an opportunity to partner with Neighborhood Allies over a defined period of time to achieve measurable outcomes related to access, opportunity, and organizational growth in Allegheny County. 

The program is grounded in the understanding that long-standing structural barriers have shaped unequal outcomes across communities. RISE HIGH prioritizes efforts that address root causes — not just symptoms — by strengthening organizations that are working to improve economic stability, well-being, and long-term opportunity in the neighborhoods they serve. 

Program Priorities

RISE HIGH prioritizes proposals that: 

• • Strengthen organizational capacity for organizations led by individuals with lived experience and deep relationships in their communities, particularly those based in Neighborhood Allies’ geographies of focus: Hilltop, Hill District, Larimer, Homewood, Millvale, and Wilkinsburg. 

      Organizational capacity may include, but is not limited to: 

• • • • Leadership development
      • Management and operations
      • Community engagement
      • Program and service delivery
      • Learning, evaluation, and data use 
  • Support ideas, strategies, and partnerships that align with one or more goals and objectives outlined in Neighborhood Allies’ 2025-27 Strategic Plan.Neighborhood Allies works across four areas of impact: Neighborhood Development, Economic Mobility, Mental Health, and Impact-Driven Partnerships.   
• • Advance inclusive organizational practices that expand access to opportunity, resources, and participation.

A limited number of grant awards may be made to organizations located outside the primary geographies of focus whose work demonstrates meaningful alignment with these priorities. 

The RISE HIGH Growth Grant ($15,000 Award) Criteria:

• Grant awards of $15,000 
• Proposals must align with at least one goal or objective within Neighborhood Allies’ 2025-27 Strategic Plan.
• Any nonprofit organization located in Allegheny County may apply.
• Special consideration will be given to organizations that: 
  • • • Are rooted in Neighborhood Allies’ focus geographies (Hilltop, Hill District, Larimer, Homewood, Millvale, Wilkinsburg), and
      • Are led by individuals with lived experience and sustained relationships in the communities they serve.

Ineligible Applicants:

• Individuals (please refer to FAQ #3).
• No real estate related requests (please refer to FAQ #8). For all real estate inquiries, check out our Centralized Real Estate Accelerator page.
• Political candidates/campaigns.
• Religious organizations for religious activities.

Please refer to Appendix A for additional FAQs.

Data tracking expectations

All RISE HIGH grantees are responsible for tracking and reporting on grant-funded activities and outcomes. Grantees should expect to submit at least one report during the grant period.  

This report will ask grantees to share impact data that helps Neighborhood Allies measure the social and economic impact of the program and strengthen future partnerships. Metrics may include, but are not limited to: people served, community events organized, number of educational or training sessions held, small businesses supported, dollars leveraged as a result of the grant, and any additional outcomes not otherwise captured.  

While not all metrics will apply to every project, grantees are encouraged to track and report on the impact data most relevant to their programming and goals.  

Refer to Appendix B for additional information. 

Grant Schedule

In 2026, the RISE HIGH Growth Grant application will release January 19,2026. Application are due April 3rd, 2026. Grantee-partner announcements on June 4th, 2026.

Application Resources

• FAQs
• Compliance and reporting information

If you have questions or need more information about our RISE HIGH Grant Partnership Program, reach out grants@neighborhoodallies.org or Glenn Grayson Jr., Senior Program Manager for Real Estate Development, at glenn@neighborhoodallies.org.