July 2026 Conference

The Jefferson Regional Foundation hosted a one-day conference themed Going the Distance: Progress, Partnerships & Purpose for nonprofit partners on July 16, 2026. The event featured keynote speaker, Tamara Tunie, a Mon Valley native, alumna of Carnegie Mellon University, & acclaimed actor and philanthropist.

The Jefferson Regional Foundation recognizes that collaboration is a key strategy to strengthen our service area and amplify impact. The Unified Voices Award celebrates partnerships between nonprofit organizations that work together to deliver meaningful outcomes in the community. This inaugural Unified Voices Award will be presented at the July 16 Conference and will continue to be awarded on a biennial basis at the Jefferson Regional Foundation Conference.

The Jefferson Regional Foundation was also pleased to recognize organizations nominated for the inaugural Unified Voices Award. These nominees represent collaborative partnerships that are working together to strengthen communities and create meaningful impact throughout the JRF service area. 

• AHN Cancer Institute, Duquesne Dukes Athletic Association, Clairton and McKeesport Youth Football Association
• Allegheny Partners for Out-of-School Time (APOST), Maple Unified Student Academy (MUSA), Melting Pot Ministries, Boys & Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania
• Carnegie of Homestead, Rainbow Kitchen
• Cloverleaf Area Ecumenical Assistance Program, Global Links
• Dragon’s Den, Maple Unified Student Academy (MUSA)
• Duquesne University Center for Integrative Health, Clairton City School District, Mon Valley Initiative, Mon Valley Active Life Center, GPCFB
• Food Assistance Match
• Heritage Community Initiatives, DFS Pgh, Allegheny County Housing Authority, GPCFB, Foundation of Hope, PA Career Link, MVI, Auberle
• JFCS, Casa San Jose, Latino Community Center, Literacy Pittsburgh
• Mon Valley Initiative, Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Kindred C.U.L.T.U.R.E., Youth Opportunities Development, Pittsburgh Area Community Schools, Clairton City School District
• New Evangelistic Ministries, Total Soul Salvation Ministries, and Pittsburgh Area Community Schools, Duquesne
• The Mentoring Partnership of Southwestern Pennsylvania and Auberle

The following initiatives & organizations were selected as finalists by Vision Council for the inaugural Unified Voices Award. 

• Clairton City School District STEM Pathway Project: STEM Coding Lab, Will Allen Foundation, Clairton City School District
• McKeesport & Clairton Community Drive-Up Diaper Distribution: Global Links, Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank
• The Greater Pittsburgh Infant Formula Bank: Beverly’s PGH and McKeesport Family Center
• Advancing Restorative Practices, Racial Equity & Student Belonging: The Just Discipline Project, Pittsburgh Area Community Schools, Duquesne City School District

Finalists were celebrated at the July 2026 Conference! 

Thank you to all nominees & finalists for demonstrating the power of partnership, collaboration, and community impact throughout our region.