²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Foundation
Since its inception, the ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Foundation has awarded more than $74 million to nonprofits throughout the operational footprint of ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Corporation. We are committed to supporting the education and training of children and adults; the development of diverse, livable communities; and preserving our natural environments.
We believe in meaningful engagement with the communities we call home and we take great pride in being responsible and responsive corporate citizens. Through a practice of trust-based philanthropy, we focus our resources on areas that have a direct effect on the stability of communities and, in turn, contribute to the success of business operations in those areas.
Mission
The ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Foundation helps communities prosper through focused giving.
Funding Priorities
The ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Foundation’s funding strategy endorses organizations and programs that directly impact the community and its residents. The Foundation supports nonprofits that demonstrate positive, needed, and trusted impacts throughout their community with special attention given to proposals grounded in analysis that demonstrate creative approaches to addressing critical issues. The ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Foundation also seeks evidence of:
- Geographic setting that aligns with ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Corporation’s business locations;
- Ability to manage available resources effectively; and
- Outreach that gains solid public recognition and support for the nonprofit, its programs and sponsors.
Community Enrichment
Encourage the development of diverse, safe, healthy, and sustainable communities, which can help to retain residential, commercial and economic growth.
Examples: Food banks, libraries, farmers markets, arts & music programs, community festivals & initiatives
The ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Foundation is proud to be a long-standing supporter of , which helps to provide brand-new winter coats and shoes to children across North America. Our support and partnership have provided children in Appalachia with emotional warmth, confidence and hope.
Education & Workforce
Promote proficiency in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) topics for youth, as well as training programs to create a future skilled workforce.
Examples: In-school STEM-based curricula, computer and science camps, project-based learning, teacher professional development, career planning and preparation
(TEP) is a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit that helps to serve teachers and students throughout southwestern Pennsylvania by providing necessary supplies for classrooms and for the children to be successful. From three-ring binders and paper to space heaters and filing cabinets, TEP is a constant resource for ensuring success for every student. Through their Adopt-A-School program, the ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Foundation has been providing Power Tool Homework Kits to students in the Ringgold School District.
Environment
Support the preservation of natural resources, and educate children, residents, and businesses to employ conservation techniques to minimize adverse impacts on the environment.
Examples:Â community gardens, watershed conservation, environmental education, preservation and restoration of green spaces
The protects and restores exceptional places to provide the region with clean waters, healthy forests, wildlife and natural areas for the benefit of all. ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp has partnered with the Conservancy for years on the watershed, stream restoration, and dam removal projects, as well as support for their community garden in Waynesburg, PA.
Nonprofit Capacity Support
Starting in June 2024, the ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Foundation will offer a round of capacity grants to nonprofits that fall within the funding priorities and geography covered by the Foundation. Using the link below (under How to Apply for a Grant), applicants will be able to request up to $25,000 for a project that builds capacity within their organization – whatever is needed to bring a nonprofit to the next level of operational, programmatic, financial, or organizational maturity, so it may more effectively and efficiently advance its mission into the future.
Examples include: Strategic planning, technology updates, office equipment, succession planning, legal or financial updates, board and/or staff development, etc.
Deadline for applications is August 1.
²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Foundation FAQs
The ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Foundation does not consider proposals for:
- Institutions, organizations or groups that are not tax-exempt under IRS Section 501(c)(3)
- Capital campaigns or costs, including endowments, new construction, building renovations, mortgages/rents, etc.
- Churches or other organizations whose purpose promotes a particular religion or creed
- Political parties, candidates or public policy advocates
- For-profit activities, businesses, associations or organizations
- Tax-supported entities, including public schools
- Fraternal, social, union or hobby/recreational clubs or organizations
- Sporting events, including charity golf outings
- Scholarship programs (other than those historically supported by ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp)
- Organizations located outside of the United States
- Organizations whose mission, operating philosophy or activities are in direct conflict with ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp company policy and could potentially damage the company’s reputation or could result in negative publicity for the company
The ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Foundation reviews grants on a quarterly basis with deadlines on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year.
No, ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Corporation provides other avenues of support through sponsorships of local events throughout the operating area as well as via community-based donations. Requests can be submitted to donations@²Ê¿â±¦µäapp.com.
The ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Foundation was created in 2003 with an initial funding of approximately $17 million worth of shares of a subsidiary of ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Corporation (Westport Resources Corporation) when it was divested.
While grant sizes can vary greatly depending on the scope of a project, the average grant awarded by the ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Foundation is $15,000.
Organizations can generally expect to receive an answer within six to eight weeks after the close of the application deadline.
The ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Foundation tends to award grants in the same geographic footprint of ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Corporation’s business operations. For the most part, that includes southwestern Pennsylvania (Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington, Westmoreland Counties), northeastern Pennsylvania (Bradford, Centre, Clinton, Lycoming, Tioga), northern West Virginia (Doddridge, Harrison, Marion, Marshall, Tyler, Wetzel Counties) and eastern Ohio (Belmont County).
All recommendations for grant funding come from a diverse internal ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Foundation Board comprised of ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp employees and senior leadership.
While there are no specific guidelines on when dollars awarded are spent, it is customary for grants to be used within a year. Upon expenditure of all grant funds, all funded organizations will conduct a wrap-up meeting (virtual or in person) with Foundation staff to discuss program outcomes.
How to Apply for a Grant
To apply for a grant, . All applications must be completed online.
The ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Foundation Board of Directors meets quarterly. All applications must be received by the dates below. ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Foundation staff may request additional information or/and reserves the right to postpone funding decisions on specific applications.
Grant Submission Dates
- February 1
- May 1
- August 1
- November 1
Note: Due to the large volume of requests received, we cannot provide grant evaluations or immediate funding decisions via telephone.
²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Foundation
Ellen Rossi, President ²Ê¿â±¦µäapp Foundation
412.553.7703
erossi@²Ê¿â±¦µäapp.com