Light the Candle: Leon’s Birthday Wish for Change

Celebrate Leon Ford’s 32nd birthday by helping to send young leaders to the NOBLE Conference. Each donation lights a candle representing hope, opportunity, and brighter futures! Learn more. (Extended through April 30)

The Hear Foundation

Grantmaking

The Hear Foundation convenes events that bring police, the community, local leadership, and national experts together in meaningful ways to address the challenges of gun violence reduction, trauma, and workforce development.

Working with our community stakeholders to reach consensus on the action steps that are the right fit for our local community, The Hear Foundation develops grantmaking programs that support initiatives addressing one or more of these pillar areas and incorporate one-to-one collaboration between residents and police. 

The Hear Foundation Impact Grant Program

Since its launch in June 2022, The Hear Foundation has provided grants to local nonprofit organizations working in in one or more of The Hear Foundation’s three pillar areas: trauma and resilience, workforce development and gun violence prevention.  

2025 Grantees

Homewood Children’s Village

Location: Homewood, Pittsburgh, PA
Website:hcvpgh.org

Homewood Children’s Village works to improve the lives of children and families in the Homewood community while strengthening the neighborhood that supports them. Through a “cradle-to-career” model, HCV provides direct services, academic support, and family engagement programs that help students reach their full potential. Their two-generation approach ensures that both youth and caregivers have the tools they need to thrive.

Driven by the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, HCV partners with local schools, organizations, and residents to break down social and economic barriers. With a 92% graduation rate among its students, the organization continues to be a model for what’s possible when communities invest deeply in their young people.

Brookline Teen Outreach

Location: Brookline, Pittsburgh, PA
Website: brooklineteenoutreach.org

Brookline Teen Outreach provides free, high-quality resources and programming for youth ages 10–18 across the Greater Pittsburgh region. Through academic support, life-skills workshops, licensed counseling, and volunteer opportunities, the organization empowers teens to grow into confident, capable leaders.

At its core, Brookline Teen Outreach is about connection and possibility — creating a safe, inclusive space where young people can learn, express themselves, and engage with their community. By removing barriers to access and centering holistic well-being, BTO helps teens build brighter futures while strengthening the neighborhoods they call home.

Community Forge

Location: Wilkinsburg, PA
Website: forge.community
Community Forge is a vibrant community hub transforming a former elementary school into a center for learning, innovation, and empowerment. Its mission is to build an equitable economy in Wilkinsburg and the Greater Pittsburgh area by supporting entrepreneurs, offering youth education programs, and promoting wellness and community care.

Through initiatives like technology training, business incubation, food and diaper pantries, and local events, Community Forge brings residents together to imagine and create new possibilities. Their work demonstrates the power of community-led development — showing how collaboration, creativity, and compassion can forge lasting change.

2024 Grantmaking

Cops and Corners: In partnership with 412 Boxing USA, this project engages youth in boxing and physical fitness routines alongside police officers. This program promotes gun violence reduction and healing through shared activities.

Ready FORE Work: A collaboration with First Tee, where youth and law enforcement play golf together, fostering personal relationships. Youth also learn to caddy, enhancing workforce skills.

Bridging the Badge: Partnering with NOBLE and Duquesne University, this mentorship program creates a pipeline for youth interested in law enforcement careers through exposure to positive role models in law enforcement.

Refs and Rooks: A youth mentoring and workforce development initiative developed in partnership with PUMP where police, community leaders, and youth learn to referee basketball games, creating earning opportunities and fostering collaboration.

Past Grantees & Programs

See a full list of 2023 funded programs.

See a full list of 2022 funded programs.

The Hear Foundation’s grantmaking supports local organizations that are on the ground, working directly with youth and in our neighborhoods to make Pittsburgh a safe and thriving community for all. Funding from THF provides the resources needed to increase collaboration and positions our grantees to do great things.

Stay Informed

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