Giving Guide 2026: Give Back to Pittsburgh Non-Profits This Giving Tuesday

Please give generously to the worthy Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvanian non-profits below this Giving Tuesday. Their work transforms lives and uplifts communities throughout the region.

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United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania on Giving Tuesday

I love this time of year. Friends and family gather. Traditions reignite. Celebrations return as does the wish to do good things for others and to consider what’s next. At United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, we are reflecting on 2026 and looking ahead to a remarkable milestone: in 2027, United Way will celebrate 100 years of serving this community. A century of service is a testament to what’s possible when people come together with generosity, creativity, and a shared commitment to making our region stronger. We are profoundly grateful to everyone who has made, and continues to make, this work possible.

We also recognize that this year was incredibly challenging for far too many of our neighbors. We and our nonprofit partners saw significant increases in the number of people who, no matter how hard they work, need help meeting basic needs. A Feeding America study released in September found that 2 million more Pennsylvanians are experiencing food insecurity than five years ago. We see that show up in our own work: requests to our PA 211 Southwest helpline for basic needs in general increased by 16% last year and requests related to food insecurity are up 60%. Every one of those calls, texts, and online chats represents a household uncertain about their next meal. This is especially painful right now, when so many of us are planning to gather around holiday tables.

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Instructor teaching young people welding outdoors — Industrial Arts Workshop, supported by United Way, empowers young people with free welding instruction for the arts and careers. Image by Industrial Arts Workshop.

Your Impact

You can help. We’re asking you to give to our annual campaign but also to our 100th anniversary fund. That fund will help us meet growing needs, respond to crises, and invest in innovations and opportunity. We’ve set an ambitious goal of $40 million raised by this time next year. When we do, we will be able to do so much more than we do now. We can’t do it without you, and I hope you’ll join us in reaching this milestone.

– Bobbi Watt Geer, Ph.D., President & CEO of United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania

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Young boy in Pittsburgh Panthers hoodie helps pack food for Giving Tuesday — Volunteers of all ages came together in September to help United Way prep and pack 1,750 meal kits for distribution to local families. Image by Sky Sight Photography.

United Way’s Vision for a Stronger Southwestern Pennsylvania

Imagine a community where outstanding nonprofits have the funding they need to meet community needs. Where, when a crisis strikes, help arrives quickly. And where innovative solutions to long-standing challenges can move from idea to action without waiting years for support. As United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania approaches its 100th anniversary in 2027, it is turning that vision into a lasting legacy.

For nearly a century, United Way has brought people together to strengthen communities across Allegheny, Armstrong, Butler, Fayette, and Westmoreland counties. Today, as economic pressures continue to challenge working families and nonprofit organizations alike, the organization is focused on building something that will last well beyond its centennial year: stronger, more resilient human services for the region.

At the center of that effort is the Fund for Transformation and Resilience, a campaign to raise a $40 million endowment by the end of 2027 in addition to annual fundraising efforts. Fully funded, the endowment will generate at least $2 million annually to help meet rising community needs, respond to unforeseen crises, and advance innovative solutions that help people and communities thrive.

Pittsburgh non-profit volunteers pose for a group photo, ready to give back. — A team from Covestro volunteered at United Way’s September Meal Kit Packing event. Image by Sara Noel.

Meeting Unprecedented Community Demand

The 100th anniversary comes at a moment when the nonprofit sector is confronting rising demand across nearly every area of human services. Earlier this year, United Way announced a $21 million investment regionally over the next three years. Yet even an investment of that scale falls short of what many organizations need to serve their communities.

“The number of funding requests to United Way grew by 30% since our last Multi-Year Grant cycle in 2023,” said United Way President & CEO Bobbi Watt Geer, Ph.D. “This is a reflection of the unprecedented needs our partner agencies are seeing in the community, often from people who have never sought help before. Meeting these needs is one of the reasons we’re asking the public to help us meet our goal of raising $40 million in honor of our 100th anniversary.”

During its most recent grant cycle, United Way received a record 475 funding requests, nearly a third more than in 2023. Funding was awarded to 121 nonprofit agencies. Behind those numbers is a growing recognition that many families are facing challenges that are increasingly difficult to navigate alone.

Southwestern Pennsylvanians are working, contributing to the economy, and doing everything they can to build stable lives, yet many cannot afford essentials such as housing, child care, food, transportation, and health care. Data from United for ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) provides insight. Regionally, 36% of households live below the ALICE Threshold, meaning they earn less than what is needed to cover the basic cost of living despite often having at least one full-time job. These are elementary school teachers, caregivers supporting aging relatives, health care workers, retail employees, and many others who contribute to the vitality of their communities every day.

Construction worker in Pittsburgh wearing hard hat and orange shirt using a drill — Trade Institute of Pittsburgh, supported by United Way, offers a tuition-free training program in masonry, carpentry, and life skills. Image by TIP.

Connecting Neighbors Through PA 211 Southwest

When these individuals experience a crisis, PA 211 Southwest, United Way’s free and confidential information and referral service, is there to assist. Every day, 211’s highly trained staff, known as resource navigators, answer calls, texts, and online chats from people seeking help with food, housing, utilities, transportation, and other necessities. In doing so, 211 provides more than referrals: it’s a real-time view of what households across the region are experiencing.

That perspective was critical in late 2025 when Pennsylvania’s budget delay disrupted SNAP food assistance benefits for nearly 300,000 people in our region. PA 211 Southwest saw a 200% increase in requests for food assistance in October and November. Although SNAP benefits resumed before Thanksgiving, the effects have lingered, and were intensified by new, more complex requirements for receiving food assistance. Overall, requests for food assistance were 60% higher in 2025 than the year before, underscoring the ongoing strain many households face as costs continue to rise.

The situation highlights both the importance and limitations of philanthropy. Nonprofits can respond quickly, help families through difficult moments, and connect people to resources. But thriving communities ultimately depend on strong partnerships among philanthropy, business, government and residents. As a convener and connector, United Way brings together agencies, funders, community leaders and public officials to identify practical solutions and invest in what works. Earlier this year, United Way secured $350,000 in Department of Community and Economic Development funding for PA 211 Southwest with support from Pennsylvania Senators Kim Ward and Jay Costa. This will help 211 connect even more people with resources and reflects broad recognition of the service’s value.

Scientist in lab coat holding gloves, with colleagues in background — United Way invests in partner agencies like Bidwell Training Center, which offers no- cost training for in-demand careers. Image by Nancy Andrews.

Mobilizing Volunteers for a Stronger Future

United Way’s other unique role is bringing people together to volunteer. Between July 2025 and June 2026, nearly 7,000 volunteers participated in hands-on projects that benefited approximately 69,000 people. From packing food and assembling family meal boxes to distributing books and school supplies, volunteers contributed more than 24,900 hours of service that benefited 250 nonprofit agencies and community organizations. These experiences connect people across neighborhoods, workplaces, and generations while reinforcing a powerful idea: everyone has something to contribute to building a stronger community. United Way has set a bold goal of increasing volunteerism in and beyond its centennial year by launching a 100,000 Hour Challenge to engage corporate volunteers and individuals in acts of service.

As United Way approaches 100 years in this region, that spirit of shared responsibility remains at the heart of its mission. The Fund for Transformation and Resilience is an investment in a future where nonprofit organizations are stronger, communities are better prepared for crises, and promising solutions have the support needed to launch.

A century after its founding, United Way continues to bring people together around a simple belief: when communities have the resources they need, everyone has a better chance to thrive.

Give Back to These Pittsburgh Non-Profits on Giving Tuesday 2026

Children & Education Non-Profits

Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania

Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania helps girls discover who they are, tap into the power inside them, and build the confidence to let it shine.

Café Momentum Pittsburgh

Young man in Momentum Pittsburgh shirt serving food

Café Momentum Pittsburgh provides paid internships, education, and comprehensive support for justice-impacted youth. Your generosity helps young people build skills, confidence, and pathways toward employment, stability, and a brighter future.

Pennsylvania Women Work

Smiling woman with afro hairstyle, maroon sweater, and patterned skirt

Pennsylvania Women Work empowers individuals to advance in their careers and achieve self-sufficiency through life-changing career development programs, one-on-one career coaching, and mentorship.

Propel Schools Foundation

Propel Schools Foundation invests in opportunities that help scholars defy expectations, discover their potential, and build brighter futures through high-quality public education, enrichment, and philanthropic support.

The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh

The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh empowers children, individuals, and families through specialized medical care, therapy, counseling, education, and support, helping them build stronger futures with confidence and compassion.

Young Adult Survivors United

Diverse group of young adults smiling outdoors, wearing lanyards

Young Adult Survivors United (YASU), a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit, empowers young adults facing cancer, and their caregivers, through financial assistance, respite trips, support groups, and community building. Help a survivor today.

Hunger & Housing Non-Profits

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank ensures everyone has access to healthy meals. Join our network to help neighbors thrive with food for today, tomorrow, and a lifetime. Your support powers lasting change.

Foster Love Project

Foster Love Project empowers children in foster, kinship, and adoptive care by providing essential goods, supportive services, and compassionate care. Help make a lasting impact today.

Community Kitchen Pittsburgh

Community Kitchen Pittsburgh seeks to connect and support the regional food economy and to create lifelong opportunities for people who need employment.

Hello Neighbor

Mother and daughter in traditional Islamic clothing, smiling outdoors.

Hello Neighbor empowers refugees and immigrants through community connections, ensuring their journey from arrival to belonging is guided by dignity, cultural sensitivity, and support.

Little Sisters of the Poor

The Little Sisters provide a home for those 65 or older who are financially needy. Our Home offers 48 skilled nursing care rooms and 40 independent living apartments.

Woman and teen carrying Salvation Army food donation boxes

The Salvation Army Western PA Division

Donations to the Red Kettle Campaign remain in the community where they are given and make it possible for The Salvation Army to deliver life-changing programs/services throughout the year.

Westmoreland Food Bank

The Westmoreland Food Bank works to transform hunger into hope, creating a community where everyone has access to nourishing meals and a brighter future.

Arts & Culture

1Hood Media

1Hood has existed for 20 years and formally became a 501c3 in 2017. We are committed to liberation for all through art, education, and social justice.

Manchester Bidwell Corporation

Young woman smiles while working on a clay sculpture at Manchester Bidwell.

Manchester Bidwell Corporation connects education, creative expression, and social enterprise, helping adults and young people develop skills, discover possibilities, and build meaningful futures while strengthening the communities they call home.

New Hazlett Theater

New Hazlett Theater is The Catalyst for What’s Next, creating opportunities for emerging artists, Pittsburgh audiences, and aspiring technical professionals through original performances, new work development, and hands-on workforce training.

Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures

Pittsburgh Arts & Lectures is a champion for reading in our city.

Pittsburgh Festival Opera

Pittsburgh Festival Opera is a nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting exceptional opera, nurturing emerging artists, expanding arts education, and enriching our community through the transformative power of music.

Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting

WYEP 91.3 Pittsburgh band performs live for an audience; crew films event.

Pittsburgh Community Broadcasting’s public mission is to serve all the people of our region with musical discovery and fact-based journalism that are vital to a thriving community. Donations will bolster an independent future.

Touchstone Center for Crafts

Touchstone Center for Crafts inspires creativity through hands-on arts education, artist support, and community engagement across two campuses. Your donation expands access, scholarships, and creative opportunities for all.

Environment & Sustainability

Allegheny County Parks Foundation

Rusted cylindrical tower with spiral staircases against a blue sky

The Allegheny County Parks Foundation improves, conserves, and restores the nine county parks by protecting nature, restoring history, and creating accessible, sustainable spaces that enrich millions of lives every year.

Pittsburgh Botanic Garden

Pittsburgh Botanic Garden is a 65-acre public garden dedicated to conserving native plants of the Western Allegheny Plateau ecoregion, cultivating beautiful display gardens, and creating meaningful moments in nature.

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy

You see a park ready for you. The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy sees the care, planning, and people behind every experience. Support the work that keeps Pittsburgh’s parks thriving.

Riverlife

Kayakers on a river with a fountain and bridge in the background, Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh’s rivers are our city’s greatest assets. Together, we’re completing 15 miles of parks, trails, and open spaces to create vibrant riverfront destinations that belong to everyone.

Rivers of Steel

Rivers of Steel preserves Southwestern Pennsylvania’s industrial heritage while connecting people to hands-on learning, skilled trades, creative expression, and the places that continue to shape our region.

Western PA Conservancy

Fallingwater house in winter snow, with a waterfall flowing below.

For 90 years, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater has inspired people from around the world. Your support helps protect this extraordinary landmark, ensuring its lessons, beauty and innovation inspire future generations.

WORK

Woman standing with arms crossed in front of large bales of recycled materials.

This holiday season, give families living in abject poverty more than a gift — give them opportunity. Donations provide training for families to work in improved conditions, strengthen their small businesses, and earn living incomes.