You may have asked yourself: how does SHIM fund the holistic programming that helps 8,500 neighbors here in the South Hills? Great question! You, our South Hills supporters, provide significant funds that power our programs. With an operating budget of $4,201,312, it’s incredible to see individuals contribute almost $1 million!
Just like it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a connected community to support neighbors in need. Here is a detailed breakdown of our generous funding sources.
Contracts
As a trusted human services provider, almost 25 percent of our revenue comes from Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) contracts. This includes Community Service Block Grants (CSBG) funding for emergency financial assistance, transportation aid, and self-sufficiency programming. DHS also funds our youth programs, including our After School, Youth Mentoring, and Summer Camp programs. Contracts from DHS also fund family support programming at our newly relocated South Hills Family Center. We’re grateful for DHS’s support funding bi-lingual walk-in services, support groups, parenting classes, family development screenings, and more.
SHIM also partners with Jewish Family and Community Services (JFCS) to offer Immigrant Services and Connections (ISAC). Funds from JFCS support referral and case management services for immigrants and refugees in our South Hills community. JFCS also provides training and resources for ISAC staff members.
Foundations
We are incredibly grateful for the support we receive from Pittsburgh’s very generous foundation community. Each year, we apply for grants for various programs, and we appreciate the continued support we receive. Last year we received support from the Jefferson Regional Foundation, Richard King Mellon Foundation, Hillman Family Foundations, The Pittsburgh Foundation, Posner Foundation of Pittsburgh, The Grable Foundation, and the Jack Buncher Foundation, among others.
Some of these foundations fund specific programs and projects while others support general operating expenses. Not including specific capital requests, foundations provided 30 percent of SHIM’s non-contracted revenue last year. Together, they provide a strong foundation for SHIM to budget responsibly.
Individuals
Almost half of our non-contracted revenue comes from individuals like you! We are blessed to operate in such a generous community. Last year, individuals contributed more than $900,000 in support of our holistic programming! We are blown away by this generosity, especially considering that half of our individual donors give $100 or less. 
Congregations and Community Groups
Our interfaith roots remain strong here in the South Hills community, with significant support coming from local congregations. Our founding congregations remain strong financial partners while other local churches and synagogues have joined to provide additional support. Religious organizations provide around 11 percent of non-contracted revenue.
Not only do congregations support us financially, but they often spearhead in-kind donation drives and encourage volunteer recruitment. They also spread awareness about programs to reach neighbors in need. These efforts further amplify their impact within our community.
Businesses
We rely on local businesses, both large and small, to support programs. Through sponsorship of our annual fundraiser Celebrate the South Hills with SHIM and the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program, Pittsburgh businesses contribute about 7 percent of our non-contracted yearly revenue. Businesses also play a role in rallying neighbors in large-scale donation drives.
Strengthening the Foundation for What’s Next
As the need in our community continues to grow, so does our operating budget—and with it, the urgency to identify new, sustainable sources of support. While we are grateful for the longstanding generosity of foundations, individuals, congregations, and businesses, we know we must continue to expand our reach to meet the increasing demand for our services. Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient South Hills where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Spending you can trust
Supporting 8,500 South Hills residents through comprehensive services is expensive. Our goal is to provide vital resources that lead to long-term impact. Through thoughtful leadership, responsible accounting, and strategic investment, we are positioned to support neighbors long into the future. Our emphasis on offering a hand-up, not a handout, enables us to provide lasting solutions to individuals and families in crisis.
Because of our adherence to best practices standards, we’ve received a platinum transparency rating from Candid and a four-star rating from Charity Navigator- top ratings from each agency.
We are committed to garnering feedback from the people we serve and the people who support us to best meet the needs of our South Hills community. Thanks to you, we are positively impacting the lives of our neighbors.
Imagine what we could do if even more of our neighbors joined in support! Find out how you can get involved on our Donate page.
