Application Guidelines

The Sarah Scaife Foundation's grant program is primarily directed toward public policy programs that address major domestic and international issues. The Foundation does not make grants to individuals for any purpose, to nationally organized fundraising groups, or to organizations that are not publicly supported non-profit, charitable organizations. Proposals for the following are routinely declined: 1) event sponsorships, endowments, capital campaigns, and building projects; and 2) support for organizations that are primarily dependent upon government funds, and for government agencies.

Grant proposals to the Foundation must contain a cover letter signed by the organization's president or authorized representative and have the approval of the organization's board of directors. The letter should include a concise description of the purpose of the requesting organization and of the specific project or program for which funds are requested (if applicable) along with the following:

1) Project or program budget (if applicable)
2) Timetable (if applicable)
3) Organization's annual budget
4) Most recent audited financial statements (if not yet available for the most recent fiscal year-end also include an unaudited: (a) balance sheet and (b) revenue/expense statement for that period)
5) Current Form 990
6) Annual Report
7) List of officers and directors with their affiliations
8) List of key/major supporters
9) IRS determination letter evidencing 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt status

Additional information may be requested if needed for further evaluation. Please note that all grant proposals must be submitted in hard copy and that the Foundation will not consider electronic requests.

The Foundation meets four times a year to consider grant proposals. However, proposals may be submitted at any time and will be acted upon as expeditiously as possible. Requests should be addressed to:

Michael W. Gleba
Chairman and CEO
Sarah Scaife Foundation
One Oxford Centre
301 Grant Street, Suite 3900
Pittsburgh, PA 15219-6402

View 2020 Annual Report
View 2019 Annual Report
View 2018 Annual Report