Pittsburgh is home to a vibrant network of charity organizations dedicated to uplifting communities and addressing diverse needs. From empowering youth through mentorship to providing essential medical aid and fostering volunteerism, these nonprofits embody the spirit of service. This article highlights five remarkable organizations: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh, Brother’s Brother Foundation, Global Links, Dress for Success Pittsburgh, and Pittsburgh Cares. Each contributes uniquely to the city’s welfare, promoting positive change and inspiring collective action for a stronger, more connected Pittsburgh.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering children by fostering impactful mentoring relationships. Through their programs, they pair children (Littles) with caring adult volunteers (Bigs) who provide guidance, encouragement, and friendship. This one-on-one mentorship model aims to help youth realize their full potential, build confidence, and achieve academic and personal success.
The organization serves children facing adversity, offering them a supportive and nurturing environment to grow and thrive. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh relies on community support, donations, and volunteer involvement to inspire brighter futures for children.
Brother’s Brother Foundation (BBF), established in 1958 by Dr. Robert Hingson, is a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit dedicated to bridging the gap between aid and sustainability. Operating in over 149 countries, BBF focuses on four key areas: Healthcare, Infrastructure, Disaster Response, and Education.
In Healthcare, BBF provides medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and equipment to underserved communities, supporting local hospitals and clinics. Their Infrastructure initiatives include installing solar panels in medical facilities to ensure uninterrupted power and implementing WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) programs to improve public health.
Global Links, established in 1989 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing health in underserved communities by repurposing surplus medical materials from the U.S. healthcare system. Their programs focus on international medical aid, domestic medical aid, medical surplus recovery, and community engagement.
Internationally, they collaborate with organizations like the Pan American Health Organization and local health ministries to support public health initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean, emphasizing maternal and infant health, strengthening public health systems, and disaster recovery. Domestically, they partner with safety-net organizations in Western Pennsylvania to provide medical supplies and equipment to vulnerable populations, including seniors, people with disabilities, and immigrants.
Dress for Success Pittsburgh is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women entering or re-entering the workforce in Southwestern Pennsylvania, including Allegheny, Butler, Fayette, Greene, and Washington Counties. Their mission centers on providing professional attire, career development tools, and a supportive network to help women achieve economic independence.
Beyond offering clothing suitable for job interviews and employment, they provide programs such as employment retention strategies and career centers that address obstacles in job searches, aiming to build confidence and professional growth. A notable feature of their services is the mobile boutiques, which travel to various locations to reach women who may face transportation challenges, ensuring broader access to their resources.
Pittsburgh Cares is a non-profit organization based in Pittsburgh dedicated to promoting community engagement through volunteerism. It connects individuals, groups, and organizations with meaningful volunteer opportunities, empowering them to address pressing local needs.
The organization focuses on fostering social impact by collaborating with various non-profits, businesses, and community groups, ensuring resources are utilized effectively to create lasting change. Through its user-friendly platform, Pittsburgh Cares makes it easy for people to find and participate in causes they are passionate about, from education and environmental conservation to social services and community development.
This list of charities in Pittsburgh isn’t the only one, and AAM Nation Care is yet another amazing organization that cares about people and their future.