Letter from Our President & CEO
Dear Friends,
As we step into 2025, I am filled with immense pride and optimism for the future of the Pincus Family Foundation (PFF). Our journey over the past years has been marked by significant growth and achievements. Now, fully equipped with a dynamic team, we are able to more meaningfully support our non-profit partners to create positive change in the lives of children.
Looking Ahead
Our vision for 2025 includes continuing to make immediate tangible impact and setting lo ural change. This year PFF is actively working on strategic planning to establish prioritized ou unity with other foundations, and enhance methods of engagement to support non-profit organizations. This includes expanding beyond traditional grantmaking with a One Million Dollar carve out from our endowment for Mission Aligned Investing. We are committed to transparency, trust-based philanthropy and collaboration. Further, we affirm that by working together with likeminded funders, non-profit partners, and the communities we serve, we will create lasting change.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to creating a world where every child has the opportunity to thrive. We remain unwavering in supporting non-profit organizations who offer impactful initiatives and programming in our core areas of focus Creative and Performing Arts, Education, Health and Wellness, and Play and Recreation helping us to create a holistic hug to the children being served.
Ensuring the well-being of children is our mission and is paramount to the development proud to lead our organization into this next chapter of building a brighter future for co
Danielle Y. Scott
Our Founders
The Pincus Family Foundation, originally established as the Pincus Charitable Fund, was founded in 2005 by philanthropists David N. Pincus (1926–2011) and Geraldine Pincus (1937-2013). David and Gerry, which she preferred to be called, dedicated their lives to providing financial assistance to those in need and also to offering hands-on, face-to-face support and aid to children across the globe. This was largely possible with Gerry's active participation acquiring their art collection later used to establish the foundation’s endowment.
David's commitment to charitable work was unparalleled. Each year, he celebrated his birthday by traveling to distressed regions of the world to provide direct assistance. Known for his spontaneity and compassion, he would often change plans at the last minute to help someone in need, even if it meant missing holidays or important events to prioritize helping others.
Our Mission
We support our non-profit partners to develop and enhance programs that improve the lives of children, their families, and their communities.
Our Values
The Pincus Family Foundation is driven by the values that our founders David and Gerry Pincus lived by: “to get involved, not just think about your own life, you are supposed to do things for other people.” Today, the second and third generation of Pincus Family members have added their ethos, while keeping the founders’ legacy alive.
To help those less fortunate become more fortunate.
2024 at a Glance
Grant Distribution
$6,169,776 in Grants
Creative & Performing Arts
Engagement in the arts builds essential skills in literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving that support lifelong achievement. However, many children face systemic barriers to accessing creative activities like visual arts, writing, theater, music, and dance. These activities are not just enrichment they are essential tools for building confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging. The Pincus Family Foundation is dedicated to breaking down these barriers by supporting non-profit partners who expand access to the creative and performing arts for children with little or no access. By fostering involvement in the arts, PFF seeks to empower children to unlock their potential, thrive in school, and build brighter futures.
Empowering Futures Through Arts Education
ChesterChildren'sChorus
For more than 30 years, the Chester Children's Chorus (CCC) has integrated music education, community performance, and academic support to transform the lives of children in Chester, Pennsylvania, while enriching the broader community. The impact of this program extends far beyond music; students develop confidence and skills that translate to other areas of their lives, as evidenced by the consistent positive testimonials from participants, families, and alumni.
Through the partnership between PFF and CCC, the mission of empowering futures through arts education is brought to vibrant life, creating lasting pathways for children who might otherwise be denied these critical developmental opportunities.
This commitment to holistic development is especially evident in CCC's Math Practice Program which was launched in 2019 to support students' mathematical achievement through personalized learning experiences. The program employs a full-time math instructor and nearly 50 Swarthmore College students who provide one-on-one tutoring. Many students work with the same coaches over multiple years, building positive, trusting relationships that have become a cornerstone of the program's success in promoting both academic achievement and socialemotional learning. These established relationships allow tutors to understand each child's unique learning style and adapt their instructional methods accordingly, while students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes, and exploring new strategies all essential components for developing mathematical confidence and flexibility. As CCC's Managing and Education Director Dana Semos explains, "mathematical fluency is a gateway to post-secondary choices. We want our children to have every option for success beyond the CCC and high school, whether they choose college, a trade, or go directly into the workforce."
Empowering Futures Through Arts Education
WábiArts'FOCUSFellowship
In New Haven, Connecticut, where many BIPOC youth face limited access to creative outlets, Wábi Arts' FOCUS Fellowship is a powerful example of how arts education can transform lives. With support from PFF, the program creates pathways for participants to explore creative expression while developing confidence and professional capabilities. The impact of the fellowship is evident in the success stories of its participants:
Jamila's photography skills led to her documenting events for the Ely Center, where she now serves on the board of directors as a youth representative.
Alex's work on the Honey Bee Project contributed to securing a $10,000 grant, showcasing how artistic skills can advance community initiatives.
Ty established his own photography business, offering headshots and event photography services.
Understanding the challenges many students face, Wábi has implemented personalized support systems, mentorship, and consistent communication to ensure that family circumstances and housing instability don't prevent participation. This approach has significantly improved student retention and program completion.
The FOCUS Fellowship demonstrates how arts education serves as an outlet for both creative expression and healing, empowering youth to overcome obstacles and engage meaningfully with their communities. Wábi aims to develop into a comprehensive institution devoted to arts education and community healing for BIPOC youth who have historically had limited access to these opportunities.
Through strategic investments in programs like Chester Children's Chorus and Wábi Arts' Focus Fellowship, the Pincus Family Foundation demonstrates that providing access to arts education is transformative for children from historically marginalized communities. By supporting organizations that provide meaningful creative experiences, PFF actively dismantles the systemic barriers that limit artistic opportunities. This intentional approach ensures that creative and performing arts become accessible tools for development, expression, and growth for all children, regardless of background or circumstance. As these programs flourish, PFF's vision of empowering futures through arts education creates a ripple effect building confident, resilient individuals who strengthen their communities and unlock their full potential for lifelong achievement.
2024 Creative & Performing Arts Grantee Partners
Allens Lane Art Center Association
Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation
Arts for Learning Connecticut
ArtWell Collaborative
Chester Children’s Chorus
Da Vinci Art Alliance
First Person Arts
GEGISOM (Georgia E. Gregory
Interdenominational School of Music)
Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia
Mighty Writers
Middle Years Alternative School
Music Haven
NXTHVN
Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts
Play on Philly
Rock to the Future
TILT Institute for the Contemporary Image
Tomorrow’s Women
Young Audiences of NJ & Eastern PA
Embedded within our mission lies a steadfast commitment to educational equity and access with a focus on impacting middle school students. The Pincus Family Foundation has identified a critical opportunity in education funding by focusing on middle school years (grades 4-8). While education funding heavily prioritizes both ends of the academic spectrum - providing robust support for early childhood development and high school completion the critical middle school period remains comparatively overlooked. These intermediate years represent an essential bridge in a student's educational journey. This timing is particularly crucial, as research shows these years are fundamental for both brain development and academic development.
Supporting High School Readiness
The 2022 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results highlight the urgency of our work at the Pincus Family Foundation. Student achievement has declined across all demographic groups nationwide, with 8th grade reading proficiency falling to 31% a 3-point decline from 2019. Mathematics scores have reached their lowest levels since 1990, with 4th grade scores dropping 5 points and 8th grade scores declining by 8 points.
These challenges strengthen our commitment to transforming the middle school education experience. Research confirms that the middle school years represent a critical inflection point in a student's journey. While students may physically leave school during high school, the pivotal decision to disengage often crystallizes by 8th grade creating both urgency and opportunity for meaningful intervention during this period.
The Pincus Family Foundation partners with innovative organizations that create challenging yet nurturing environments for middle school students. These programs prepare students for high school while inspiring them to become engaged, confident citizens ready to contribute to their communities.
Despite pandemic-related challenges, our partners have demonstrated remarkable resilience and creativity in advancing our shared mission of High School Readiness. Their commitment to research-backed best practices for adolescent learners creates environments where every child can discover their unique gifts and potential. The outcomes our partners share from attendance patterns to socialemotional competencies to academic outcomes reinforce our belief that investing in supportive middle school environments transforms educational trajectories and empowers future leaders.
NorthCityCongress
PFF’s partnership with North City Congress (NCC) supported an innovative intergenerational out-of-school time enrichment program for students in grades 5-8. Operated primarily during summer months and designed with retired educators, the program runs four days a week, balancing academic engagement with necessary downtime.
NCC aims to help students perform at or above grade level in mathematics and literacy while developing emotional regulation and social skills. The program exemplifies crosscollaboration with organizations:
Teach It Labs for STEM programming
Hope Partnership for Education for expanded programming
Philadelphia’s Police Athletic League
Yoga4Philly for weekly instruction
Painting Pics for artistic expression
The results are compelling: In ELA, the percentage of students with low-risk indicators increased by 25 percentage points, while high-risk indicators decreased by the same amount. In mathematics, 37.5% of students began the program with medium-risk indicators, but by completion, all students had transitioned to low-risk indicators.
Supporting High School Readiness
Supporting High School Readiness
CityYear MiamiandPhiladelphia
City Year delivers holistic support to students, classrooms, and entire schools. Drawing from 35 years of experience in human and youth development, they support both students and AmeriCorps members who serve as student success coaches.
Their Whole School, Whole Child® model has proven to be a critical component of successful schools, especially as they recover from pandemic impacts. This approach recognizes that learning isn't just about academics it’s also about building and nurturing positive relationships and essential interpersonal skills. Their integrated model builds skills and supports mindsets critical for students' success in school and beyond.
Among students receiving academic support from City Year Miami and Philadelphia, 84% met or exceeded growth in literacy, while 88% did so in mathematics. Additionally, in both program locations up to 97% of partner school administrators and teachers agreed that City Year had a positive impact on school climate and culture.
At Pincus Family Foundation, we are driven by the opportunity to partner with organizations revolutionizing student support throughout these crucial years, ensuring they emerge ready to thrive in high school and beyond. Through strategic partnerships and evidence-based approaches, we're building a foundation for transformative, sustainable impact that will benefit communities for generations. Our vision extends across the entire educational journey. We've learned that transformation happens when learning experiences center on each young person's unique circumstances. Our partners create environments where students flourish because they feel genuinely seen and valued—supporting not just academic growth but their complete development as individuals. When students experience learning environments that honor their full humanity, they develop both a love of learning and confidence in their future.
2024 Education Grantee Partners
Academy of Notre Dame de Namur
Benchmark School
Blue Engine
Breakthrough of Greater Philadelphia
Bushfire Theatre of Performing Arts
City Year - Miami
City Year - Philadelphia
Community College of Philadelphia
The Franklin Institute
Hope Partnership for Education
Inn Dwelling
John F. McCloskey School
Need in Deed
North City Congress
Philadelphia Outward Bound Center
The New Haven Reads
The School Mindfulness Project
UC San Diego/Preuss School
West Philadelphia Alliance for Children
Wistar Institute for Anatomy & Biology
Young Scholars Charter School
Health & Wellness
Access to comprehensive healthcare and wellness resources transforms children's lives, yet millions of children lack equitable access to these essential services. Children who experience food insecurity, witness violence in their communities, and lack access to high-quality medical care are not only disadvantaged in their early years but suffer long-term health consequences as a result. Such health inequities are harmful and unjust.
The Pincus Family Foundation partners with organizations that address these disparities through diverse strategies: advancing equitable healthcare, preventing violence, combating food insecurity, and providing nutritious meals to children. Our Health & Wellness grantmaking is guided by the principle of balance recognizing that effective solutions often require both immediate interventions and longer-term structural development.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
The problem of unrealized capacity for health in children is dire, particularly for those being raised in communities impacted by negative social and structural forces. Feeling unsafe in your neighborhood, witnessing violence, experiencing racism or discrimination, and being food insecure are examples of what scientists call 'Adverse Childhood Experiences' (ACEs).
As a child experiences more ACEs, their neurodevelopment is negatively impacted and their social, emotional, and cognitive skills are impaired. These consequences are related to significantly higher rates of disease, disability, and social problems in adulthood. Two-thirds of adults in the United States report at least 1 ACE, and 20% report at least 4 ACEs, which is the tipping point for increased risk for chronic illness, addiction, suicide, and early death. Too many children are reaching this point. For example, in North Philadelphia, 45% of children have experienced 4 or more ACEs. However, these outcomes are not inevitable. Interventions and supportive relationships with adults and peers can have powerful long-term impacts. PFF is proud to support grantee partners working to mitigate the factors that lead to ACEs.
Fostering Capacity for Health & Wellness
A growing national problem, food insecurity impacts children and families at their core. The most recent national numbers indicate that on average 18% of households with children were food insecure; in single-parent households, that number rises to 23% in single-father households and 35% in singlemother households. This means that nearly 14 million children lack sufficient access to food.
PFF partners are addressing food insecurity not only by facilitating access to nutritious food, but also through family and community-centered programming that empowers young people with knowledge, skills, and passion for nutrition.
SNACC (Sustainable Nutrition and Community Connection)
In New York City, SNACC expanded their free after-school program 'Cook + Connect' to serve additional tweens and teens who now prepare nutritious weekly dinners for their families. Participants receive high-quality groceries and use those ingredients during interactive online cooking sessions led by professional chefs, resulting in meals enjoyed by the whole family.
Young people involved in SNACC programming report increased motivation for schoolwork, greater self-confidence, and more independence, while families experience reduced stress around mealtime. As one participant shared, "I feel very proud of the food that I make for my family. I'm proud of the person I've become since being in SNACC."
Fostering Capacity for Health & Wellness
The Pincus Family Foundation engages with domestic non-profit organizations to support international grantee partners who are investing in infrastructural development that enables life-saving and basic needs interventions to reach more families. These partnerships also allow organizations to remain operational despite challenging situations on the ground.
Meds & Food for Kids (MFK)
Meds & Food for Kids demonstrates this approach through their work in Haiti, where they are committed to resilience and community integration. They empower Haitians through employment, training, and sustainable practices related to the production of peanut-based ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF).
PFF funding supported construction of a hurricane-proof building housing a battery energy storage system and solar array that provides 70% of their energy needs. This sustainable infrastructure reduces operational costs by $85,000 annually, decreases pollution, and increases production capacity by 20 metric tons, allowing MFK to serve an additional 1,800 malnourished children each year.
Fostering Capacity for Health & Wellness
The Pincus Family Foundation recognizes that meaningful change often requires sustained, multi-level interventions. Through multi-cycle funding, we support organizations working toward broader structural improvements in children's health systems. This work must be holistic, with interventions at both the social and structural levels, and requires coordination among multiple stakeholders.
The Pincus Pillar Partners
Over the past eight years, PFF has united four grantee partners as the "Pincus Pillar Partners." This collaborative approach positions the Foundation not only as a funding source but as a convener that facilitates knowledge-sharing and collective impact. By investing in proven solutions and populationbased advocacy, we help create more equitable and sustainable health outcomes for all children.
The Pincus Pillar Partners consider themselves members of a community of collaborators. In 2020, they hosted the “Toward a Better Future: A case study in leveraging strategic partnerships” symposium, and in 2024 collectively published “A case study in leveraging strategic partnerships through trust-based philanthropy” in the Journal of Philanthropy & Marketing. The group continues to hold recurring quarterly meetings, each of which results in new connections and renewed excitement about the collective. Additionally, representatives from different partner institutions have also met in smaller, targeted groups to share their expertise and collaborate on projects that might not have happened otherwise.
The Global Health Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) trains future leaders in global child health through the Pincus Global Health Fellowship, a 3-year immersive and mentored training experience enhancing clinical, educational, research, advocacy, and leadership skills.
Temple University’s Pincus Urban Health Fellowship provides clinicians a well-rounded education about the state of pediatric health in urban communities, and the skills needed to develop and implement new innovations addressing this population
Tulane University’s Violence Prevention Scholars program provides interdisciplinary, community-centered education towards the end of generating multi-sector solutions to prevent and address violence in the New Orleans community.
Boston Medical Center’s (BMC) Center for the Urban Child and Healthy Family’s Pediatric Practice of the Future is an innovation hub for reimagining pediatric care delivery in partnership with families and community-based organizations
The Pincus Family Foundation's approach to health and wellness exemplifies how targeted interventions can create meaningful change for vulnerable children. By addressing immediate needs while simultaneously investing in structural improvements through collaborative initiatives, the Foundation follows a balanced strategy that tackles both symptoms and root causes of health inequities. Our grantee partners’ work is improving children's immediate well-being by fostering resilience and laying the groundwork for healthier futures. Through strategic partnerships and sustained commitment, the Foundation illustrates how philanthropic efforts can help transform systems to create more equitable health outcomes for all children, particularly those in underserved communities.
2024 Health & Wellness Grantee Partners
Association to Benefit Children
Boston Medical Center
Children's Global Health Fund
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
Engaruka Health Community
Organization (EHCO)
Federation of Neighborhood Centers
Greater Philadelphia Coalition Against Hunger
Greener Partners
MANNA (Metropolitan Area
Neighborhood Nutrition Alliance)
One House at a Time
The Pincus Fund for Hunger Relief
Solar Youth
Temple University
Tulane University
Play & Recreation
Play is fundamental to childhood development, supporting physical health, social-emotional growth, and cognitive skills. Research confirms that consistent access to quality play spaces helps children build essential life skills. However, for many children especially those in historically marginalized communities safe and engaging play environments remain inaccessible due to systemic barriers and resource limitations
Creating Safe and Inclusive Playspaces
PlayworksEducationEnergized
The Pincus Family Foundation invests in Play & Recreation through our partnership with Playworks Education Energized Philadelphia. This organization increases opportunities for physical activity and meaningful play, aligning with our belief that play is essential to children's well-being and their cognitive, physical, social, and emotional development.
Since launching in Pennsylvania in 2009, Playworks has reached more than half of the School District of Philadelphia's 150 elementary schools, primarily serving students in disadvantaged communities where 99% qualify for free or reduced lunch.
Our partnership with Playworks yields measurable outcomes: 93% of schools report improved overall school climate, 88% note decreased bullying during recess, and 98% observe increased physical activity among students. Through their multi-tiered programming Coach, TeamUp, Pro, and digital services Playworks creates systemic change that saves schools an average of 16 hours of instructional time annually by improving transitions from recess to classroom learning.
Their approach addresses immediate needs for safe play while building sustainable capacity within school communities, exemplifying the balanced strategy that characterizes our most effective grantee partnerships.
Creating Safe and Inclusive Playspaces
PhiladelphiaYouthFootballAcademy
Philadelphia Youth Football Academy (PYFA) uses flag football as a vehicle for youth development in underserved Philadelphia communities. Their mission to "assist youth from low-income families in Philadelphia with strengthening their chances to live healthy lifestyles, graduate and obtain fulltime employment, become entrepreneurs or gain admission to post-secondary institutions" aligns with our vision of play as a transformative force in children's development.
Working across Northwest Philadelphia public schools, PYFA serves upwards of 40 youth through programming that combines athletics with life skills development. Their "Third and Long Program" connects professionals, youth, and community stakeholders through therapeutic, athletic, and academic activities. With partnerships ranging from Cradle to Grave's anti-violence education to the Philadelphia Youth Sports Collaborative, PYFA takes a comprehensive approach to youth development.
The results are significant 80% of participants show improvements in physical health, reduction in negative behaviors, and increased academic engagement, social skills, and personal development.
Through our partnerships with organizations like Playworks and Philadelphia Youth Football Academy, the Pincus Family Foundation demonstrates its commitment to ensuring all children have access to highquality play experiences. These programs both provide immediate positive experiences and build long-term capacity for youth to succeed in school and beyond. By addressing the play equity gap, we help create environments where children can develop critical skills through joyful, engaging activities that will support them throughout their lives.
2024 Play & Recreation Grantee Partners
Excite All Stars
Girls on the Run of Montgomery & Delaware Counties PA
Hole in the Wall Gang Fund
Laureus Sport for Good NOLA
love.fútbol
Philadelphia Youth Basketball
Playworks Education Energized
Philadelphia Youth Football Academy
Smith Memorial Playgrounds
Yoga 4 the World
NextGen
In September, NextGen hosted its Fifth Annual Summit in Philadelphia. The Summit 2024's objectives were to foster collaboration and enhance the capacity of partner organizations. Twenty-seven (27) NextGen partner organizations attended the summit, which took place over two days.
At the summit, attendees shared powerful insights igniting impactful change, explored new approaches to creative storytelling, and engaged in deep, meaningful conversations driven by a shared mission of making a positive impact.
Post-summit feedback was exceptionally positive, with 100% of attendees reporting that they would be interested in attending next year's summit. Anecdotes from partners affirmed our trust-based approach, as they did not expect us to engage them in such a human and personable way.
Voices were amplified, connections forged, and a bold new vision of leadership and community ignited. It was an inspiring weekend of commitment to our shared mission!
The NextGen Committee is vital to ensuring the future of the Pincus Family Foundation. Members of the committee are given opportunities to learn and engage with the Foundation's mission while shaping their own philanthropic journey. The NextGen Committee reviews Letters of Intent (LOIs) and Grant Applications by invitation annually.
2024 NextGen Grantee Partners
9 Dots Community Learning Center
Beyond the Bars
Billion Oyster Project
Brooklyn Botanic Garden Corporation
Bududa America Foundation
Canal Dock Boathouse
Dinner Table Documentary
DIY Girls
Leveling the Playing Field
Madonna Mission
OKO Urban Farms
Peaceplayers International
Remember Niger Coalition
Summer Search NYC
SÜPRSEED
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
UnScripted Project
In 2022, the Pincus Family Foundation partnered with Catchafire, a platform that connects non-profits with skilled volunteers for pro bono projects. Non-profits gain access to a wide range of professional expertise, enabling them to enhance their operations, develop new strategies, and achieve their missions more effectively.
This collaboration allows us to offer sponsored Catchafire memberships to our partners and other non-profits. By inviting organizations to join our Catchafire cohort, we establish and maintain meaningful relationships with these organizations and provide an additional means of support. This initiative also allows us to assist those worthy nonprofits who submit LOIs but who we can't at this time support with resources for their immediate organizational needs and to help them prepare for future grant opportunities.
Now in our third year of partnership, we are actively collaborating with Catchafire to devise new strategies, tools, and opportunities to better support our non-profits. This ongoing collaboration enables us to amplify our impact and ensure that more children benefit from the vital programs and services provided by our non-profit partners.
This has increased our ability to work with high-caliber individuals that our organization otherwise would not be able to access. In addition, it provides peers to deliberate with and get advice from on topics where we do not carry expertise or need to learn more. This has been hugely beneficial for us and we are so grateful for the access.
Sara Zebovitz Associate Director, Interfaith Philadelphia
2023 - 2024 Impact 09/01 - 08/31
Closing Remarks
Our Mission in Action
The Pincus Family Foundation continues to honor the legacy of our founders, David and Gerry Pincus, through impactful, responsive philanthropy focused on empowering our non-profit partners. In 2024, we proudly exceeded the 5% mandatory distribution requirement, granting $6,169,776 across 80 organizations working towards the well-being of children. We demonstrated our commitment to maximizing the resources entrusted to us through an approach that prioritizes:
General operating support: More than 90% of grants provided General Operating Support (GOS), giving organizations the flexibility to address their communities' evolving needs.
Multiyear commitments: More than 90% of partnerships were structured as multiyear commitments, fostering sustainable growth and bold vision.
Beyond Financial Support
We lead with a human-centered approach and a commitment that goes beyond funding. In 2024, we deepened our role as thought partners and made use of our platform to elevate our grantee partners' voices. We continuously look for ways to strengthen and amplify their impact by expanding their access to essential resources like Catchafire and the Satell Institute.
Looking Forward
As we enter 2025, the Foundation is activating its $1,000,000 Mission Aligned Investing strategy. Additionally, through our Satell Institute membership, we will actively engage in the Think and Do Tank dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Throughout these new initiatives, we remain committed to stewarding our endowment effectively and investing to ensure that children and communities thrive.
