Mini Grants Initiative
Retention of Diverse Talent
Mini Grants Initiative Request for Proposals
Applications Open June 30, 2023
Deadline to apply is August 4, 2023
Awardees will be announced in September 2023
Two Western Pennsylvania champions of diversity — Vibrant Pittsburgh and the Urban Affairs Foundation, which is a part of the Community Relations Council (CRC) of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh — have joined forces to implement this year’s Mini Grants Initiative: Retention of Diverse Talent. This fund will promote diverse communities in the Pittsburgh region. Each organization has committed $25,000 to create a $50,000 pool to fund projects that increase the civic engagement of diverse and immigrant communities. For the first time ever, two winning organizations will be awarded $25,000 each. This year's theme is focused on retention of diverse talent in the city of Pittsburgh.
Who Can Apply
Funding through the Vibrant Pittsburgh-Urban Affairs Foundation’s Retention of Diverse Talent initiative will be available to applicants selected through a competitive proposal process. Lead organizations must maintain a physical presence in the Pittsburgh-New Castle-Weirton Combined Statistical Area and have 501(c)3 non-profit status. Organizations can partner with other nonprofits, academic institutions, religious organizations, community groups, businesses and employee resource groups.
Eligible Projects
This year’s grant focus on retaining diverse talent will support projects completing vital work in growing Pittsburgh’s diverse workforce through efforts to keep diverse talent moving within the region instead of leaving it.
Projects eligible for funding should:
- Create opportunities for civic engagement that result in a more inclusive and engaged multicultural region, and
- Be collaborative by engaging diverse communities, organizations, or partners.
Past Vibrant Pittsburgh Mini Grants have funded health and human services, housing, education, mentoring, professional networking, social support, welcoming initiatives, and job-connection programs for refugees and immigrants.
About Vibrant Pittsburgh
Vibrant Pittsburgh is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the growth and economic competitiveness of the Pittsburgh region by engaging the region’s employers; attracting, retaining and elevating a diverse talent pool; and positioning the region nationally and internationally as an inclusive and welcoming place for people of all backgrounds. Vibrant Pittsburgh efforts and this Mini Grants initiative are made possible by Vibrant Pittsburgh Members; more information is available at www.vibrantpittsburgh.org.
About Urban Affairs Foundation
The purpose of the Urban Affairs Foundation, part of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh’s Community Relations Council, is to promote the involvement of Jewish organizations and individuals in urban concerns. The Community Relations Council engages in public policy activities to promote harmonious relations and mutual understanding within and beyond the Jewish community and to support the State of Israel.
