WGHF Awards over $100,000 to 23 Area Nonprofits

Since its founding in 1992, the Washington Greene Health Foundation (WGHF) has played a vital role in strengthening healthcare across our region through philanthropy. As part of that commitment, WGHF is proud to have launched its Community Grantmaking program this year to support local organizations working to improve health and well-being across Washington and Greene Counties. Long recognized for our strong partnership with and support of UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene, WGHF is excited to expand our impact by investing directly in community-based health and wellness initiatives. 

This milestone initiative marks WGHF’s first direct investment into community-based organizations as part of its transition to an independent, community-focused health foundation. The funded projects address a wide range of needs including food insecurity, mental and behavioral health, maternal and family health, disability services, and access to essential resources. 

“This inaugural grant cycle represents a defining moment for WGHF,” said Board Chairman, Jana Phillis Grimm. “We are proud to partner with 23 organizations whose work is improving health and well-being across our communities.” 

The grantmaking process included a multi-step review consisting of an eligibility screening, full application submission, and a competitive evaluation by a committee comprised of volunteers, WGHF Board members, and community members using a standardized scoring rubric. 

“We designed this process to center equity, transparency, and community voice,” said Executive Director, Sara Schumacher. “These investments reflect both immediate needs and long-term opportunities to strengthen health and wellness locally.” 

Grants were funded in three Focus Areas.  

Access to Care:  

• Pennsylvania Elks Major Projects, Inc. was awarded $5,000 to deliver free, community-based care coordination and family support services for children, youth, and adults with development disabilities. 
• Rainbow’s End Learning Center was awarded $5,000 for integrating Early Intervention services with social-emotional learning curriculum.  
• The Washington City Mission was awarded $2,500 for the purchase of essential materials for clinical and basic healthcare needs provided through their residential services.  

Community Health and Wellness: 

• 412 Food Rescue was awarded $5,000 for the Increasing Food Access in Washington County program, which ensures equitable access to fresh, healthy food. 
• Always B Smiling was awarded $5,000 to expand their Adaptive Sports Program, which will introduce additional inclusive fitness and sports opportunities designed to help individuals with disabilities stay active, build confidence, and experience meaningful connection within their community. 
• Blueprints received $9,000 to acquire a basic trauma informed training model to certify and/or train a trainer to provide a basic understanding of trauma, trauma response, and trauma informed care. 
• Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pittsburgh Inc. was awarded $5,000 for its Washington and Greene County Mental Wellness Program, which strives to reduce barriers to emotional and mental health, improve client functioning, and promote self-sufficiency for our clients in need. 
• Connect, Inc. received funding for a new health and safety initiative that will allow staff to be better prepared to meet the needs of the homeless and housing insecure seeking services, emergency shelter, and housing. 
• Domestic Violence Services of Southwestern Pennsylvania was awarded $9,000 to support the salaries and benefits of two full-time Therapists who provide critical, trauma-informed therapy to survivors of domestic violence.  
• Food Helpers received $9,000 for its Little Moochi Snack Pack Program. 
• Nurture PA was awarded $2,250 for its Nurturing the Village for Washington & Greene Moms program, a peer mentorship program for moms with young children. 
• Presbyterian SeniorCare Network received $5,000 for its Senior Community Health Outreach Program, which is designed to improve health outcomes and quality of life for older adults living in Washington and Greene Counties. 
• Special Olympics Pennsylvania Inc. received $9,000 for its inclusive sport and health programming for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  
• The Center for Excellence at the SPHS CARE Center was awarded $3,000 to provide essential hygiene and clothing items to clients without financial resources to purchase these necessities. 
• The Arc of Washington County received $5,000 for a twice-weekly, inclusive wellness class tailored to advance wellness for individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 
• Vision Services of Washington-Greene received $9,000 for equipment for their optical program project to conduct low vision exams at their office.  
• Washington County Gay Straight Alliance, Inc. was awarded $5,000 for continuing LGBTQA+ Community Health, Wellness & Support Programming. 

Healthcare Workforce Development: 

• Dress for Success Pittsburgh received $3,000 to provide required uniforms and appropriate footwear to women entering healthcare fields in Washington and Greene Counties this year. 

As part of its trust-based approach, WGHF awarded smaller grants to additional nonprofit partners in appreciation of the time, insight, and thoughtful engagement they contributed—helping to inform and strengthen this pilot cycle. 

WGHF looks forward to continuing this momentum through future grant cycles and strong partnerships with local organizations as well as investing in the community through its support of UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene.