Jefferson Regional Foundation

Investing in the health and vitality of Jefferson Hospital communities

About JRF

The Foundation was reorganized in 2013 due to an affiliation agreement between Jefferson Hospital and Allegheny Health Network. 

The Foundation is a convener of people and networks, a source of critical community data, and a grantmaker that invests in the health and vitality of the residents who live in our service area. But even more than that – we are a committed neighbor and thought partner, seeking to raise the voices of those who are seldom heard.

The Jefferson Regional Foundation’s service area encompasses 26 municipalities served by AHN Jefferson Hospital, located in the South Hills and lower Mon Valley of Allegheny County.

We operate three major grant cycles a year and also distribute mini grants, all of which focus on our current grantmaking priorities via a social determinants of health lens:

  • Health and Wellness
    • Physical, mental, behavioral, and environmental health
    • Basic needs including food, housing, and transportation
  • Education, Workforce, and Economic Opportunity
    • Early childhood/literacy
    • Youth development
    • Training
    • Youth, adult, and community education
  • Community Engagement and Policy Work
    • Advocacy
    • Civic engagement
    • Organizing

In 2024, the Allegheny County Health Department enlisted the Jefferson Regional Foundation to distribute penalty funds resulting from an incident in 2018 that negatively impacted the air quality of 22 communities in the Mon Valley. This designated resource, the Mon Valley Clean Air Fund, totaling $2.25 million, will be distributed over five years in equal annual disbursements beginning in 2025.

In This Section

Foundation Updates

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March 26, 2025
JRF News Press Release
Jefferson Regional Foundation Awards $336,000 to Nonprofit Organizations via the Mon Valley Clean Air Fund to Improve Community Public Health and Air Quality
PITTSBURGH, March 26, 2025– The Jefferson Regional Foundation awarded first time grants from the Mon Valley Clean Air Fund to nonprofit organizations committed to improving community public health and air quality in the Mon Valley. Eleven nonprofit organizations received a total of $336,00 from a fund created after a U.S. Steel Coke Works fire in […]
February 13, 2025
JRF News
Black History Month Celebration
The Jefferson Regional Foundation recognizes Black History Month as a time to celebrate the achievements of African Americans and their profound impact on American history. Throughout this month, we will highlight each week on our social media platforms the dedication, resilience, and leadership of individuals making a difference in the Jefferson Regional Foundation’s service area. […]
February 8, 2024
JRF News
JRF Marks 10th Anniversary
(Video) For the 10th Anniversary of the Jefferson Regional Foundation, the organization’s board and staff look back on its history and ahead to its future.
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Then, Ten, and Time Ahead:

Our 10th Anniversary Report to the Community

Read the report

Change-Makers

Meet the Jefferson Community Collaborative

Visit the website

Frequently Asked Questions

What size grants will the Foundation fund, and for what period of time?

JRF grants will vary in size depending on the scope of your request and other resources that you plan to use. Grant awards to date range from $1,000 to $1,000,000 (for 4 years). The Foundation’s average grant size is $60,000. The strongest requests demonstrate the ability to uplift community voice and meet community needs identified by residents. Most grants will be for 1-year projects; however, the Foundation will consider multi-year projects.

What is the Jefferson Service Area?

The communities served are Baldwin, Bethel Park, Brentwood, Clairton, Dravosburg, Duquesne, Elizabeth Borough, Elizabeth Township, Forward, Glassport, Homestead, Jefferson Hills, Liberty, Lincoln, McKeesport, Munhall, Pleasant Hills, Port Vue, South Park, South Versailles, Versailles, West Elizabeth, West Homestead, West Mifflin, Whitaker, and Whitehall. Learn more about these communities on our Community Snapshots page.

The Mon Valley Clean Air Fund has a unique service area that differs somewhat from the list above – learn more about the Mon Valley Clean Air Fund.

Where do I direct donations?

The Foundation does not engage in fundraising. Donations to AHN Jefferson Hospital and its fundraising activities, such as the Gala and Golf events, are coordinated through the Allegheny Health Network. Learn more at www.ahn.org/about/support-ahn