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 JRF NewsPrinciples, Mission, and VisionStrategic PlanCommitment to EquityStaffBoard of DirectorsHistoryFinancialsReport to the Community Foundation Updates See All Updates November 20, 2025 From the Desk of Dr Gadson JRF News Honoring Survivors of Suicide Loss November 22, 2025, is International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. In 2023, there were nearly 50,000 reported deaths by suicide in the U.S. In Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, 174 deaths by suicide occurred in 2024. The impact of suicide deeply affects families, friends, and communities. It is a heartbreaking reminder of an increased societal need to […] October 20, 2025 From the Desk of Dr Gadson JRF News Breast Cancer Awareness Month: A Time to Reflect, Support, and Act October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a time to honor survivors, remember those we have lost, and raise awareness about the importance of early detection and support. For me, this month carries personal meaning. I remember learning of my daughter’s breast cancer diagnosis in the late fall of 2022. It was such a […] October 3, 2025 JRF News Emergency Grants Distributed to Support the Clairton Community The Jefferson Regional Foundation board and staff are deeply grieved by the loss of life and the injuries sustained during the tragic incident at the Clairton Works plant of U.S. Steel. Our thoughts remain with the families, workers, and community members affected by this tragedy. In response, and in alignment with our mission to advance […] See All Updates 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
