Photo courtesy of Reading Ready Pittsburgh
Phillips Charitable Foundation has been proud to support nonprofit organizations working to improve the lives of vulnerable individuals and families. This support continued in 2026 through two series of grants addressing a wide range of needs. While their missions and communities vary, these organizations share a commitment to helping people build more stable, independent, healthy, and fulfilling lives. Learn more about our 2026 grantees below.
Awarded Summer 2026
The 2026 Summer Grant Series recognized organizations that are making a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and families. Whether providing safe housing, educational opportunities, therapeutic services, or programs that foster confidence, independence, friendships, and a sense of belonging, these nonprofits meet a wide range of critical needs with compassion and dedication. Together, they are changing lives and strengthening communities by creating opportunities for hope, stability, and brighter futures.
A Child's Haven
South Carolina
A Child’s Haven helps young children overcome developmental delays caused by trauma, abuse, neglect, or limited resources by providing individualized therapeutic care designed to strengthen their social and emotional development. As children gain the skills needed to thrive in traditional child care and educational settings, their families also receive support through parenting resources, community connections, and services that promote greater stability and economic mobility. An operational grant was awarded to help support their important work.
Bello Machre
Maryland
Bello Machre empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to live full, independent, and meaningful lives through residential services, day programs, and employment opportunities. The organization operates 50 accessible community homes where residents receive the support they need while enjoying the comfort, stability, and independence of living in a welcoming neighborhood setting. Phillips Charitable Foundation awarded a grant to the Phillips Home Maintenance Fund, an endowment established by the Foundation in 2024 for the upkeep, repair, and preservation of Bello Machre residential homes.
Blue Ribbon Project
Blue Ribbon Project is dedicated to preventing child abuse and providing critical support to children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Through programs that provide backpacks filled with essential items, clothing, shoes, and personal care necessities, the organization helps ensure that children entering foster care have both practical resources and a reminder that they are valued and cared for during a difficult transition. Phillips Charitable Foundation appreciates Blue Ribbon Project’s commitment to supporting vulnerable children and the families who care for them and awarded an operational grant in support of this important work.
Gigi's Playhouse
Maryland and Pennsylvania
Gigi’s Playhouse is dedicated to changing lives and providing hope for individuals with Down syndrome and their families through free educational, therapeutic, and career development programs offered at every stage of life. By removing financial barriers, Gigi’s Playhouse ensures that individuals have opportunities to build confidence, develop new skills, and reach their fullest potential while creating a supportive community for families. Phillips Charitable Foundation awarded operational grants to both the Annapolis, Maryland, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, locations.
Healing Farms
South Carolina
Healing Farms provides hope and opportunity to individuals with disabilities and their families while encouraging the broader community to embrace and support their unique gifts and abilities. Through its day program, summer camp, and a variety of social gatherings, Healing Farms creates opportunities for participants to build meaningful relationships, develop life and work skills, and grow in confidence and independence. Phillips Charitable Foundation is pleased to support this important work through an operational grant that will help meet the organization’s evolving needs.
Hope to Home
South Carolina
Hope to Home helps individuals and families build a fresh start by providing essential home furnishings to those emerging from difficult circumstances. Through the collection, repair, storage, and delivery of donated furniture and household essentials, the organization transforms empty living spaces into safe, welcoming homes where families can begin rebuilding their lives. A furnished home offers stability, dignity, and the foundation for a successful new beginning. In support of this meaningful work, Phillips Charitable Foundation awarded an unrestricted operational grant to strengthen Hope to Home’s ongoing efforts to serve the Charleston community.
Ionic Lodge #145
Maryland
Through its scholarship program, Ionic Lodge #145 helps deserving students pursue their educational goals and build a foundation for future success. By easing the financial burden of college, these scholarships encourage academic achievement and help equip students for future success in their careers and communities. Phillips Charitable Foundation awarded a grant to support this college scholarship program, recognizing the lasting impact that educational opportunity can have on individuals and their families
SNACK and Friends
Pennsylvania
SNACK & Friends provides inclusive programs that help children, teens, and young adults of all abilities build skills, develop meaningful relationships, and experience a true sense of belonging. With a special focus on serving individuals with profound disabilities, the organization fills a critical need by creating opportunities for personal growth, friendship, and community that might not otherwise exist. In recognition of this important work, an operational grant was awarded
Steel City Icebergs
Pennsylvania
The Steel City Icebergs, part of the Greater Pittsburgh Special Hockey Association, provide free adaptive ice hockey for children and adults ages five and older with developmental and physical disabilities. Through practices, games, travel opportunities, and special events, participants build confidence, develop new skills, and experience the joy of being part of a team while forming lasting friendships and memories. In recognition of the positive impact the Steel City Icebergs have on individuals and families, an operational grant was awarded.
Veterans Place of Washington Blvd.
Pennsylvania
Veterans Place is dedicated to helping veterans transition from homelessness to stable housing while breaking the cycle of homelessness for those most at risk. Through its Veterans Resource Center, transitional housing program, and workforce development services, the organization provides the tools and support veterans need to rebuild their lives with stability, dignity, and renewed purpose. In recognition of the sacrifices made by our nation’s veterans and the vital work Veterans Place does on their behalf, Phillips Charitable Foundation awarded an unrestricted operational grant to help sustain some of the essential programs and services that veterans rely upon.
Awarded in February 2026
Our first grant series for 2026 included 17 grants to nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving vulnerable individuals and families. These organizations provide vital programs and services to people with disabilities, veterans and first responders, economically disadvantaged youths and adults, and individuals navigating serious illness. Each grant reflects the Foundation’s commitment to promoting dignified living for vulnerable populations and to supporting organizations that are making a lasting difference in the lives of those they serve.
Anne Arundel Community College Foundation
Maryland
Anne Arundel Community College serves the needs of a diverse community by offering high quality, affordable, accessible, and innovative lifelong learning opportunities. AACC was awarded with a grant for the HelpLink Fund for Nursing. This fund provides short-term emergency aid to students who are experiencing unexpected financial hardships that could cause them to have to drop out of school. The HelpLink Fund provides invaluable support to help nursing students focus on completing their studies, passing their certification exam, and joining a workforce that desperately needs highly trained health care professionals.
Amego
Massachusetts
Amego supports individuals living with autism and other developmental disabilities at home, in school, at work, and as valued members of their families and communities. The Foundation awarded a grant to support the expansion of Amego’s school, a project designed to equip students with essential independent living skills that are foundational to adulthood, including daily routines, self-care, cooking, and cleaning. A central feature of the expansion is a commercial kitchen where students will gain hands-on experience with food preparation, hygiene, and kitchen maintenance in a functional learning environment.
Bender Leadership Academy
Pennsylvania
Bender Leadership Academy empowers students with disabilities to address bullying, pursue higher education, and achieve their career goals. The organization is committed to expanding employment opportunities for people with disabilities from youth through adulthood. A grant was awarded to support the Education2Employment program, which helps bridge the gap between classroom learning and the practical application of workplace skills in a supported employment environment.
Community Harvest Network
Maryland
Community Harvest Network (formerly End Hunger) serves as a redistribution partner of the Maryland Food Bank, supporting food pantries, soup kitchens, and backpack programs throughout Southern Maryland. The organization also operates a Culinary Training Program for young adults with learning differences and disabilities. The program provides ten weeks of free instruction to prepare students for work in the food service and catering industries, including workplace readiness and executive functioning skills. A grant was awarded to support the 2026 Culinary Training Program.
Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating
Maryland
Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating (CRAB), located in Annapolis, Maryland, provides the therapeutic benefits of sailing to individuals with disabilities, recovering warriors, and youth from underserved communities. CRAB’s fully accessible sailing programs enhance well-being by offering outdoor recreational and therapeutic experiences at no cost. The Foundation awarded a grant to fully sponsor CRAB’s 2026 Group Sail Program, enabling the organization to offer two free sailing experiences for each participating nonprofit partner and expanding access to the healing and joy of sailing.
Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania
Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh provides inclusive, community-based homes along with in-home and community services for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Their homes are integrated into local neighborhoods, offering residents a place where their uniqueness is celebrated and where they are supported in pursuing their personal goals. Because many Emmaus residents have complex medical needs or mobility challenges, emergency preparedness is critical. A grant was awarded to purchase four permanent generators to help ensure residents remain safe and supported during power outages or severe weather.
Family House
Pennsylvania
The mission of Family House is to provide a safe, comfortable, and affordable “home away from home” for all patients, families, and caregivers who travel to Pittsburgh for its world-class medical care. In FY26, Family House began an important and ambitious capital project—the renovation of each of its 121 guest rooms. A grant was awarded to support this critical initiative, which will help secure the organization’s long-term sustainability and further ensure accessibility, comfort, and safety for the thousands of guests that travel from around the world and choose to stay at Family House while undergoing medical treatment.
Hero Dogs
Maryland
Hero Dogs raises, trains, and places service dogs with U.S. military veterans and first responders with disabilities at no cost to the recipient. The organization also places skilled home companion dogs with veteran and first-responder families and facility dogs with qualified clinicians. Hero Dog’s mission is to improve the quality of life of our nation’s heroes and enhance the services of community organizations. The Foundation awarded a grant to support the care and training of Hero Dog Watson. This is the second service dog sponsored by the Foundation. The first dog, Hero Dog Cassie, graduated from the program recently and is now serving as a service dog.
Hour Children
New York
Hour Children helps incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women and their children successfully reenter the community, reunify with their families, and build healthy, independent, and secure lives. Among its services is an after-school youth program supporting children affected by incarceration, housing instability, and economic hardship. A grant was awarded to purchase 22 laptop computers for the program, replacing outdated equipment and ensuring students have reliable technology for homework, tutoring, enrichment activities, and the development of essential digital skills.
Life's Work of Western PA
Pennsylvania
Life’sWork of Western PA partners with people with disabilities to pursue their hopes and dreams by strengthening workplace abilities, building life skills, and fostering meaningful relationships. The organization also helps connect participants with appropriate employment and supports them in sustaining those jobs. A grant was awarded to purchase a minivan to address transportation barriers that often prevent individuals from accessing employment opportunities.
Mid Atlantic Mother's Milk Bank
Pennsylvania
The Mid-Atlantic Mothers’ Milk Bank works to improve the health and survival of medically vulnerable infants through the safe collection, pasteurization, and distribution of donor human milk. Nearly 70 percent of significantly premature or critically ill babies do not receive sufficient maternal milk, creating an increasing demand for donor milk across the region. A grant was awarded to help cover shipping costs associated with transporting frozen donor milk to the milk bank’s laboratory and delivering pasteurized milk to hospitals and outpatient families.
Progressive Workshop of Armstrong County
Pennsylvania
Progressive Workshop of Armstrong County provides vocational rehabilitation services to adults with disabilities, helping them develop skills and behaviors needed to become independent, employable, and active members of their communities. A grant was awarded to support two immediate operational needs: repairs to a forklift used in daily operations and the purchase of a secure locking filing cabinet.
Reading Ready Pittsburgh
Pennsylvania
Reading Ready Pittsburgh supports the healthy development of young children by increasing access to books and encouraging family engagement through reading. Its free community bookstore, B is for Books, serves as the operational hub for early literacy programs and removes cost and access barriers that often prevent families from building home reading routines. An operational grant was awarded to support the organization’s continued efforts to expand bookstore visits, story times, and literacy events that promote shared reading at home.
Seeds 4 Success
Maryland
Seeds 4 Success equips children from low-income communities with the skills and support needed to succeed in school and in life. Through mentorship, academic support, enrichment experiences, and college and career preparation, the organization serves individuals from Pre-K through adulthood. A grant was awarded to support the LEARN literacy program for students in Pre-K through fifth grade, which recently expanded and now requires additional instructional time, learning materials, and assessments.
That Suits You
New York
That Suits You (TSY) assists boys, young men, and underserved men by providing motivation, mentorship, job readiness training, and professional attire. Participants complete a job readiness program before receiving a suit to wear for interviews and professional opportunities. A grant was awarded to provide professional attire for 50 individuals, helping participants make a strong first impression while building confidence as they pursue employment.
The Bernie House
Maryland
The Bernie House provides survivors of domestic violence and their children with a two-year transitional housing program, offering time and support to heal while rebuilding their lives. Through individualized services, residents can secure employment, pursue education, and work toward long-term economic stability and safety. A grant was awarded to support essential home maintenance, including the replacement of aging air-conditioning units and repairs to kitchen appliances.
Ulman Foundation
Maryland
The Ulman Foundation provides cost-free lodging for young adults with cancer and their caregivers, offering proximity to world-class hospitals in Baltimore and a welcoming, supportive community. The Ulman House helps ease the emotional and financial burden of traveling for treatment while connecting guests with others facing similar challenges. A grant was awarded to support the General House Maintenance Fund, which helps keep the Ulman House safe, comfortable, and fully operational for its residents.