Poinsatte-Altman Foundation

## Approach Strategy

The Poinsatte-Altman Foundation is entirely trustee-directed with no public application process. Standard grant prospecting approaches (RFP response, online portals) do not apply. Access requires direct engagement with PNC Bank's Charitable Trusts and Philanthropic Services team.

Recommended Steps:

1. Contact PNC Charitable Trusts directly. Reach out to PNC Bank's Pittsburgh headquarters at 500 First Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15219 and ask for the Charitable Trusts and Philanthropic Services department. Ask whether the Poinsatte-Altman Foundation considers proposals in your focus area.

2. Leverage existing PNC relationships. Organizations with PNC banking relationships, PNC Foundation grants, or PNC corporate partnerships are better positioned. A warm introduction through a PNC relationship manager significantly increases access.

3. Time outreach for spring (April–June). The fiscal year ends September 30. Trustee distribution decisions are typically made in the summer–fall period. Spring outreach aligns with pre-decision relationship building.

4. Set realistic size expectations. Annual grantmaking totals $55,000–$63,000. Individual grants likely range from $5,000–$25,000. Requests above $25,000 in a single cycle are unlikely.

5. Demonstrate local Pittsburgh impact. The trustee mandate almost certainly prioritizes Allegheny County nonprofits with demonstrated community presence and financial stability.

## Funding Patterns

Based on IRS 990-PF filings from fiscal years 2011–2023:

• Annual Grants Paid: Consistently $42,000–$63,000 per year over 13 years
• Total Qualified Distributions: $50,000–$77,000 per year (includes trustee fees and administrative expenses)
• Asset Base: Grew from ~$1.0M (FY2011) to ~$1.4M (FY2023), a 36% increase
• Investment Portfolio: ~$1.3M in securities (dividends + capital appreciation)
• Fiscal Year End: September 30
• Distribution Cadence: Annual; likely one grant cycle per year
• Typical Grant Range (estimated): $5,000–$25,000 per recipient
• Excise Tax: Minimal (~$321 FY2023), indicating careful excise tax planning
• Trustee Compensation: ~$19,112/year (PNC Bank fees)

The foundation has no history of program-related investments, loans, or capital grants. Grantmaking is exclusively outright grants to 501(c)(3) organizations. The increasing asset base suggests the foundation will continue operating for many years.

## Peer Comparison

Comparable Pittsburgh-area private foundations with similar assets (~$1.37M–$1.41M) and bank/trustee-managed structures:

Analysis: Six foundations within a $35,000 asset range of each other — an unusual concentration in Pittsburgh. This likely reflects similarly structured legacy trusts, possibly invested through the same bank trustee (PNC or predecessor). All lack public websites and open applications. The Enid Storm Dwyer Foundation (EIN 38-7056011) provides the closest public comparator, with distributions of $61,000–$70,000/year matching Poinsatte-Altman's pattern precisely.

At a ~4.4% annual distribution rate on assets, the foundation modestly meets the IRS minimum investment return requirement. This is conservative management consistent with long-term preservation intent.

## Recent Activity

FY2023 (fiscal year ending September 30, 2023): - Grants paid: $59,168 - Total qualified distributions: $67,067 - Total assets end of year: $1,404,471 - Investment income: $33,312 (dividends) — modest year - Capital loss: ($21,348) — market headwinds in early 2023 - Undistributed income carried forward: $53,545 - Minimum investment return required: $67,388

FY2022 (fiscal year ending September 2022): - Grants paid: $63,105 - Total qualified distributions: $72,401 - Total assets: $1,477,393 (peak in available data)

FY2021 (fiscal year ending September 2021): - Grants paid: $53,699 - Total qualified distributions: $76,660 - Total assets: $1,404,648

The foundation's total assets dipped slightly from $1.48M (FY2022) to $1.40M (FY2023) due to investment market conditions, but remain stable. No major structural changes in grantmaking pattern. ProPublica data current as of March 2026 reflects IRS filings through FY2023.

## Application Tips

1. No open application exists. Do not waste time searching for an online portal or RFP. This is invitation-only.

2. Direct outreach to PNC Charitable Trusts is the only path. Call PNC Bank's Pittsburgh main office (412-762-2000) and ask to be connected to Charitable Trust administration. Explain your nonprofit and mission.

3. Build a concise one-page overview. When contacting PNC, have ready: (a) your organization name and EIN, (b) brief mission statement, (c) specific program or project for which you seek funding, (d) requested amount ($5K–$20K is most realistic), (e) proof of 501(c)(3) status.

4. Be Pittsburgh-specific. Emphasize Allegheny County operations, number of Pittsburgh residents served, and local community impact metrics. The trustee will prioritize local organizations.

5. Do not expect rapid response. Bank-managed foundations move slowly. Follow up politely after 4–6 weeks. If rejected, ask whether you can re-approach in a future grant cycle.

6. Understand this is a small funder. A grant from Poinsatte-Altman Foundation will not fund a major program. It is most valuable as part of a diversified local foundation portfolio alongside other Pittsburgh-area funders (The Pittsburgh Foundation, Heinz Endowments, McCune Foundation, Buhl Foundation).

7. Fiscal year timing. If you reach a trustee contact in summer (July–August), you are likely catching them near the end of their decision cycle. Spring outreach (March–May) is optimal for the following September fiscal year-end.