The Steelers Social Justice Fund continues to provide funds for community organizations who are making a difference.
Follow below for regular updates on the donations being made by the players, with matching contributions from the organization, to make a difference in the Pittsburgh area and beyond.
Wednesday, February 1
The Steelers commitment to giving back continued through the most recent donations by players, along with a matching commitment from the organization, to the Steelers Social Justice Fund to help support community efforts.
The most recent donations to the Steelers Social Justice Fund are going to the Best of the Batch Foundation and the Latino Community Center. The grant totals $7,600 after contributions from quarterback Kenny Pickett, tight end Connor Heyward, wide receiver Steven Sims, offensive lineman William Dunkle and cornerback Mark Gilbert, as well as the matching donation from the team.
The Best of the Batch Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 1999 by former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch. The Best of the Batch Foundation provides year-round educational programming to more than 3,800 children ranging in ages from 4 to 18, across 22 school districts in eight Western Pennsylvania counties. Their mission is to provide financially challenged communities with the purpose, desire, and resources to give their best efforts in all they do throughout their lives.
"Best of the Batch Foundation is in the midst of a 33,000 sq. ft. expansion into a state of the art educational Clubhouse," said Latasha Wilson-Batch, Executive Director of Best of the Batch Foundation. "This new facility will not only support academic success and achievement, but will also educate participants on social justice initiatives to empower children and their families to make positive, active change in their households, community, and world. The Steelers are such a community-oriented organization. For them to remember the Mon Valley, when it gets forgotten a lot, I think it's important. The fact that they have chosen Best of the Batch to continue to make a difference is remarkable and humbling."
The Latino Community Center offers expanded bilingual service coordination and case management to families needing support. This includes working with dedicated case managers who partner collaboratively with families to arrange, coordinate, monitor, evaluate, and advocate for services tailored to individual families' needs. Their mission is to empower, advocate with and celebrate Latinos in Allegheny County. LCC's education programs are designed to provide Latinx families with access to the highest quality educational opportunities. LCC's bilingual programs mentor, tutor, and engage children and youth; supplement and enhance their in-school experience; and support, interpret, and provide resources for parents, opening the doors to a bright future and a better life.
"It is hard to put into words how much the partnership and support of the Pittsburgh Steelers means to us at the Latino Community Center," said Rosamaria Cristello, Executive Director and Founder of the Latino Community Center. "For several years now, the Pittsburgh Steelers have shown up in many ways for us. Just like our community watches them play and cheers them on in every game, they continue to show up for us in moments when we needed it the most. This is yet one more example of how great of a partner the Pittsburgh Steelers are to the Latino Community Center and the children, youth, and families we serve."
Since 2018, Steelers players contributions, along with the matching donations from Steelers Charities, have benefited more than 65 charitable organizations throughout the region.
"I am proud of our Steelers players who contributed to so many great charitable efforts through our Social Justice Fund this year, and happy we are able to support them with matching contributions," said Steelers President Art Rooney II.
Tuesday, January 31
The Steelers commitment to giving back continued through the most recent donations by players, along with a matching commitment from the organization, to the Steelers Social Justice Fund to help support community efforts.
The most recent donations to the Steelers Social Justice Fund are going to Amachi Pittsburgh and Light of Life Rescue Mission. The grant totals $8,400 after commitments from tight end Zach Gentry, safety Miles Killebrew, offensive lineman J.C. Hassenauer and tight end Rodney Williams, as well as a matching contribution from the team.
Amachi Pittsburgh, which was the Steelers 2022 Inspire Change Award winner, raises awareness and delivers services to give children a fighting chance in Allegheny County. Amachi operates under the principle that the community is knowledgeable about the challenges that they face, children have the support they need to thrive. This awareness creates policy-level change so that youth are unburdened from a system that has made them more vulnerable to the criminal justice system.
"We are thrilled to receive an award from the Steelers Social Justice Fund," said Anna Hollis, Executive Director of Amachi Pittsburgh. "The funds help to ensure that Amachi continues working with youth and families to break generational cycles of incarceration. We are proud to partner with the Pittsburgh Steelers to serve those most vulnerable to the justice system."
Since 1952, Light of Life has been a place where hope and healing meet for men, women, and families experiencing homelessness, poverty, or addiction. For more than 60 years, the support of generous and compassionate people has met the homeless in our community with hope and healing.
"We could not be more grateful for the support of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the recent donation from the Steelers Social Justice Fund." said Rev. Jerrel T. Gilliam. "Since 2021, we've seen a 27% increase in Allegheny County's homeless population, and as a result, has expanded the need for our services in order to provide a safe place of hope and healing for the men, women and children living on our streets."
Since 2018, Steelers players contributions, along with the matching donations from Steelers Charities, have benefited more than 65 charitable organizations throughout the region.
"I am proud of our Steelers players who contributed to so many great charitable efforts through our Social Justice Fund this year, and happy we are able to support them with matching contributions," said Steelers President Art Rooney II.
Thursday, January 26
The Steelers commitment to giving back continued through the most recent donations by players, along with a matching commitment from the organization, to the Steelers Social Justice Fund to help support community efforts.
The most recent donations to the Steelers Social Justice Fund are going to KidsVoice, the Pennsylvania (PA) Innocence Project and the Western Pennsylvania Police Benevolent Foundation.
The grant totals $20,000 with contributions from fullback Derek Watt, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, punter Pressley Harvin III, running back Anthony McFarland and offensive lineman James Daniels, as well as the matching donation from the team.
KidsVoice advocates in court and in the community to ensure a safe and permanent home for abused, neglected and at-risk children. The organization also advocates for former clients through age 24 to help them make a successful transition to adulthood by removing roadblocks to employment, health, and housing.
"We feel tremendously fortunate to have the Steelers support KidsVoice's social justice work," said Scott Hollander, Executive Director of KidsVoice. "Together we are making progress toward a common goal: to empower community members who historically have not been provided equitable opportunities. Each year, KidsVoice works with thousands of children who have experienced abuse and neglect. We also work with hundreds of young adults who are now living independently and, often, raising children of their own. Support from the Steelers helps us provide advocacy that removes barriers to education, employment, and housing, including representation in minor criminal offenses that disproportionately affect youth of color. The Steelers Social Justice Fund is much more than just about money received. We can tell our young adults, 'These players believe in you. Just like we do.' It's a remarkable thing."
The mission of the Pennsylvania Innocence Project is to exonerate those convicted of crimes they did not commit, to prevent innocent people from being prosecuted and convicted, and to help those wrongfully convicted transition to freedom.
"The PA Innocence Project receives hundreds of requests for help every year. Gifts like this one allow us to respond to demand for legal and reentry services, in the Pittsburgh area and across the Commonwealth, and to advocate for systemic change to improve outcomes for the wrongfully convicted," said Liz DeLosa, Managing Attorney. "We see racial disparity in our work to exonerate innocent people in Pennsylvania prisons reflective of disparities across the criminal justice system, and we deeply appreciate the Steelers recognition of wrongful conviction as a social justice issue that impacts our whole community."
It is the purpose of the Western Pennsylvania Police Benevolent Foundation to provide assistance to injured police officers in need. This assistance may be in the form of information on available resources or monetary aid to help ease the financial burden in a time of crisis.
Since 2018, Steelers players contributions, along with the matching donations from Steelers Charities, have benefited more than 65 charitable organizations throughout the region.
"I am proud of our Steelers players who contributed to so many great charitable efforts through our Social Justice Fund this year, and happy we are able to support them with matching contributions," said Steelers President Art Rooney II.
Wednesday, January 25
The Steelers commitment to giving back continued through the most recent donations by players, along with a matching commitment from the organization, to the Steelers Social Justice Fund to help support community efforts.
The most recent donations to the Steelers Social Justice Fund are going to Center for Life, the Education Law Center and the Neighborhood Resilience Project.
The grant totals $16,000 with contributions from linebacker Myles Jack and defensive linemen Montravius Adams and DeMarvin Leal, as well as the matching donation from the team.
Center of Life (COL) supports the citizens of Hazelwood as they strive to be strong and to make their community strong. With its roots planted deeply in the community and supported by extraordinary partners, COL serves Hazelwood and its surrounding communities with rich academic out-of-school programs and outstanding experiences in music and arts. Its mission is to provide families and youth with the life skills, education, training, and resources necessary to be strong and to make their communities strong.
"The Pittsburgh Steelers organization and its players are not apart from the community; they are truly a part of the community," said Tim Smith, CEO of Center of Life. "Along with the generous donation from the Steelers Social Justice Fund, the Steelers have been a great partner to Center of Life. From food and toy donations during the holidays, to watching movies with our students, allowing them to paint their gameday cleats, and having candid conversations with our students, the Steelers have proven their commitment to the community. Sometimes all young people need is to know that someone is in their corner and believes in them. Sometimes that little bit is all they need to succeed in life. And the kids we serve know that the Steelers are in their corner and care about them."
The Education Law Center's mission is to ensure access to quality public education for all children in Pennsylvania by focusing on the most underserved students: children living in poverty, children of color, children with disabilities, children in the foster care and juvenile justice systems, children experiencing homelessness, English learners, LGBTQ and gender-nonconforming students – and many who are at the intersection of these identities.
"The Education Law Center appreciates the generous support of the Pittsburgh Steelers," said Hetal Dhagat, Senior Attorney of the Education Law Center. "These funds will help us advocate for education justice to ensure that all children in Pennsylvania have access to quality public education."
It is the mission of the Neighborhood Resiliency Project to create resilient healing and healthy communities one block at a time. Rooted in the gospel and teachings of the Orthodox Church, inspired by the Civil Rights Movement (American 1950s-1960s), the Neighborhood Resilience Project supports the transformation of neighborhoods from trauma affected communities to resilient healing and healthy communities through trauma informed community development.
"The Pittsburgh Steelers have once again shown their unrelenting commitment to our region," said Rev. Paul T. Abernathy, CEO of the Neighborhood Resilience Project. "To know that our heroes on the field are also our heroes in our community is a tremendous blessing. We are so grateful for the servant leadership and sacrificial giving that this organization truly embodies."
Since 2018, Steelers players contributions, along with the matching donations from Steelers Charities, have benefited more than 65 charitable organizations throughout the region.
"I am proud of our Steelers players who contributed to so many great charitable efforts through our Social Justice Fund this year, and happy we are able to support them with matching contributions," said Steelers President Art Rooney II.
Thursday, January 19
The Steelers commitment to giving back continued through the most recent donations by players, along with a matching commitment from the organization, to the Steelers Social Justice Fund to help support community efforts.
The most recent donations to the Steelers Social Justice Fund are going to Catapult Greater Pittsburgh, the Community Empowerment Association (CEA) and the YWCA Greater Pittsburgh.
The most recent donations are spearheaded by cornerback Arthur Maulet (Catapult Greater Pittsburgh), offensive lineman Chukwuma Okorafor (Community Empowerment Association) and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (YMCA Greater Pittsburgh), who each committed $5,000 to the Social Justice Fund for their organization of choice. With the matching contribution from the team, the most recent group of donations totals $30,000.
Catapult Greater Pittsburgh engages in emergency resource distribution, peer-to-peer support, wealth building, trauma-informed financial counseling, and policy advocacy to ensure systematically disenfranchised communities can meaningfully achieve economic justice and lead dignified and equitable lives.
"It's such an honor to have our mission supported by THE hometown team that has always represented hard work and resilience in our communities," said Tammy Thompson, Executive Director of Catapult Greater Pittsburgh.
Community Empowerment Association was founded in 1993 in order to establish an organized, structural approach to address the specific needs of at-risk youth and families in distressed, marginalized communities. CEA's mission is to restore, reclaim and transform distressed communities through strategic planning, collaboration, advocacy, education, and training. Additionally, by consistently generating jobs and economic sustainability, CEA serves as an institutional foundation for the strengthening of Black communities.
"As a community-based, grassroots organization committed to the restoration, reclamation and transformation of distressed Black communities, CEA will continue to be at the forefront of developing strategies in collaboration with diverse organizations and individuals," said T. Rashad Byrdsong, President and CEO of CEA. "CEA will never stop educating youth and their families, mobilizing them to reignite their resiliency; and CEA will always remain dedicated to equipping the community with the necessary tools to move towards self-determination, self-sufficiency, and sustainability."
YWCA Greater Pittsburgh is a member of a nationally recognized movement with a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. For more than 160 years, YWCAs have positioned themselves at the forefront of the most pressing social movements. They have advocated for voting rights, civil rights, and violence protection; fought for affordable housing and pay equity; and championed health care reform. Today, YWCAs combine services and advocacy to foster change in three key areas: racial justice and civil rights, economic advancement and empowerment for women and girls, and health and safety for women and girls.
"We are proud to partner with the Pittsburgh Steelers organization through both the Social Justice Fund and through the player's support of our partner families," said Dr. Angela Reynolds, CEO of YWCA Greater Pittsburgh. "The financial donation is an investment that supports our ongoing efforts to create systemic change. Thank you for joining us in this effort to highlight issues and triumphs at the intersection of race and gender. We are particularly grateful for the great joy and excitement to children in our educational opportunity program during the holidays and your support of breast cancer survivors."
Since 2018, Steelers players contributions, along with the matching donations from Steelers Charities, have benefited more than 65 charitable organizations throughout the region.
"I am proud of our Steelers players who contributed to so many great charitable efforts through our Social Justice Fund this year, and happy we are able to support them with matching contributions," said Steelers President Art Rooney II.
Wednesday, January 18
The Steelers commitment to giving back continued through the most recent donations by players, along with a matching commitment from the organization, to the Steelers Social Justice Fund to help support community efforts.
The most recent donations to the Steelers Social Justice Fund are going to 1Nation Mentoring and the Boys and Girls Club in both Western Pennsylvania and New York.
The donations include a $5,000 commitment from linebacker Malik Reed, as well as additional player contributions totaling $7,500 from quarterback Mason Rudolph, linebacker Jamir Jones, offensive lineman Trent Scott and defensive back Tre Norwood, bringing the total grant to $25,000 after a matching contribution from the team.
The mission of 1Nation Mentoring is to serve African American youth ages 12-24 by cultivating their leadership potential, empowering positive behavior, and promoting healthy life decisions. Their programs include in-school based mentoring, out of school time mentoring and a summer enhancement/exposure program.
"We at 1Nation Mentoring are truly grateful to have been selected to receive a donation from the Pittsburgh Steelers through their Social Justice Fund," said Kevin McNair, Co-Founder & Executive Director of 1Nation Mentoring. "As a nonprofit organization that serves over 1000 students and young adults, support from outside organizations and creating community partnerships has a larger impact on our success. We are forever thankful for the Steelers and the individual players who believe in our vision and support our mission."
The mission of the Boys and Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania and throughout the country is to activate and advance the potential in every child by doing whatever it takes to ensure they have great futures. Steelers players throughout the years have participated in activities and events at Boys & Girls Club locations and many of them grew up going to their own Boys & Girls Clubs.
"The Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania is so grateful to the Pittsburgh Steelers for their continued commitment to our community," said Chris Watts, President & CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania. "We are especially honored to be a recipient of the player directed Social Justice Fund, as many Steelers have personally experienced the impact of the Boys & Girls Clubs and use their platform to inspire kids across the Pittsburgh region to activate and advance their potential, especially those that need it the most."
Since 2018, Steelers players contributions, along with the matching donations from Steelers Charities, have benefited more than 65 charitable organizations throughout the region.
"I am proud of our Steelers players who contributed to so many great charitable efforts through our Social Justice Fund this year, and happy we are able to support them with matching contributions," said Steelers President Art Rooney II.
Thursday, January 12
The Steelers continue to provide donations from players, and a matching commitment from the organization, as part of the Steelers Social Justice Fund to help support community efforts.
The fourth group of donations are being given to 412 Food Rescue and Voices Against Violence. The donation to 412 Food Rescue comes from a $10,000 commitment from outside linebacker T.J. Watt and a matching donation from the team, for a total of $20,000.
The grant going to Voices Against Violence, which totals $15,166 includes a $3,333 donation from quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. Additional player contributions to Voices Against Violence, which total $4,250, came from tight end Pat Freiermuth, safety Elijah Riley, offensive lineman James Daniels, linebacker Marcus Allen, and linebacker Chapelle Russell, bringing the total grant to $35,166 after a matching contribution from the team.
The Steelers have donated to 412 Food Rescue through the Social Justice Fund the last three years, while Voices Against Violence is a first-time recipient in 2023.
412 Food Rescue was founded as a direct response to the disconnect between food waste, hunger, and environmental sustainability. The organization prevents perfectly good food from entering the waste stream by redirecting it to those who are experiencing food insecurity.
"Nutrition security is at the heart of opportunity for individuals and communities," said Jennifer England, Chief Operating Officer of 412 Food Rescue. "T.J. Watt and the Steelers have demonstrated over and over again that they recognize this and are literally putting their hands, hearts and funds to helping ensure all Pittsburghers have access to nutritious, wholesome food. We thank T.J. and Dani Watt, and the Steelers for their demonstrated commitment to 412 Food Rescue and the community via this generous donation."
The mission of Voices Against Violence is to strategically and proactively reduce interpersonal conflict among youth through activities focused on prevention and diversion. VAV serves male and female youth ages 4 to 24 residing in South Pittsburgh communities. Program participants are economically and socially under-served, and are referred to the agency through a variety of manners.
"As community partners, The Pittsburgh Steelers have been a first-class organization," said Richard M. Carrington, Sr., Founder & Executive Director Voices Against Violence. "The needs in the communities Voices Against Violence serves continue to grow as funding sources have become more limited. VAV is extremely grateful for the Steelers' support, and the young men and women are appreciative of all of the opportunities they have presented to us."
Since 2018, Steelers players contributions, along with the matching donations from Steelers Charities, have benefited more than 65 charitable organizations throughout the region.
"I am proud of our Steelers players who contributed to so many great charitable efforts through our Social Justice Fund this year, and happy we are able to support them with matching contributions," said Steelers President Art Rooney II.
Tuesday, January 10
The Steelers announced additional donations from players and the matching commitment from the club as part of the Steelers Social Justice Fund to help support community efforts.
The Steelers' third group of donations, which are going to Homeless Children's Education Fund and Community Kitchen, include a $10,000 commitment from running back Najee Harris.
Additional player contributions totaling $12,933 came from cornerback Levi Wallace, quarterback Mitch Trubisky, offensive lineman Kendrick Green, defensive lineman Isaiahh Loudermilk, wide receiver George Pickens, wide receiver Miles Boykin, offensive lineman James Daniels, running back Jaylen Warren and running back Jason Huntley, bringing the total grant to $45,866 after a matching contribution from the team.
Both the Homeless Children's Education Fund and Community Kitchen became first time recipients in 2023.
The Homeless Children's Education Fund (HCEF) is a nonprofit organization established in 1999 to support the educational needs of children experiencing homelessness in Allegheny County. Over the years, HCEF's role in the community has developed and expanded to meet these needs. HCEF relies on support from community foundations, corporations, and individuals and receives no governmental funding.
"Homeless Children's Education Fund is extremely honored to receive a donation through the Pittsburgh Steelers Social Justice Matching Fund," said HCEF Executive Director AJ Jefferson. "Nearly 3,000 students have been identified as homeless in Allegheny County, with 87% likely to drop out of high school. Together with the Pittsburgh Steelers, we look forward to changing those statistics. Our partnership allows HCEF to elevate our programming and ensure we provide educational support such as tutors, school supplies and wrap-around services that help move students from elementary to high school graduation."
Community Kitchen Pittsburgh uses food as the foundation to change lives and strengthen communities by providing culinary training and opening career pathways to individuals who experience barriers to employment.
"We are grateful for this support from Pittsburgh Steelers Social Justice Matching Fund." Jennifer Flanagan, Executive Director/Founder of Community Kitchen Pittsburgh. "We are deeply appreciative of the players' genuine interest and engagement in the many challenges faced by returning citizens and the spotlight on the issues that they provide. This support will help Community Kitchen Pittsburgh continue to provide supportive services, job training and employment for those transitioning from incarceration."
Since 2018, Steelers players contributions, along with the matching donations from Steelers Charities, have benefited more than 65 charitable organizations throughout the region.
"I am proud of our Steelers players who contributed to so many great charitable efforts through our Social Justice Fund this year, and happy we are able to support them with matching contributions," said Steelers President Art Rooney II.
Thursday, December 29
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced more donations from players and the matching commitment from the club as part of the Steelers Social Justice Fund to help support community efforts.
The Steelers' second group of donations this year, which are going to Gwen's Girls and Urban Impact include $10,000 commitments from cornerback Cameron Sutton and defensive lineman Tyson Alualu respectively.
Additional player contributions totaling $17,600 came from outside linebacker Alex Highsmith, cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon, offensive lineman Dan Moore Jr., defensive lineman Chris Wormley, tight end Zach Gentry, offensive lineman James Daniels and cornerback James Pierre, bringing the total grant to $75,200 after a matching contribution from the team.
Gwen's Girls became a third-time social justice recipient in 2022. Their mission is to empower girls and young women to have productive lives through holistic, gender-specific programs, education, and experiences.
"Gwen's Girls is deeply honored to be a recipient of the team's Social Justice Fund. It is because of the generosity of the community and organizations like the Pittsburgh Steelers that we can continue to impact our youth positively and provide important services and programs that are so desperately needed," said Dr. Kathi Elliott, CEO, Gwen's Girls. "While the donation is appreciated, it's the outreach and engagement with the community on a personal level that truly make a difference. And for that, we are grateful."
Urban Impact focuses on sports being a safe haven for kids and invests in the lives of at-risk children and their families.
"We thank the players and Steelers organization for making an impact on the northside of Pittsburgh," said Founder and President Reverend Dr. Ed Glover. "Their support makes it possible for us to impact over 1800 children and youth on the north side with sports, education, arts, and providing options for kids to go to college, go to trade school, get a job, go in the military or ministry. We are so grateful and thankful for the players hearts to transform lives in the city of Pittsburgh as well as the Steelers organization."
Since 2018, Steelers players contributions, along with the matching donations from Steelers Charities, have benefited more than 65 charitable organizations throughout the region.
"I am proud of our Steelers players who contributed to so many great charitable efforts through our Social Justice Fund this year, and happy we are able to support them with matching contributions," said Steelers President Art Rooney II.
Wednesday, December 28
The Steelers announced the first donations of 2022 from players, and the matching commitment from the club, as part of the Steelers Social Justice Fund to help support community efforts.
The first donations are going to Homewood Children's Village and Café Momentum and include $50,000 commitments to each organization from Cameron Heyward, the Steelers 2022 Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee.
"It's a blessing to have so many amazing organizations in Pittsburgh helping young people build brighter futures," said Heyward. "I feel honored for the opportunity to be a part of supporting that goal."
Homewood Children's Village, whose mission is to improve the lives of underserved children and families in the community, became a Social Justice Fund recipient for fourth consecutive year.
"We are truly grateful to the Steelers, and players like Cam Heyward for their continuous support," said Walter Lewis, President and CEO of Homewood Children's Village. "This significant contribution will help us continue providing key services such as daily school transportation, food access, academic support, and safe and engaging after school and summer programs for youth and families in our community."
Café Momentum became a first-time Social Justice Fund recipient this year. Their mission is to transform young lives by equipping Pittsburgh's justice-involved youth with life skills, education and employment opportunities to help them achieve their full potential.
"Café Momentum Pittsburgh is honored to have the support of the iconic Pittsburgh brand, the Pittsburgh Steelers," said Gene Walker, Executive Director of Café Momentum Pittsburgh. "Together we are committed to transforming young lives by equipping Pittsburgh's justice involved youth with life skills, education, and employment opportunities to help them achieve their full potential. We are humbled by the Steelers generosity and support and look forward to growing Café Momentum's impact in the Steel City."
The grant also includes an additional combined $10,583 which was donated by linebacker Malik Reed, quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, safety Elijah Riley, and long snapper Christian Kuntz, bringing the total of the donation to $221,166 after a matching contribution from the team.
Since 2018, Steelers players contributions, along with the matching donations from Steelers Charities, have benefited more than 65 charitable organizations throughout the region.
"I am proud of our Steelers players who contributed to so many great charitable efforts through our Social Justice Fund this year, and happy we are able to support them with matching contributions," said Steelers President Art Rooney II.
