The Nicely Ridge Foundation
Preselected recipients only
The Nicely Ridge Foundation is a private foundation in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In tax year 2025 it gave $796,165 in 21 grants; the typical grant was $25,000 and the largest $133,667. It only gives to organizations it selects itself and does not accept unsolicited applications.
From its IRS Form 990-PF for tax year 2025.
- Grants paid, 2025$796,165
- Number of grants21
- Typical grant$25,000
- Largest grant$133,667
- Assets$18.1 million
- New grantees65%
Giving in 2025 was up from $700,000 the year before.
65% of its 2025 grantees had not received a grant from it the year before, a sign it is open to new organizations.
Giving by year
| Tax year | Grants paid | Number of grants | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $715,000 | 23 | $15.3 million |
| 2024 | $700,000 | 18 | $16.7 million |
| 2025 | $796,165 | 21 | $18.1 million |
How to apply
The Nicely Ridge Foundation says in its IRS filing that it only makes contributions to preselected organizations, so unsolicited applications are unlikely to be considered. Organizations it funds are usually invited.
What The Nicely Ridge Foundation funds
Where it gives
Its grants went to recipients in 3 states, the most to Pennsylvania.
| State | Grants | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 19 | $726,165 |
| Tennessee | 1 | $60,000 |
| Virginia | 1 | $10,000 |
Grants paid in 2025
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Impact Foundation | General support | $133,667 |
| Pennsylvania State University | General support | $110,000 |
| Ligonier Camp and Conference Center | General support | $77,000 |
| Bountiful American Foundation | General support | $60,000 |
| Individual | General support | $50,000 |
| Trade Institute of Pittsburgh | General support | $50,000 |
| Church of the Ascension | General support | $40,000 |
| Mt Lebanon Community Foundation | General support | $37,998 |
| Living Stones | General support | $30,000 |
| Light of Life Rescue Mission | General support | $30,000 |
| Community Kitchen Pittsburgh | General support | $25,000 |
| Grow Pittsburgh | General support | $25,000 |
| Western Pennsylvania Conservancy | General support | $25,000 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | General support | $25,000 |
| Second Harvest Food Bank | General support | $15,000 |
| The Spartan Community Center | General support | $15,000 |
| Campus Crusade for Christ | General support | $10,000 |
| Laurel Highlands Council | General support | $10,000 |
| Scott Conservancy | General support | $10,000 |
| The Network Group | General support | $10,000 |
| Young Life Pittsburgh | General support | $7,500 |
Officers and trustees
- Justin McElhattan
- Shirley McElhattan
- Larry S Blair
Questions people ask
Does The Nicely Ridge Foundation accept grant applications?
No. Its IRS filing says it only makes contributions to preselected organizations.
How much does The Nicely Ridge Foundation give?
$796,165 in tax year 2025, across 21 grants, with a typical grant of $25,000.
Who runs The Nicely Ridge Foundation?
Its 2025 filing lists Justin McElhattan (Director/Chairman/President), Shirley McElhattan (Director/Secretary/Treasurer) and Larry S Blair (Director/Vice President).
What does The Nicely Ridge Foundation fund?
Based on its grants, mainly education, faith communities and community development.