Business Details
41 Years
experience
Trusted Philanthropy Support Organization in Pittsburgh
As a leading philanthropy infrastructure organization, we have dedicated ourselves to strengthening the grantmaking sector since 1985. Our mission centers on fostering collaboration among institutional fundersincluding family foundations, corporate grantmakers, and community foundationsacross Southwestern Pennsylvania. We provide tailored educational programming, policy advocacy, and networking opportunities that enhance the effectiveness of charitable giving. Our staff specializes in designing capacity-building initiatives, from workshops on grantmaking best practices to regional impact advocacy. Recognized as a Philanthropy Supporting Organization within a national network, we maintain rigorous operational transparency while prioritizing member-driven solutions.Our regional expertise spans ten counties, though we serve members nationwide through virtual engagement and resource sharing. By connecting grantmakers with actionable insights and peers, we fulfill our vision of amplifying philanthropy's transformative potential. Our commitment to ethical leadership ensures members receive accurate policy guidance, timely sector intelligence, and strategic partnership frameworks that uphold the highest standards of professional philanthropy.
Services
Grantmaking Workshops
Policy Advocacy
Networking Events
Member Consultations
Grantseeker Resources
Capacity Building Programs
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- Regional Philanthropy Supporting Organization with national network connections
- Specialized educational programming for all grantmaker types since 1985
- Exclusive member networking platforms for foundations and corporate funders
- Policy advocacy focused on effective grantmaking practices and nonprofit sector health
- Curated grantseeker resources with transparent funding process guidance
Services
Grantmaking Workshops
Interactive educational sessions designed for institutional grantmakers. Our workshops cover evolving philanthropy practices, compliance requirements, and community impact strategies. Participants gain actionable insights through peer-led discussions and sector-specific case studies.
Policy Advocacy
Targeted advocacy initiatives that protect and enhance grantmaking freedoms. We represent members' interests in public policy discussions affecting nonprofit sectors, ensuring regulations support effective charitable operations and community development.
Networking Events
Curated professional gatherings connecting foundations, corporate funders, and public charities. Our events facilitate cross-sector collaboration through structured dialogues, regional impact roundtables, and member-led knowledge exchanges.
Member Consultations
One-on-one advisory services for institutional grantmakers. Our staff provides personalized operational guidance, funding strategy recommendations, and compliance expertise to support members' unique philanthropy objectives.
Grantseeker Resources
Curated informational tools helping nonprofits navigate funding processes. Resources include application guidelines, funder directories, and best practice recommendations for securing institutional philanthropy support.
People
Amber Farr
Executive Director
Amber leads strategic operations and represents GWP externally. With extensive regional grantmaking experience, she focuses on organizational sustainability and advocacy for philanthropy's community impact. Connect for program inquiries via programs@gwpa.org.
Lisa Perry
Director of Programs & Events
Lisa oversees educational programming and event coordination. She manages member engagement initiatives and designs capacity-building workshops that address current grantmaking challenges and opportunities across Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Stephan Davis
Human Resources
Stephan directs staff development and internal operations. He maintains GWP's workplace standards while supporting team capabilities through professional growth programs that reinforce our commitment to sector excellence.
Questions
What types of organizations can join GWP?
We accept institutional grantmakers including family foundations, corporate foundations, community foundations, and organizations making grants as part of their mission.
Do you provide direct grants to nonprofits?
We are a non-grantmaking organization. Our services focus on supporting funders through educational resources, policy advocacy, and networking opportunities.
How are membership dues determined?
Dues are based on your organization's average grant payout over three years, with different tiers for foundation types and geographical regions.
Can out-of-region organizations join?
Yes, we welcome members outside Southwestern Pennsylvania with adjusted dues structure, maintaining full program access for all members.
What resources exist for grantseekers?
We provide curated grantseeker tools including application guidelines and funder directories, though we don't direct funding requests to specific organizations.
How do you support grantmaker collaboration?
Through regional networks, virtual discussions, and policy initiatives that connect funders to share knowledge and coordinate community impact efforts.
