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Grant Opportunities

The PittServes grant opportunities provide additional resources to community partners in order for them to achieve their goals and serve their mission. We have two goals of these grants being implemented. First, we hope to support our partner's initiatives throughought the Pittsburgh region. Second, we hope to increase the quality of service projects for students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

Leveraging the UP to $3,000, awards will be distributed to community partners for the implementation of signature days of service and ongoing volunteer projects. Projects will be reviewed and determined levels of funding will be decided upon by the selection committee composed of students and staff. Organizations may request any amount between $100 - $3,000 to enhance their proposed projects. The method of submission is to utilize the online form located below. Applications will be considered based on the deadlines listed below or until funds re no longer available. 

 

SIGNATURE DAYS OF SERVICE GRANT

Signature Days Grant: The Signature Days Grant is a grant opportunity that allows community partners to apply for funding for a community improvement project that will host volunteers during one of the PittServes Signature Days of Service (SDOS) events (listed below). Volunteer group sizes can be 10-40 volunteers. 

  • Civic Action Week: Saturday, September 20th, 2025
    • To apply for this grant use this link: 
  • MLK Day of Service: The Third Monday in January, January 19th, 2026
    • To apply for this grant use this link: 
  • Be A Good Neighbor Day: Typically, a Saturday in April, tentively scheduled for April 11th, 2026
    • To apply for this grant use this link: 

Grant applications will open on July 1st. The total allotted grant sum is up to $3,000 which could go to one organization or split up amongst different ones depending on the amount of received grant proposals and proposed necessary funding. Grant proposals will be reviewed by a committee of students and staff to determine feasibility, community impact and mission, as well as fund allocation.

Looking for more information? Visit the Grant FAQ Page HERE

Requirements

1. Completed application (link below)

  • At least 1 letter of support
  • Budget of total project cost

2. At least one agency applying for the grant needs to be registered as 501(c)(3) organizations

3. Project submissions must also reflect the following components. 

  • A project that addresses an unmet community need want, that funds and person-power can help to implement.

  • A plan for long-term sustainability of the project, that may include continued engagement of Pitt students, staff, or faculty.

  • A collaborative effort of two or more community-based agencies and residents.

  • A commitment to environmental sustainability, focusing on reuse, recycle and (if needed) purchase of sustainable materials.

4. If you are awarded a grant, the organization will need to complete a post-grant report upon completion of its project

*BE SURE TO COMPLETE THE GRANT BEFORE CLOSING OUT OF THE BROWSER. THE APPLICATION DOES NOT SAVE.

If you would like to request a separate meeting time, or host an information session at your agency, please contact Natalie Jellison (naj115@pitt.edu)

APPLICATION TIMELINE

  • July 1st : Applications Open
  • July 18th: Civic Action Week Grant Closes
    • Application link:
  • October 17th: MLK Grant Closes
    • Application link:
  • January 23rd: Be A Good Neighbor Day Grant Close
    • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Application link:

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