2011 Day of Giving Event - Results
PITTSBURGH, Pa., October 12 2011 – The Pittsburgh Foundation’s Day of Giving last week generated funding for local nonprofits at the rate of nearly $75 per second over the 24-hour giving period. The total raised for charitable organizations in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties was $6,448,448

For a full breakdown of Day of Giving organizations and donatuions please click here

 

Fact Sheet

Background

Since its inception in 1995, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County has grown to include over 250 funds valued at $17 million. CFWC has also granted over $11 million to local non-profit organizations.

In July 2010 CFWC made community foundation history by merging with The Pittsburgh Foundation. The merger of these two organizations signifies a new era in non-profit alignment and growth of mission.  By harnessing the strength of The Pittsburgh Foundation, CFWC is able to have an increased presence across the region offering its donors improved services, its non-profit partners increased grantmaking opportunities and ultimately the ability to serve Westmoreland County at a greater level. 

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest and is the 15th largest of more than 700 community foundations across the United States. Since it was formed, The Pittsburgh Foundation has awarded more than $600 million in grants to charitable organizations in Pittsburgh, and throughout the U.S.

The Pittsburgh Foundation’s first fund was created in 1945 by Chester and Vivian Lehman. Chester Lehman was a member of the founding family of the Blaw-Knox Company, and a supporter of the Boy Scouts movement.

Assets and Funds

CFWC’s resources are comprised of endowment funds established by individuals, families, businesses and organizations. Endowment funds held by CFWC are created by people with a passion for Westmoreland County and a deep commitment to their community.

Each fund exists in perpetuity – growing each year – in order to provide an ever increasing resource to benefit our community. By the end of 2009, CFWC's funds had grown to more than 360.

Additionally, the combined assets of CFWC and The Pittsburgh Foundation stood at nearly $600 million on December 31, 2009. 

Grantmaking

CFWC and its supporting organizations awarded grants of over $1.1 MM in 2010, addressing many critical issues in our community. Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of community life within Westmoreland County, across the United States, and internationally.

CFWC, in partnership with non-profit organizations, works to positively impact our area by supporting local programs that engage and encourage the community to actively increase the quality of life and build a better Westmoreland County. Over $11 MM has been granted since 1995 and $1 MM is awarded annually by CFWC donor advisors. CFWC matches the needs of our non-profit partners with community resources to invest in local programs that help make a difference in our community.

Grantmaking occurs through CFWC’s donor-advised, designated, unrestricted, and fields of interest funds.

These are explained as follows:

  • Donor Advised Funds allow donors to specify individual or multiple organizations to receive grants.
  • Fields of Interest Funds enable donors to make grants to specific charitable areas, such as education, children or the environment.
  • Designated Funds permit specific nonprofit organizations to be selected by donors to receive all grants from a fund.
  • Unrestricted Funds are as described – donors place no restriction on where grants are awarded to meet community needs.

Our Community Foundation

As a community foundation, CFWC is a tax-exempt public charity serving people who share a common goal – to improve the quality of life for all citizens. CFWC makes it possible for a wide range of donors to create permanent, named endowment funds to provide lasting support for charitable organizations.

Unlike a private foundation, which is established by an individual family, community foundations invest and manage a pool of permanent endowment funds established by individuals, families, businesses and organizations. Each fund exists in perpetuity to provide an ever increasing endowment for grantmaking.

Our Mission

The mission of CFWC is to encourage local residents to become philanthropists, provide grants that support a wide variety of charitable organizations and serve as a community leader. 

For further information, please contact:

Kirk Utzinger, Executive Director
Tel: 724 836 4400
Email: kutzinger@cfwestmoreland.org