CONTACT: Jake Goodman, Executive Director, jgoodman [at] theopportunityfund.org
PITTSBURGH, PA, December 14, 2020 — The Opportunity Fund announces support totaling $783,686 in its tenth cycle of funding. The Board of Directors, along with two community panels, funded 61 out of 114 requests that were seeking a total of $1,683,849. A complete list of awarded grants can be found below.
Including this current grant cycle, the foundation has awarded 593 grants totaling over $7.6 million since its inception in 2015. Grant cycles take place twice a year. Letter of Inquiry deadlines are January 15 and July 15. Full information about applying for grants is available in the “For Applicants” area of our website.
Grantee Partner List:
Afro-American Music Institute ($7,500) to support general operations. Afro-American Music Institute creates cultural literacy using a musical curriculum that encompasses all styles of the African and African American music traditions.
Aleph Institute ($10,000) to support the Alternative Sentencing Program (ASP) and Project Shifra. ASP helps non-violent first-time offenders find an alternative to traditional incarceration. Shifra is a home visiting program connecting distressed members of Squirrel Hill’s Orthodox community with resources and support. The Aleph Institute is a Jewish religious, educational, and humanitarian organization offering services to imprisoned Jewish men and women and their families.
Alumni Theater Company ($10,000) to support general operations. Alumni Theater Company creates bold theatrical work that gives a fresh voice to urban artists and highlights their rich contribution to our community.
ArtUp ($5,000) to support travel and research costs for US artists travel to Russia and Russian artists travel to the US as part of POP-AGANDA: REVOLUTION & ICONOGRAPHY, the fifth Sites of Passage project. ArtUp instigates insight by activating art. Undertaking on the ground initiatives, the organization builds global interchanges for the migration of ideas across political and cultural boundaries.
August Wilson House ($10,000) to support general operations. The August Wilson House promotes the literary and social legacy of August Wilson by exploring the cultural narrative of his writings through seminars, readings, exhibitions and performances – and through the restoration of his boyhood home on Bedford Avenue in Pittsburgh’s Hill District.
Balafon West African Dance Ensemble ($10,000) to support general operations. Balafon provides an insightful, woman-centered perspective on West African tradition and culture as a source of healing and balance by providing quality education and entertainment to people of all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life.
Beaver County Foundation ($7,000) to support the Royally Fit‘s Community Wellness Program, including nutritional wellness workshops, art therapy, physical fitness and preventive health activities. Royally Fit provides education, access and resources for holistic health and wellness to historically undeserved communities.
Braddock Carnegie Library ($15,000) to support general operations of arts and culture programs, studios, resources and exhibitions within the Braddock Carnegie Library Association (BCLA). The BCLA is a place where neighbors meet, exchange ideas, share cultures, resources and creatives strategies with one another, while strengthening communities.
Carnegie Mellon University ($3,685) to support TQ Live!, a queer evening of dazzling performance, dance, poetry, comedy, resplendent fantasies, music, and more at the Warhol Museum. TQ Live! Is organized by Scott Andrew, Joseph Hall, and Suzie Silver.
Carrick Community Council ($7,000) to support 25 Carrick Ave‘s general operations and workforce development education. 25 Carrick provides at-risk youth and adults with career opportunities in the event production and broadcast industry through classes, workshops, and hands-on mentoring.
Center for Employment Opportunities ($20,000) to support general operations for the Pittsburgh site. CEO provides immediate, effective, and comprehensive employment services to individuals with criminal convictions who have recently returned home from incarceration to build pathways to long-term stability and economic independence.
Chamber Music Pittsburgh ($15,000) to support general operations. Chamber Music Pittsburgh presents world-class chamber music ensembles and soloists, promising emerging artists, and innovative programs; and fosters an appreciation for chamber music in the Pittsburgh community by offering educational programs and experiences.
Christian Immigration Advocacy Center ($10,000) to support the Removal Defense Program and translation expenses. The Christian Immigration Advocacy Center provides low-cost and pro-bono immigration-related legal services to immigrants and refugees in the Pittsburgh region.
Circles Greater Pittsburgh ($30,000 over two years) to support general operations. Circles Greater Pittsburgh inspires and equips Pittsburgh area families and communities to resolve poverty and thrive. The organization believes no one should live in poverty, families and communities can take charge of their destinies, and, if given the right tools and support, economic stability can be achieved.
Circles Greater Pittsburgh ($10,000) to support THE COVERING LLC’s Healing by Designs Holistic Fashion Therapy program. The program supports women of color struggling with the remnants of trauma encountered through domestic violence using art, fashion and design coupled with leadership, transparency and love, as tools to facilitate healing from a holistic perspective.
City Theatre Company ($15,000) to support general operations. City Theatre Company provides an artistic home for the development and production of contemporary plays of substance and ideas that engage and challenge diverse audiences.
Computer Reach ($7,500) to support access to free computers for students in need. Computer Reach makes technology available to people most in need through refurbished equipment, computer literacy, training and support. The organization envisions a computer literate world where the benefits of technology are shared by all.
The Corner, a community outreach program of Friendship Community Church ($10,000) to support general operations. The Corner serves as a safe neighborhood space connecting neighbors to social service resources and affordable programming centered on the arts, social justice advocacy, education and community engagement.
CORNINGWORKS ($10,000) to support general operations. CORNINGWORKS is dedicated to creating provocative, accessible world class dancetheater works created with, and on critically acclaimed seasoned performing artists from diverse disciplines, addressing issues of relevance to our greater society.
Day One ($9,500 over two years) to support Day One’s education programming for a new cohort of single parents. Day One works to end the cycle of poverty for single parent families by providing housing, education and career support, and community connections so that they achieve self-sufficiency and their children succeed in school.
Divine Intervention Ministries ($5,000) to support general operations and ongoing aftercare for recently released individuals transitioning from incarceration into the community. Divine Intervention Ministries provides currently and formerly incarcerated adults and at-risk youth with coordinated resources that connect them to supportive services and job training opportunities focusing on restoring and realizing their maximum potential spiritually, physically, and economically.
Dreams of Hope ($10,000) to support general operations. Through the power of the arts, Dreams of Hope provides the Pittsburgh region’s LGBTQA+ youth a welcoming environment to grow in confidence, express themselves, develop as leaders and learn to make positive chances in their communities.
Duquesne University ($5,000) to support Elsinore-Bennu Think Tank’s (EBTT) senior community outreach. The EBTT evolved through partnerships between de-incarcerated citizens and faculty and staff at Duquesne. The EBTT designs, develops, implements, and improves systems that reverse social injustice in marginalized communities through the application of concepts of Restorative Justice.
Fiberarts Guild of Pittsburgh ($30,000 over three years) to support general operations and the Fiberart International 2022 exhibition of contemporary textile art. FI2022 will open in May 2022 at Contemporary Craft and Brew House Association.
Foundation of HOPE ($15,000) to support the Aftercare Program which provides basic needs; employment, housing placement, and counsel; weekly support groups; and one-on-one mentoring to formerly incarcerated individuals.
Heritage Community Initiatives ($5,000) to support general operations and the ongoing efforts by Heritage Education, Transportation and Nutrition programs to meet the growing need for safety net services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery. For thirty-seven years Heritage has been dedicated to making a positive impact on the social mobility of thousands of families.
Hill Dance Academy Theatre ($10,000) to support general operations. Hill Dance Academy Theatre develops and trains dancers in Black Dance traditions, expands knowledge and contributions of Black Dance traditions, and creates emerging professional dance artists who will sustain dance in the Black community.
Hill District Consensus Group ($10,000) to support Navigation Services and an Emergency Housing Relief Program. This project provides free navigation services by phone for people who have lost income due to COVID-19 in order to gain access to rent, mortgage, and utilities funding essential to the success of healthy lives, housing stabilization.
Hugh Lane Wellness Foundation ($15,000) to support general operations for True T PGH, including True T Studios and OPTION-U Emergency Housing, a program of True T PGH with the mission of aiding in creating a sustainable future for Trans and Non-Binary POC in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. True T PGH serves as a community platform for LGBTQ+ resource sharing, queer arts, activism, and entertainment. Through community outreach and safe space making, True T PGH provides a connection to meaningful resources while celebrating the positive happenings within the LGBTQ+ communities of color.
JADA House ($12,500) to support general operations. JADA House is dedicated to bringing educational and social opportunities to Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood community for both youth and adults groups struggling to find access to positive and supportive programs.
Jeremiah’s Place ($15,000) to support general operations. Jeremiah’s Place is a 24-hour crisis nursery that protects children and strengthens families by providing a safe haven of respite, health, renewal, and support for children when their families are experiencing a critical need for childcare.
Jewish Community Center for Greater Pittsburgh ($30,000 over two years) to support the Center for Loving Kindness and Civic Engagement (CFLK). The CLFK reflects the JCC’s commitment to democracy and diversity and anti-racism at a time of deepening and widening political and civil division.
Kelly Strayhorn Theater ($15,000) to support general operations. The Kelly Strayhorn Theater serves as a catalyst for creative expression that brings diverse communities together. Focusing on the performing and media arts of our time, KST takes a multidisciplinary and inclusive approach to presenting contemporary performing arts. KST programs examine the questions that define and inspire us as individuals and communities.
Legacy Arts Project ($10,000) to support general operations. Legacy Arts Project preserves the history and traditions of African art as presented throughout the diaspora through study, practice, and presentation.
Let’s Get Free ($15,000) to support general operations. Let’s Get Free: The Women and Trans Prisoner Defense Committee is a group working to end Death by Incarceration (also known as life without parole sentencing), create opportunities for people to come home from prison through commutation, support successful possibilities for people formerly and currently incarcerated, and shift to a culture of transformative justice.
MAYA Organization ($17,500) to support MAYA’s Community-Based Perinatal Support Program, which improves birth and postpartum outcomes in zip codes with the highest rates of perinatal mortality and morbidity by providing culturally congruent mentorship and doula care. The program trains and hires former participants to support parents in their communities. MAYA breaks the cycle of generational trauma, promotes strong and healthy families, and enriches communities by providing perinatal support, mentorship, and mental health therapy.
New Hazlett Center for the Performing Arts ($15,000) to support general operations. The New Hazlett provides a nurturing, collaborative environment for artists, leveraging people, space and technology to create and present challenging and dynamic art.
New Horizon Theater ($10,000) to support general operations. New Horizon brings to the greater Pittsburgh area consistent, high-quality cultural events, reflecting the African-American points of view, and provides an ongoing venue for writers and performers to further their professional development.
New Sun Rising ($10,000) to support general operations for PearlArts Studios. PearlArts Studios is the safe creative space for STAYCEE PEARL dance project and Soy Sos to develop multi-media dance centered works. PearlArts serves the greater Pittsburgh area and beyond with artistic opportunities such as movement residencies, creative collaborations and dance education.
New Sun Rising ($5,000) to support Pittonkatonk’s ongoing May Day Celebration and surrounding programming that provides a platform for local performers and social justice groups from around the region in a performance with national and international performers from the African diaspora and Latin American.
Office of Public Art at the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council ($5,000) to support Arts Excursions Unlimited‘s (AEU) general operations as it adapts to changing community needs in the face of the pandemic. AEU is a three-tiered arts and cultural program designed by and for residents in the Greater Hazelwood neighborhoods to foster equitable creative self-determination.
Office of Public Art at the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council ($45,000 over three years) to support Sibyls Shrine, a project by artist Alisha Wormsley. Sibyls Shrine is a new artist residency program for Black women, womxn, trans women, and femmes who are mothers and identify as artists, creatives, and/or activists in Pittsburgh. The Sibyls Shrine residency program uplifts Black creative mothers with opportunities for skill-sharing, self-care, safe space, and financial support in an effort to further develop their craft and presence in the arts.
Off the Wall Productions ($10,000) to general operations. Off the Wall Productions provides a home in which live theater, dance, music, and comedy can be presented, while nurturing and empowering women theater artists to collaborate as playwrights, directors, technicians, and actors. The company aims to create a more conscious and compassionate community, while providing a living wage for all artists.
Operation Better Block ($5,000) to support COVID Residential Assistance. Operation Better Block strategizes, organizes and mobilizes, block by block, to benefit Pittsburgh’s Homewood Community.
Pittsburgh Glass Center ($10,000) to support general operations. The Pittsburgh Glass Center is a school, gallery, and state-of-the-art green glass studio that provides free public access and drives economic development in its East End neighborhood.
Pittsburgh Playwrights Theatre Company ($15,000) to support general operations. Pittsburgh Playwrights is rooted in the African American community and produces the works of local racially- and culturally-diverse playwrights, provides a nurturing environment for all who work on and off the stage, and builds and serves a culturally diverse audience that can strengthen civic community.
POISE Foundation ($10,000) to support general operations. POISE Foundation exists to assist the Black community in achieving self-sustaining practices through strategic leadership, collective giving, grantmaking and advocacy.
POISE Foundation ($15,000) to support the Landless People’s Alliance/Pittsburgh Union of Regional Renters (PURR). PURR supports tenant organizing, advocacy, and low-income housing policy work in the Allegheny County region, while building a full service county-wide tenant union.
Side Project Inc. ($7,000) to support general operations of the Black Women’s Policy Agenda (BWPA). The BWPA builds a collective agenda that incorporates policy priorities affecting Black women and girls from all identities in the Pittsburgh region while synergizing with the on-the-ground work of Black women in communities and the organizations and initiatives that serve them to shape and change policy.
Take Action Mon Valley ($15,000) to support general operations. Take Action Mon Valley combats all forms of community violence through activism and organizing.
Thomas Merton Center ($20,000) to support general operations of Pittsburghers for Public Transit (PPT). PPT is a grassroots, member-driven organization of transit riders and operators advocating for an accessible, affordable and sustainable mass transit in Allegheny County.
Touchstone Center for Crafts ($10,000) to support general operations. Touchstone offers unique, high-quality immersive craft experiences to youth, teen, and adult learners – from amateurs to professional artists.
Ujamaa Collective ($30,000 over two years) to provide general operating support. The grant supports the implementation of Ujamaa’s strategic plan, which will allow the organization to better serve as an advocate for fair trade, cooperative economics and gender equity. Ujamaa Collective is a catalyst to advance Africana Women by providing a fair trade marketplace for cultural, artistic and entrepreneurial exchange through cooperative economics in the Historic Hill District and beyond.
Union Project ($10,000) to support general operations. Through intentional arts practice and deliberative dialogue, Union Project builds understanding and empathy, fosters creativity and connections, and builds skills and opportunities to support and unite some of Allegheny County’s most vulnerable populations.
University of Pittsburgh ($15,000) to support the Office of Child Development’s P.R.I.D.E. Program (Positive Racial Identity Development in Early Education). P.R.I.D.E. helps parents, caregivers, educators and community leaders learn about the many ways race impacts young children through various learning opportunities, and family and community engagement. The program helps young Black children ages 0-8 develop positive racial identities.
Westend POWER ($7,500) to support general operations and the expansion of the Community Education Civic Program to help meet the needs of formerly incarcerated individuals. West End POWER is a community organization committed to strengthening communities through activism, advocacy, education, equity, and promoting unity.
When She Thrives ($10,000) to support general operations. When She Thrives’ ensures that African American single mothers have access and opportunity to advocate for themselves and their families by providing resources, education and support on their journeys to redefining and maintaining self sufficiency.
Women of Visions ($5,000) to support general operations. Women of Visions is an historic African American women’s visual arts non-profit that promotes the art, culture and history of women of the African Descent by helping each other to excel as artists and to grow professionally through exhibitions, community collaboration, and other progressive opportunities.
Women’s Law Project ($15,000) to support general operations. Women’s Law Project (WLP) creates a more just and equitable society by advancing the rights and status of all women throughout their lives. WLP works on a wide variety of issues, including reproductive rights, workplace rights, and discrimination.
YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh ($12,000) to support general operations for the Lighthouse Project as it continues to meet the needs of Black youth coping with the COVID-19 pandemic and assists them to lend their creative voices to the cause of confronting systemic racism. The Lighthouse Project is a center housed inside the Homewood-Brushton YMCA where teens can be creative, connect with peers, and access cutting edge media technology.
Za’kiyah House ($10,000) to support general operations. Za’kiyah House provides trauma-informed housing for survivors of incarceration, homelessness, and drug use.
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