At Catapult, we understand the power of grassroots organizations. The small, community-led groups that, day in and day out, are doing the hard work of making our neighborhoods stronger and more inclusive. The groups that intimately understand the needs of our communities because they are on the ground experiencing and addressing them first-hand. That’s why, in addition to our own programming, we regularly give money to worthy organizations and causes throughout Pittsburgh that need our support.
As we near the end of 2024, we wanted to highlight a selection of these inspiring events and groups that we had the privilege of supporting this year. They remind us that, when we pull our resources with people who share our vision, our impact is amplified.
Sojourner House’s Annual Victorian Tea
Sojourner House and Sojourner House MOMS provide compassionate, faith-based residential recovery services to mothers and children in the Pittsburgh area. Their annual Victorian Tea fundraiser on April 14th was an important awareness event that brought together over 300 individuals to learn about their programs and celebrate families in recovery.
The afternoon included silent auctions and raffles and an opportunity to hear hopeful stories of mothers and families who have completed Sojourner House’s residential treatment program.
Catapult Investment: $1,273
The Wing and Mac Smackdown Part 2
The food critic and blogger Briana White of Breelicious Bites, alongside the restaurant Z Best BBQ, gathered Pittsburgh’s top chefs, caterers, restaurant owners, and food trucks on April 27th to compete for the titles of best wings and mac and cheese in Pittsburgh. The event featured 14 contestants, musical performances, vendors, and of course, plenty of delicious food. It was a chance to shine a spotlight on many of Pittsburgh’s finest Black chefs and home cooks.
“The $1,000 sponsorship enabled me to pay the winners $500 each, but Catapult’s sponsorship went far beyond their financial contribution. The team went out of their way to help with an unforeseen obstacle just days before the event. I couldn't put a dollar amount on what their assistance and contributions did for The Wing & Mac Smackdown Part 2.”
Catapult Investment: $1,000
Homewood Children’s Village Community Dinner & Health Fair
Homewood Children’s Village is a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children and families in Homewood. They break down barriers to success and foster a thriving community through direct services, education, and collaborative community engagement. On May 16th, the organization hosted a community dinner and health fair that featured health and wellness-focused exhibitors, activities, resources, and information for all family members. Guests enjoyed healthy food and beverages while connecting with friends, neighbors, community members, and partners.
Catapult Investment: $3,764
Homeless Children’s Education Fund Silver Jubilee
The Homeless Children’s Education Fund is a Pittsburgh nonprofit dedicated to empowering students experiencing homelessness and creating equity through education. Their annual Champions for Children gala honors local leaders for their commitment to improving the lives of children in the Pittsburgh region. The gala, which took place on June 1st, raised more than $270,000 to further the organization’s mission, and local politicians like Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato and Mayor Ed Gainey donned their tuxes and sparkly gowns to celebrate the organization’s 25 years of service to the community.
"Catapult's sponsorship of the Homeless Children's Education Fund Silver Jubilee was a testament to our shared commitment to empowering children and youth facing life’s daily struggles. The partnership allowed us to align missions and expand crucial programs that provide educational equity for those students experiencing homelessness. With Catapult's support, we connected our students to vital resources, opening doors to brighter futures and reinforcing that they are never alone on their academic journey.”
Catapult Investment: $1,450
Kulture Dance Academy Recital
Kulture Dance Academy is a Pittsburgh-based performing arts studio offering a diverse range of dance classes for children and adults, including ballet, jazz, hip hop, modern, and acro, with a mission to expand the mind, body, and soul of dancers through world-class training, discipline, education, and care. Their annual recital on June 2nd was an impressive spectacle of joy and talent, showcasing their students’ hard work throughout the year.
Catapult Investment: $3,764
YBMKQ 2024 Anniversary Weekend
Young Black Motivated Kings & Queens (YBMKQ) is a community-based organization of empowered young men and women dedicated to reshaping perceptions and fostering positive change. The group helps young people embrace their agency to counter negative stereotypes and inspire others to be strong, motivated, and active in their communities.
Catapult was proud to be a sponsor of the YBMKQ 2024 Anniversary weekend on June 28-30, which featured a variety of events, from a Youth Healing Summit to a Gospel Explosion to their 25 Under 25 Gala & Sneakerball.
"Catapult's sponsorship of the YBMKQ 2024 Anniversary Weekend created a transformative experience for our youth, offering them a platform to share their stories, confront their experiences, and begin a journey of healing. Through workshops and storytelling sessions, our young participants found a safe space to express themselves, connect with others who shared similar challenges, and learn coping strategies. This experience wasn't just about celebrating our growth — it was about nurturing resilience, fostering self-discovery, and giving our youth the invaluable opportunity to be seen, heard, and supported. The weekend allowed them to embrace their journeys and left a lasting impact, inspiring them to continue healing and thriving."
Catapult Investment: $1,565
SisTers PGH Pride Parade and Music Festival
SisTers PGH is a Black and trans-led nonprofit that serves the transgender community of Southwestern Pennsylvania. The organization provides holistic, supportive services, including housing, rent/utility support, emergency shelter, and a drop-in center for trans youth, adults, and seniors experiencing homelessness, domestic and sexual assault, gender-based violence, and those living with HIV. Their annual pride parade, which took place on June 30th, was a colorful event all about celebrating diversity and inclusivity.
"SisTers PGH is deeply grateful for the support of Catapult Greater Pittsburgh as a sponsor for Wilkinsburg Pride. With Catapult’s partnership, we brought hundreds of people together to celebrate and uplift our LGBTQIA+ community. The event, hosted by the phenomenal T.S. Madison, showcased five talented Black queer artists and over 50 local vendors, fostering impactful connections and change in Pittsburgh and Wilkinsburg. We thank you for helping us create a space of pride, unity, and empowerment."
Catapult Investment: $600
Ieshia Inspires Sip ‘N Style Event
Ieshia Inspires, led by Ieshia Nicole Hearn, is a coaching organization dedicated to empowering, educating, and mentoring individuals through workshops that address personal growth, resilience, and self-empowerment. Ieshia is a professional development consultant, etiquette coach, style strategist, and runway director. Her inaugural Sip ‘N Style event on July 11th combined fashion and networking to showcase the strength of women supporting women and dispel the narratives that women are not able to work together or uplift each other. The event featured flowers from Catapult Startup to Storefront graduate and retail residency Serenity Bloom Floral Couture.
Catapult Investment: $1,500
Carrick Community Day
The Carrick Community Council is a volunteer-run, nonprofit dedicated to improving the experiences of the people, businesses, and extended communities of the Carrick neighborhood. It proudly serves as Carrick’s Registered Community Organization for the City of Pittsburgh. Their Carrick Community Day event on July 27th brought the community together for a fun day of music, food, games — and some dips in their dunk tank.
Catapult Investment: $3,000
Hill District Arts Festival
ACH Clear Pathways, a nonprofit committed to providing enriching and new experiences to youth and families through visual and performing arts, and Clean Slate E3, a scholarship program for qualified public housing residents from the Housing Authority of the City of Pittsburgh, presented this year’s 2024 Hill District Arts Festival. The vibrant event drew large crowds and featured 31 vendors and food trucks, nine performing artists, and a “Creative Kidz Zone” with free children’s activities. Held on July 27th, the festival was a moment for the Hill community to gather and recognize the arts and talent in their community.
Catapult Investment: $3,943
Black Voices Bright Futures Community Literacy Celebration
Hosted by the authors Patrice Wade-Johnson and Maisha Howze, the Black Voices Bright Futures literary expo held at the Jeron X. Grayson Community Center in the Hill District on August 31st was a moment to raise awareness of Black perspectives. The event featured eight up-and-coming Pittsburgh authors and six community resources, including the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Scholar House, and others.
With interactive activities, book giveaways, panel discussions, and networking opportunities for attendees, it was a joyful day centered around Black writers and promoting literacy within the Black community.
“By providing access to culturally relevant books, fostering a love for reading from an early age, and promoting positive role models within the literary community, we aim to inspire and empower individuals to become lifelong learners and readers. For us, this is the start of history.”
Catapult Investment: $3,764
Keesha Benett | Feeding Pittsburgh’s Unhoused
After joining the 2024 Catapult Culinary cohort, Kesha Bennett started her catering business, Peacefulplatez, and feeding Pittsburgh’s unhoused population. In March of 2024, Catapult awarded $5,000 in funds from Yield Giving to Bennett’s cause. With that money, Bennett has already been able to feed over 300 people and buy shower bags, tents, beds, shoes, toiletries, solar-powered chargers, and other essential items. These supplies have proven critical, especially as many in Pittsburgh’s unhoused community distrust government services.
“When I started this, I wasn’t trying to build an organization. I really just wanted to be the change. At the end of the day, my goal is to bring some hope into their situation. Even if it's just that one moment where they smile at me because they are getting some food, I want them to know that there's somebody else out there who cares.”
Catapult Investment: $5,000
We’re grateful for the opportunity to support these incredible causes and look forward to continuing to fund grassroots initiatives across Pittsburgh and beyond.
