Foundations' Merger Moving Forward

The consolidation of the Pittsburgh Foundation and the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County (CFWC) has moved a step forward. The proposal has been approved by Orphans Court and the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office. The Community Foundation will become part of the Pittsburgh Foundation but operate under its own name with its own staff. Officials say the intent is to strengthen the grantmaking impact of CFWC, enhance services for donors and increase support for non-profits.

Grant Oliphant, President and CEO of the Pittsburgh Foundation says these are exciting and innovative times for philanthropy in the region....
“Our merger also represents something of an historic initiative for the charitable sector nationally. Our guiding principals are to constantly seek to be better at what we do and the resources we provide, for our donors, our nonprofits and those who depend on them for support. This merger is an example of that.”

The Richard King Mellon Foundation has contributed $400,000 to the effort....half to go to defray merger costs and the other half to increase grantmaking to non-profits in Westmoreland County.

“We are delighted to support this exciting venture which has the real potential to elevate substantially CFWC’s presence in serving as a key agent for positive transformation in the Westmoreland community,” said Scott Izzo, Director of the Richard King Mellon Foundation. “CFWC will benefit greatly from The Pittsburgh Foundation’s expertise, experience and considerable strength in further developing its fundraising activities and maximizing its grantmaking impact in the Westmoreland region.”

The merger process is expected to be completed by the end of the year.