POISE Foundation

Congratulations to Jonisha Carlino, a sophomore at Duquesne University majoring in Nursing, on being awarded the 2026 Mamie Garland Scholarship in the amount of $2500!

She was recognized at the scholarship luncheon on April 11th by the Kappa Chapter Incorporated, Chi Eta Phi Incorporated for her hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence,

Please join us in celebrating this well deserved achievement and wishing her continued success!

Celebrate Community: 2025 POISE Grantee Reception

Join the POISE Foundation to honor 24 organizations driving change in the Black community. In 2025, we awarded over $163,000 in Community Impact and Urban Youth Action Grants—now, we’re celebrating the leaders behind the work.

The afternoon features an intimate panel discussion with women leaders from our 2025 grantee pool, moderated by POISE President & COO Karris Jackson:

Anna Hollis Kander – Amachi Pittsburgh
Erin Perry – Legacy Arts
Sheila Rawlings – Tom Johnson Boys Academy

Connect with nonprofit leaders and advocates to see the direct impact of local philanthropy.

When: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Where: Two Gateway Center, 603 Stanwix St, Pittsburgh (1st Floor)
Experience: Panel discussion, networking, and light refreshments.

Open to the public. Join us in celebrating the dedication that strengthens our region.

To Register -

POISE Foundation's 2025 Grantee Reception Celebrate POISE Foundation’s 2025 Grantees! Join us March 31, 2pm at 2 Gateway Center for a panel & networking. Honoring 24 orgs driving community change.

🎓 POISE General Scholarship
⏰ Deadline: April 12, 2026
Visit our website for more information and to apply: https://poisefoundation.org/poise-general-scholarships/

Scholarship Highlight

The Kilby Family Endowed Scholarship Fund provides tuition support to students while honoring the strength and resilience of enslaved persons and their descendants. This scholarship was established as a meaningful step toward making amends for the mistreatment experienced by those who were enslaved.

Eligibility:
• Descendants of persons enslaved in Culpeper, Rappahannock, or Madison counties, Virginia prior to 1865
• Preference given to descendants of persons enslaved by John Kilby of Culpeper County and his lineal descendants who were enslavers
• Must attend an accredited 2-year or 4-year college or university

Deadline to apply is April 30th

Visit the website for more information and to apply: https://poisefoundation.org/the-kilby-family-endowed-scholarship-fund/

Scholarship Opportunity for Aspiring and Current Educators

Are you passionate about making a difference in the classroom? The Anthony S. Fountain and Alissa Fountain-Burse Scholarship supports individuals who are committed to shaping the next generation through education. For more information and to apply, click here - https://poisefoundation.org/anthony-s-fountain-alissa-fountain-burse-scholarship-fund/ Applications are open now through April 24, 2026

Scholarship Spotlight

The Chapman Urban Scholars Program (CUSP) was established in 2021 by husband and wife Rev. Charles and Dr. Liz Chapman. The Chapman Urban Scholars Program (CUSP) was created to help underrepresented students on the ‘cusp’ of educational advancement have the necessary opportunities to follow their dreams of studying in the area of social services or one of the sciences.

Both Liz and Charles received full-tuition scholarships and know the value of education and the doors that it can open. In partnership with POISE Foundation, several scholarships are provided to eligible high school seniors in Columbus, Ohio.

For more information and to apply, visit our website today. https://poisefoundation.org/chapman-urban-scholars-program-fund/