The Elsie H. Hillman Foundation aims to improve life quality in Pittsburgh and southwestern Pennsylvania by supporting community development, health, education, human services, the arts, and the environment through grants. It prioritizes investments in women, minorities, and civic leadership programs.
The Elsie H. Hillman Foundation channels its efforts into nurturing young civic leaders and fostering inclusive communities that benefit all citizens, especially women and minorities. It emphasizes the need for continuous opportunity creation for these groups to maintain Pittsburgh's "Most Livable" status. The foundation encourages everyone to participate actively in community life, support each other, and inject joy into these endeavors. Its funding priorities for 2017-2020 focus on promoting the well-being of women, minorities, and LGBT citizens, and increasing regional opportunities across various sectors including Community and Economic Development, Cultural Advancement and the Arts, Education and Workforce Development, Energy and Environment, Health and Medicine, and Human Services. The foundation remains committed to engaging young people in civic leadership and public affairs, and it seeks to identify and support emerging opportunities for timely assistance.