Hillman Foundation considers requests only from organizations classified as tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code and designated as public charities under Section 509(a).
     The geographic focus of the Foundation’s grantmaking program is Pittsburgh and the southwestern Pennsylvania region.
     Priority is given to requests for support for capital projects, new and expanding programs, and endowment. A limited number of grants are approved for operating and continuing support. Grants designated for endowment are typically initiated by the Foundation.
     Grants are not made to individuals, organizations located outside of the United States, for travel expenses for groups, or in support of events, sponsorships and meetings such as conferences, institutes and seminars.


Prospective applicants meeting the eligibility requirements are asked to send a brief letter of inquiry (less than five pages) addressing the following:

• Organizational background
• Proposed project
• Project budget
• How the project meets the Foundation’s program interests
• Other prospective funding sources
• Projected outcomes and community benefit

Letters of inquiry are reviewed on a timely basis by the Foundation staff. Applicants are notified in writing or by telephone whether they should submit a funding request.
     Applicants submitting a funding request are asked to complete the Hillman Foundation Grant Request Form which is based on Grantmakers of Western Pennsylvania’s Common Grant Application Format available at www.gwpa.org. The Foundation accepts requests using either format. While the request form provides the basic information needed for most proposals, it may be necessary for Hillman Foundation to request additional information at some stage in the application review process. Applicants awarded grants are expected to provide written periodic reports concerning the funded project and a financial accounting detailing expenditure of the grant funds. The timetable and content of the reports will be specified by the Foundation when each grant is made.
     After staff review each request, applicants are notified immediately if the request does not meet the Foundation’s grantmaking priorities or if the Foundation is not in a position to consider the request at that time. Requests held for consideration by the board of trustees are reviewed on a quarterly basis. There are no fixed deadlines for the submission of letters of inquiry or funding requests.

Letters of inquiry, funding requests and correspondence should be sent to:

David K. Roger, President
Hillman Foundation
330 Grant Street, Suite 2000
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15219