Here are 10 small nonprofits making a big impact in Pittsburgh
The spirit of generosity always seems to come alive in Pittsburgh during the holiday season. Not only are we filled with the desire to give gifts to our loved ones, but Americans are exceptionally generous when supporting nonprofit organizations that provide services and assets to our communities.
In fact, with the help of events like Giving Tuesday (mark your calendars for Tues., Dec. 3), year-end giving can be when some nonprofits raise more than 25% of their annual revenue. While many believe a tax deduction is the primary motivation for year-end giving, according to DonorBox, an impressive 97% of donors cite the impact of their gift as the main reason for giving.
With that in mind, would like to share a list of 10 smaller, local nonprofit organizations worthy of your consideration for year-end financial donations. We chose these organizations based on their impact on the community, unique programming, and the opportunity to highlight groups without budgets for extensive campaigns or advertising.
Band Together Pittsburgh Band Together Pittsburgh believes that music has the power to unify the world. They achieve this by using music to inspire and enrich the lives of those on the autism spectrum, enabling integration with family, friends, and society. Their programs include autism-friendly open mic nights, a Spectrum Talent Showcase, and a program to hire professional DJs on the autism spectrum.
Community Kitchen Pittsburgh Community Kitchen Pittsburgh has been "cooking up opportunities" since 2013 by providing innovative culinary education and experiences. They offer training programs, transitional employment opportunities, apprenticeships, and job placement services; for many participants, they even remove the financial barrier associated with job training programs. They can even cater your next shindig or bring their experiential food truck to a local event.
Cross Your Paws Cross Your Paws is a fully volunteer-led and run animal rescue based in Greensburg. Through fostering and thoughtful pet adoptions, they have placed thousands of animals into permanent, safe, and loving homes since 2018. The organization also operates the Cross Your Paws Thrift Store in Greensburg, which helps offset the costs associated with caring for so many furry friends. Additionally, the organization works closely with a Westmoreland County Humane Officer to ensure the safety and health of all animals in the area.
Dress For Success PittsburghMany people have heard of Dress for Success and know they provide women with clothes for interviews, but that's just part of their work. Their goal is to empower women throughout the employment process. Their work includes interview preparation, confidence-building, and providing essential items like scrubs and non-skid shoes to women entering medical fields or lab jobs.
Rainbow Serpent Rainbow Serpent is committed to advancing Black LGBTQ culture by exploring emerging technologies, innovative healing protocols, African cosmologies, and multimedia art. They promote and celebrate the diversity and richness of Black LGBTQ culture while showcasing healing and empowerment within the community. Their pioneering work includes programs that support live performance, sculpture, film, public art, photography, and extended and virtual reality pieces.
PearlArts Movement & Sound PearlArts Movement & Sound harnesses the power of contemporary dance, immersive sound, and creative self-expression to engage audiences in genre-bending experiences that generate joy, creativity, and collective belonging. They provide opportunities for the next generation of innovative artists through performance, classes, touring, and mentorship. Currently, the organization is undertaking a campaign to renovate a center in Braddock that will be a home for dynamic arts programming and honor Black creativity.
PGH SK8 Collaborative This organization supports and encourages all skating styles, abilities, ages, races, bodies, and genders. One of their most popular programs is PGH SK8 School, which creates a safe space for people of all ages and abilities to learn to skate. Their instructors teach various styles and technical skills in a welcoming environment. Classes occur every Monday and Tuesday at the YouthPlaces gym on the North Side, followed by fun, free, open skate sessions.
Pittsburgh Mercy's Operation Safety Net Operation Safety Net outreach teams make "house calls" to people experiencing homelessness in Allegheny County. People are visited in camps, alleys, under bridges and overpasses, and other places they call home. The group believes they can best address needs when they go to the people, meet them where they are in life, and show them that people care — not just in words, but in actions. The teams also provide boots and sleeping bags (in winter), food, water, socks, over-the-counter medicine, antibiotics, and medicine to help manage chronic conditions like diabetes, heart problems, and high blood pressure, as well as referrals to health care and other human services. (Note: Pittsburgh Mercy is independent of UPMC and Mercy Hospital.)
SisTers PGH SisTers PGH is a Black and trans-led nonprofit that serves the transgender community of Southwestern Pa. The organization is raising funds to support the first year of operations for Project T. This program provides transitional housing from unstable, unsupportive environments while finding avenues to self-care and connection with the trans community. They also operate a drop-in community center that operates as a safe space in Swissvale.
