POISE Foundation History

POISE Foundation was founded by Bernard H. Jones, Sr. in December of 1980 as the first public foundation in the state of Pennsylvania organized and managed by African Americans. The purpose of the Foundation is to develop and enhance the participation of African American philanthropists in the economic and social development of the Black community of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. For 29 years, the Foundation has supported programs that add value to the quality of life of blacks and African Americans in Pittsburgh as well as throughout the region. The Foundation has also initiated or collaborated with several other programs to develop hope, vision, and a sense of pride in the black community.

POISE Foundation is predicated on Jones' vision of an empowered community able to care for itself and his belief that the key to empowerment lies in the development and maintenance of economic and social programs designed to promote self-help and financial independence in the black community.

POISE Foundation One Gateway Center, Suite 500 420 Fort Duquesne Blvd. Pittsburgh, PA 15222

 For more information about the Poise Foundation visit, www.poisefoundation.org